By Melissa Fleur AfsharShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberMore adults are dealing with acne, not fewer—and the issue is particularly acute for women.
One viral social media video on the topic is drawing attention to the surge that some experts say may be linked to systemic changes in health, hormones, and environment.
“I wanted to bring awareness to the possibility that something systemic may be contributing to this increase,” Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist and creator of the TikTok clip, told Newsweek. “We’re also seeing rises in infertility, hair loss, PCOS, thyroid disorders, and other endocrine issues, which makes me wonder whether environmental factors could be playing a role.”
Turegano’s September video—posted under @dr.mamina—has now been viewed over 122,000 times. In it, she tells viewers: “It’s been on the rise for the last 20+ years. Adult acne is different from teenage acne, and it’s so common. Fifty percent of women, especially in their 20s, have experienced adult acne, and 35 percent of people experience adult acne.”
While acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting up to 50 million Americans annually, the American Academy of Dermatology says that adult acne impacts up to 15 percent of women. However, it acknowledges that the condition is on the rise.
The rise of adult acne has been observed in clinics and online forums alike, with dermatologists reporting an uptick in patients experiencing new breakouts well into their 30s, 40s and beyond. Though most associate acne with adolescence, dermatologists say many adult cases are hormonally driven or linked to chronic stress, sleep deprivation, the rise of ultra-processed foods, and the influence of environmental chemicals.
Dr. Shamsa Kanwal, a board-certified dermatologist and consultant with more than 10 years of clinical experience, told Newsweek: “In my practice and in conversations with colleagues, adult acne absolutely feels more common, especially in women in their 20s through 40s. The main causes can be hormonal shifts, chronic stress, certain medications, occlusive makeup and sunscreens, and diet patterns that spike insulin.”
...The appearance of acne in adults is not new—but its increasing prevalence, and how long it can persist, is shifting treatment norms. Unlike teenage acne, which is largely attributed to puberty-related hormone surges, adult acne tends to cluster around the lower face, chin, and jawline and is often more inflammatory.
“There is a lot of overlap between how we treat teenage acne and adult female acne, but there are also a few additional treatments that dermatologists may prescribe,” Turegano, who is based in New Orleans, said. “And if acne is painful, scarring, or not improving with over-the-counter products, that’s a good time to see a dermatologist so we can create a plan tailored to your skin and your lifestyle.”
Turegano, who practices medical and cosmetic dermatology and holds a certificate in integrative dermatology, takes a holistic view of skin health. She ties the rise in adult acne to broader systemic issues affecting women’s health and suspects that factors like endocrine-disrupting chemicals—which are found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products—may be contributing to disruptions in hormonal balance.
“Of course, hormonal changes at different phases of women’s lives can play a huge role,” she said in the original TikTok video. “But also things like stress, sleep, poor nutrition, things like pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We are seeing a rise in other hormonal diseases.”
The causes of adult acne can be multifaceted. According to Kanwal, everyday triggers such as friction from helmets or tight masks, as well as heavy skincare layering, can contribute to breakouts.
“For many adults, the solution means a combination of a retinoid at night, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid on breakout-prone areas, and sometimes topical antibiotics or azelaic acid for redness and pigment," she said.
The American Academy of Dermatology lists hormonal changes, stress, and cosmetic products among the leading causes of adult acne.
Turegano echoed that, emphasizing that dermatology should not only address visible symptoms but also explore root causes.
“Those treatments are often limited to addressing symptoms," she said. "Looking at internal, lifestyle, and environmental factors can help address the root causes as well.”
In her practice and public-facing content, Turegano encourages starting with simplicity: “A gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and sunscreen every morning. From there, ingredients like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid can make a big difference.”
She also emphasized the importance of viewing skin as an external indicator of internal health.
“Ultimately, I want people to start thinking about acne through a broader lens and consider how our modern environment might be impacting both our skin and our overall health,” she told Newsweek.
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