Adult acne at 40 happens (and is totally normal).

Inside, we talk to board-certified dermatologists about the causes and how to treat it.

Experts in This Article

Daniel Butler, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona.

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Why am I getting acne at 40?

But what sorts of symptoms can you look out for?

Still, each of these different types of pimples may be brought on by a different culprit.

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Daniel Butler, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona.

Its awful, and hard to get rid of.

Most topical medications dont help.

The causes of acne at 40

1.

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Most commonly, as we age, our estrogen goes down and progesterone increases.

This causes deep cystic bumps along the chin and jaw, explains Dr. Talakoub.

So what can you do to treat it?

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Usually oral medication is needed, she explains.

But cutting down soy and dairy in the diet can help.

However, Dr. Talakoub says that pimples brought on by your beauty routine will look different from hormonal breakouts.

Black hair woman wearing a grey and white bra giving herself a deep cleansing session with a face brush and Gatineau skincare face wash lotion, after her shower. Studio skincare portrait over isolated background.

Daniel Butler, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona.

In a word, yes.

As hormones change, so doesacne, Dr. Butler says.But!

That can mean a few different things.

A curvy woman applying cleansing balms and smiling to her reflection in the mirror.

Spironolactone is great for hormonal acne.Retinoidswork well for many types of acne.

Antibiotics treat inflammatory acne well and isotretinoin can help in severe cases, Dr. Greenfield says.

Plus, she says, a goodface washand moisturizer can go a long way in treating acne as well.

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A few other solutions experts recommend:

1.

Bring on the benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin, which subsequently reduces inflammation.

For a no-frills formula that wont break the bank, try the CeraVeRenewing SA Cleanser($20).

it’s possible for you to also opt for a salicylic acid moisturizer to help gently exfoliate.

We lovethis formulafrom Kiehls which also has niacinamide and glycerin so it wont dry you out.

They also have the advantage of stimulating collagen, making them a good option for adults.

Genetics may also explain why certain treatments are more effective on one person than another.

After all, you cant go wrong with a personalized approach to caring foryourskin.

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