Tips from Dr. King on Adult Acne
What percentage of your patients are suffering from adult acne?
It’s a myth that acne is only common in teenagers. When and how severely a person will get acne is very much genetically determined. There are many people who do only experience acne during their teenage years but there are also many many people who experience adult acne. This is more common in women than in men because of ongoing hormonal fluctuations, but some men experience adult acne as well. Approximately 54% of adult women experience acne, vs around 10% of adult men.
Why has adult acne become more common?
Perhaps because of stress and perhaps also because of endocrine disruptors we get exposed to.
What are the main causes of acne in the patients you see?
Acne is primarily caused by genetics and hormones. Stress and diet affect hormones and therefore also play a part. Foods with a high glycemic index may contribute to acne in some people, and dairy products may also be a factor for some people. If you are using skin care products that are comedogenic and are clogging your pores then this also may be a factor and you should look for non-comedogenic products.
Dr. Hadley King, Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. King, MD is Board-Certified Dermatologist specializing in general, medical, and surgical dermatology in New York. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University 2-3 times a month where had she previously completed her residency. With a passion to serve patients with little access to dermatological services, Dr. King also volunteers her time to help the Maine community receive professional skincare guidance and treatment.
Follow our community @ACNEFREE and @DRHADLEYKING for tips, expertise, and advice on skincare so you can get #clearAF
