Two Surprising Reasons For Adult Onset Acne

Clear skin is thought to be the reward for surviving puberty. For some people, that may be true—but they're in the minority. Roughly 80% of those between the ages of 20 and 30 suffer from adult onset acne. Getting acne under control as an adult can be a challenge, especially if it's due to an underlying disease.

Read on for two common medical problems that may be causing your acne.

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a disease characterized by the formation of cysts in the ovaries. These cysts cause hormone levels to fluctuate, resulting in weight gain, unpredictable periods, facial hair, difficulty getting pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy, and depression.

There's no denying that hormones and acne are related, so it's no surprise that women suffering from PCOS also notice an increase in acne. Although PCOS can't be cured, lifestyle modifications and medication may help alleviate your symptoms. A diet full of fruits and vegetables, regular moderate exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial to getting symptoms under control. Your doctor may also prescribe birth control pills to regulate hormone levels.

Once you begin to get control of your PCOS, your acne should begin to subside.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease has gotten more press in recent years—and for good reason. This autoimmune disease affects 1 in 100 people and can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms, including seizures, anemia, fatigue, and joint pain. If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to infertility, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.

In a person with celiac disease, there are a few ways that gluten can wreak havoc on the skin. The consumption of gluten causes a response from the immune system, resulting in inflammation throughout the body. The inflammation prompts the release of insulin as well as an increase in hormone levels, potentially leading to acne. Additionally, gluten causes damage to stomach lining, allowing toxins to seep out. The body tries to rid itself of those toxins through the skin, causing acne on the face, back, and chest.

The best way to get celiac disease under control is to completely eliminate gluten from the diet. This is easier in modern times when there are a wide variety of gluten-free options available at grocery stores and restaurants. Still, a person with celiac disease will need to be diligent about reading ingredient lists. If gluten is removed from the diet, acne brought on by celiac disease will begin to subside.

Those suffering from adult acne should look for underlying causes. While many cases of adult onset acne may simply be due to stress, genetics, or a reaction to certain cosmetics, it's also possible that the acne is a symptom of a more serious problem. Consult a professional, like at Advanced Dermatology Care, for more answers.