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Common Symptom Guide

Still Breaking Out as an Adult? It's Often Hormonal — Not Just Skincare.

Jawline breakouts, cystic acne, or acne that showed up well after your teenage years usually points to something hormonal — and skincare alone can only do so much about it.

Reviewed by Dr. Justin Abbott, D.O. — ABFM Board-Certified Physician
★★★★★5.0 from 38 Google reviews
ABFM Board Certified Evidence-Based Care Personalized Treatment Plans
What's Behind It

What's Actually Driving Adult Acne

Adult acne is frequently tied to fluctuating androgens, PCOS, perimenopause, chronic stress, and gut health — not just pore-clogging products or poor hygiene, which is where most over-the-counter treatment stops.

Because the underlying driver is often hormonal, topical treatments and standard skincare routines can improve the surface without resolving what's actually causing the breakouts to keep coming back.

Common Adult Acne Patterns

Breakouts concentrated along the jawline or chin
Cystic, painful acne under the skin
Acne that flares around your cycle
Acne that started or worsened in your 20s, 30s, or later
Oily skin alongside irregular periods
Breakouts that don't respond to typical over-the-counter treatment
How We Approach It

Treating the Cause and the Skin

We check hormone levels to identify what's driving the breakouts, then coordinate treatment between root-cause hormone care and in-office skin treatments — so you're not just managing the surface.

Physician Insight

"Adult acne is one of the clearest examples of why we do medicine and med spa under one roof. Treating the skin without asking why the breakouts keep happening only gets you halfway there."

★★★★★

“Dr. Abbott and his team are very attentive and friendly. He listens to any concerns I have and gives thoughtful suggestions and solutions to my specific needs.”

— Lindsey J., Google review

Related Conditions

Often connected to adult acne: PCOS, perimenopause, and Hashimoto's. Signs your hormones are off →

Common Questions

Adult Acne FAQs

What patients ask most before their first appointment.

Adult acne is commonly linked to hormonal fluctuations — including androgens, PCOS, and perimenopause — as well as stress and gut health. It's different from teenage acne in its causes, which is why teenage-focused treatments often don't fully resolve it.
Yes, when hormonal imbalance is a contributing factor. Identifying the specific pattern — whether it's androgen-related, cycle-related, or something else — allows for treatment that addresses the cause rather than just the breakouts.
Often, yes — combining root-cause hormone care with in-office skin treatments tends to produce better, longer-lasting results than either approach alone. Your provider will recommend a coordinated plan at your consultation.
Get Started

Treat The Cause, Not Just The Breakouts.

Hormone testing and a skin evaluation, coordinated in one plan.