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Teenage acne vs adult acne – what’s the difference?

Teenage acne vs adult acne – what’s the difference?

Acne isn’t just a teenage thing. Many people continue to deal with breakouts well into adulthood, but the causes – and where they show up – often differ depending on your age.

Written by Maria Ahlgren, co-founder

Teenage acne – the hormone storm

During puberty, rising hormone levels trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and can clog pores. Bacteria thrive in this environment, leading to inflammation and breakouts. Teen acne usually shows up in the T-zone: forehead, nose, and chin.

Before and after. Girl in profile showing her skin.

Skincare for teenagers with acne?

Less is more! Teen skin is often more sensitive and prone to irritation, so a simple routine works best: gentle cleanser, lightweight moisturiser, and pore-clearing ingredients like salicylic acid (BHA). Harsh scrubs, too many actives or drying products can backfire. For severe or painful acne, prescription treatments from a dermatologist may be necessary.

All Common Clouds' products are formulated to be as gentle as possible, even on young skin. However, we recommend you choose Cloud Jelly over Moon Balm because of the retinol that is clinically tested on teenagers older than 15 years old. Here is our guide to skincare for teens!

Adult acne – more than just hormones

For adults, especially women, acne often appears along the jawline and chin. Hormones still play a role, but other triggers come into play as well – such as stress, lack of sleep and diet.

For many women, acne is strongly tied to hormones. Some common triggers include:

  • Menstrual cycle: Breakouts often flare up in the days before a period, when progesterone and testosterone can stimulate more sebum production.

  • Post-pill acne: After stopping birth control, the body needs time to recalibrate its natural hormone balance. This can cause a temporary surge in androgens, leading to increased oil production and stubborn breakouts, often around the chin and jawline.

  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): A hormonal condition where higher androgen levels may cause persistent acne, often alongside irregular periods and excess hair growth.

  • Stress and lifestyle: The stress hormone cortisol is known to worsen inflammation in the skin, triggering acne. Lack of sleep and blood sugar fluctuations from diet can all affect hormones and trigger skin inflammation.

Adult skin tends to be more dry than young skin, which is often on the oilier skin. Hydration and barrier-support are key!

How to treat acne at different ages

Whether you’re 15 or 35, the basics of acne care are the same:

  • Gentle cleansing to keep skin fresh without stripping.
  • Exfoliation with salicylic acid (BHA) to unclog pores.
  • Targeted but gentle skincare with tried and tested ingredients like niacinamide, retinol and azelaic acid. 
  • Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to support the skin barrier.
  • A barrier-first approach! Skin is never happier than it's barrier. That's why all Common Clouds skincare is made to build a healthy barrier over time.
  • Pimple patches ro to calm active breakouts.

For more severe cases, prescription treatments may be needed – in that case, it’s best to consult a dermatologist.

Takeaway

The difference between teenage and adult acne mainly comes down to what causes it and where it shows up on the skin. But the foundation of treatment remains the same: a balanced routine that keeps pores clear, skin calm, and oil production under control. No matter your age, Common Clouds is here to help <3

ARE YOU A TEEN WITH ACNE? FIND OUR PICKS FOR TEEN SKIN HERE!

ARE YOU AN ADULT WITH ACNE? FIND OUR PICKS FOR HORMONAL ACNE & ADULT ACNE HERE!


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