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Book AppointmentAcne isn’t just a teenage problem. I see adults dealing with persistent breakouts well into their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond, and the reasons are often more complex than they were in adolescence. When over-the-counter treatments stop working, or never worked to begin with, it may be time to make an appointment with a dermatologist.
Why Adult Acne Is Different
In my experience, adult acne is more hormonally driven than teenage acne. It can also be linked to underlying conditions such as PCOS, now called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), which can drive persistent breakouts that don’t respond to standard over-the-counter treatments. I cover the causes of adult and hormonal acne in more detail here.
Unlike teenage acne, which often improves with age, adult acne can persist for years without the right treatment. It also carries a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring, particularly in deeper skin tones, which is why I recommend starting treatment early.
Not sure whether what you’re seeing warrants a visit? I’ve laid out the specific signs to watch for in the blog 5 Signs It’s Time to See a Dermatologist for Your Acne.
What I Can Do That Over-the-Counter Products Can’t
Over-the-counter products work for mild acne, but they have limits. When you come in, I can prescribe medications at strengths you can’t get without a prescription, identify hormonal imbalances driving your breakouts, review your current routine for pore-clogging ingredients, and perform in-office procedures that speed up results.
For women with hormonally driven acne, prescription options like spironolactone can address the cause in a way no topical can. The earlier you start treatment, the better your chances of avoiding permanent scarring.
Adult acne is treatable at any age, but the right approach depends on identifying what’s actually driving your breakouts. If yours has been resistant to what you’ve already tried, I’d be glad to walk you through your acne treatment options. With:)
When Over-the-Counter Products Aren’t Enough
Over-the-counter products can be helpful for mild acne, but they may not be enough when breakouts are persistent, painful, or keep coming back. A dermatologist can determine what type of acne you have and whether hormones, medications, skincare products, or other factors may be contributing.
Depending on your skin and the type of acne you have, prescription treatment may be appropriate. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment early can also help reduce the risk of scarring and lingering dark marks.
If your acne has not improved with products you have already tried, see my Acne Treatment NYC page to learn more about treatment options.
