Acne is the most common skin disease that affects males and females of various ages and occurs in every race. In adults though, more women than men are afflicted with acne. Adult women may suffer from acne especially if they were prone to it during their teenage years. In addition pregnancy and coming on or off birth control pills can have a very strong effect on acne breakouts. Acne in adult women can be a result of fluctuating hormones that occur naturally as we mature. Also, some experts have noticed that adult women acne is on the rise and this may be partly because of the stressful lives we lead nowadays. Some women get acne for the first time as adults. Adult women usually get acne on their chins and around their mouths. Although acne is usually not a serious health threat, it can be a source of significant emotional distress.

Acne is caused by overactive oil glands that get clogged. Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Most commonly, acne refers to clogged pores that turn into blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads result when a pore is partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. Blackheads often take more time to clear up than whiteheads. The black color is not caused by dirt so frequent face washing will not get rid of them. Whiteheads result when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface. Whiteheads are normally disappear quicker than blackheads.

Although some women feel that their acne is aggravated and stimulated by certain foods; particularly chocolate, colas, peanuts, shellfish and fatty foods, there is no scientific evidence that has found a link between diet and acne. For mild acne, most of the over the counter remedies work fine. See a doctor if you want quicker relief since prescription medicines like oral antibiotics and topical antibiotics work very well for most people.

Be aware that cosmetics are one of the largest contributing factors to acne in adult women. Women can prevent and reduce the occurrences of acne breakouts to some degree by some simple methods. If you use cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, moisturizers wash them off thoroughly at bedtime. The best types of cosmetics to use for oily or acne prone skin, are either oil-free, non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic cosmetics. But not all "oil-free" moisturizers and cosmetics are oil free; some contain oil-like synthetics that can provoke acne-prone skin. Many lanolin derivatives are also harmful to acne-prone individuals so check ingredients. Choose oil-free hair care products. Keep you hair away from your face especially when exercising. If you have oily hair, wash it regularly to reduce oil. If you wear sports glasses, helmets, hats, or headbands while doing physical activities you will may get acne breakouts around the eyes, hairline, or forehead.