Is there anything worse than the day before a big event, a huge pimple or an outbreak of actual acne occurs? This is bad enough as a teenager but as women get older the expectation is that pimples and acne disappear. In fact, evidence is compelling that acne and hormones are linked and acne skin care needs to carry on through the adult life.

Adult acne is often suggested as one of the most annoying problems aging women experience and certainly adult acne is one of the most significant facial skin care issues - on top of all of the antiaging issues that occur.

While teenagers and young adults make up the bulk of acne sufferers, acne is also evident in adult women. Adult onstage acne, particularly in women, is almost always related to hormonal imbalances. There are even documented cases of acne in babies, which is caused by the transfer of maternal hormones to the baby through the placenta, which stimulates the secretion of oil in the baby's skin.

Fluctuating levels of androgens, particularly DHEAS and testosterone, typically cause the appearance of adult acne in women. When the levels of these hormones become high, secretion by the skin glands also increases. In its simplest form this, in turn, is what actually encourages the formation of acne.

Additionally, as far as women are concerned, acne that is induced by hormonal activity is most often linked to the menstrual cycle when levels of estrogens and androgens are at their highest. Increased levels of progesterone following ovulation result in increased secretion from the skin glands, making the skin greasy, clogging pores, and supporting the development of acne. Acne may continue to cause trouble even after menopause because even though estrogen levels may have begun to recede, testosterone levels rise.

There are a few signposts that indicate whether acne is the result of hormonal changes. Acne that breaks out for the first time in adulthood is a major indicator. If a women has irregular menstrual cycles, that's another sign. Other indicators include a greasy appearance to the face, which is a result of excessive secretion from the skin glands and the growth of hair in peculiar body parts, which is associated with increased levels of androgens. If the level of androgens in the blood is high, it is likely that acne is caused by hormonal imbalances. It has become clear to medical science that there is a distinct link between hormonal activity and the introduction of acne.

More and more evidence indicates acne and hormones are linked and acne skin care, and particularly for adult acne, has never been more important.