Adult acne persists beyond teenage years and can be managed with proper care

Adult acne is a recognized medical condition that can affect the face, chest, shoulders and back, with hormonal fluctuations and certain drugs playing a notable role. Gillian Maegan Montalbo, a marketer from the Philippines, described how persistent breakouts undermined her confidence until she sought dermatological care. Specialists such as Dr. Crystal Aguh of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Dr. Lauren Fine of Fine Dermatology emphasize that treatment must be tailored to the individual's skin type and acne severity.

Options range from topical washes with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinoids for milder forms to oral antibiotics, tretinoin, or isotretinoin for more stubborn cases, while hormonal therapies like birth control or spironolactone may benefit women. They also advise against squeezing pimples, as this can deepen inflammation and lead to hyperpigmentation, especially in darker-skinned patients, and suggest using hydrocolloid patches only for minor lesions. Long-term management often involves a combination of medication, proper skin-care routines and professional guidance to reduce scarring and restore self-esteem.