Adult Acne: Why "Wait and See" Doesn't Work
Acne is supposed to be a teenage problem. So why are you still dealing with painful cysts, inflammation, and scarring in your 30s or 40s?
Adult acne is different from teenage acne. It is often hormonal, stubborn, and deeply affecting your confidence. Yet, the standard advice is often dismissive: "Drink more water," "Wash your face," or "Here is a weak antibiotic cream."
If you have spent hundreds on high-end skincare but still wake up with breakouts, the problem isn't your cleanser. It is your biology. And it needs medical treatment.
The Hormonal Connection
For many women, adult acne flares cyclically—usually around the chin and jawline. This suggests a sensitivity to androgens (male hormones). No amount of topical scrubbing will fix this internal driver.
We can prescribe treatments that address the hormonal root cause, such as Spironolactone (off-label use) or specific contraceptive pills, which high-street chemists cannot offer.
The Danger of Scarring
Adult skin heals slower than teenage skin. Every deep cyst has the potential to leave a permanent pitted scar or a dark mark (hyperpigmentation) that lasts for months.
Treating acne aggressively isn't vanity; it is scar prevention. By the time you get an NHS dermatology referral (which can take 6-12 months), the damage to your skin texture might already be done.
Prescription Power
Topical Retinoids (like Tretinoin or Adapalene) are the gold standard for acne. They unclog pores, speed up cell turnover, and reduce inflammation. They are far more potent than the "Retinol" you buy in Sephora.
Antibiotics (Lymecycline/Doxycycline) can break the cycle of inflammation, allowing the skin to calm down enough for topicals to work.
A Bespoke Plan
You don't have to guess anymore. A 20-minute video consultation allows a doctor to examine your skin, review what you have tried, and create a prescription-strength plan.
Clear skin is possible. You just need the right tools.
