What Age Is Acne the Worst? An Essential-Only Guide to Acne

What age is acne the worst? Just thinking about the pimples and blemishes I’d get as a teen sends shivers down my spine, making it easy to admit that acne sucks. But is it true that acne flourishes during our teenage years and gradually fades away as we age?

And yes, it’s manly to call an acne spot a blemish. Keep reading because MOX experts are going to weigh in and answer, “What age is acne the worst?”:

What Age Is Acne the Worst?

We know why you’re here; you want us to provide a thorough, yet insanely short answer to your question, which is “What age is acne the worst?” Lucky for you, MOX has one of the best professionals in the field, Pharmacist and Cosmetic Chemist Ben Fuchs. Here’s what he says:

“Most acne breakouts occur in patients between the onset of puberty and around the age of 21.”

 

Here is another expert in the skincare field further solidifying Pharmacist Ben’s answer to “What age is acne the worst?”:

What Is Acne? What Are the Types of Acne?

What Causes Acne?

As you may have realized, acne is a super complex skin condition. It can be influenced by an abundance of things, like genetics, hormones, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Now that we’ve answered, “What age is acne the worst?” let’s explore what causes acne:

• Excess Sebum Production: Sebum, a natural substance produced by your body, helps lubricate your skin. But, too much sebum can lead to clogged pores, oil, and acne.
• Clogged Pores: When dead skin cells and excess sebum accumulate in your hair follicles, they can form plugs that block your pores, resulting in different forms of acne.
• Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a bacteria that’s naturally on your skin. When your pores get clogged, it can multiply, causing acne.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, especially during puberty, can lead to more sebum and acne. Androgens, like testosterone, can also boost sebum production.
• Genetics: Acne often runs in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the condition. If your parents or siblings have acne, you may be more likely to develop it.
• Diet: Studies suggest that certain foods high in refined carbohydrates and sugars, as well as dairy, may worsen acne.
• Stress: Stress can trigger hormonal changes that stimulate sebum production and inflammation, potentially worsening your acne symptoms (more on this below). 
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental pollutants and humidity can worsen acne by increasing pore blockages and bacterial growth.

What Age Is Acne the Worst? Is Acne More Common in Males or Females?

Pharmacist Ben also tells us that acne is more common in men than women: “Due to the involvement of the androgenic hormone testosterone in the appearance of acne comedones, the condition (acne) affects males more than females,” he explains in a science-forward way.

In simpler terms, Pharmacist Ben is saying that because testosterone stimulates your skin’s oil production and men tend to have more of it, guys are more likely to experience signs and symptoms of acne in comparison to women. It’s worth noting that men’s skin is thicker, too.

What Age Is Acne the Worst? About Adult Acne

Another hot topic, adult acne, refers to – well – acne occurring when you’re an adult. There are a ton of reasons you could be seeing a pimple or two well beyond your teenage years, like hormone fluctuations, stress, diet, genetics, the environment, and even skincare products.

Experts agree it’s best to treat adult acne the same as teenage acne, meaning use proven ingredients like salicylic acid (more on this below), which is in the MOX Invigorating Peppermint Cleanser. Watch this video to learn more about adult acne and ingredients like salicylic acid:

Tips for Acne-Prone Skin At Any Age

What age is acne the worst? Truth is, it doesn’t matter; you should be taking care of your skin 24/7 to maintain its strength and vitality, blemish or not (if you need some skincare – choose MOX – sorry for the name drop). Here are some expert tips to try for acne-prone skin:

• Cleanse Gently: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser (meaning it doesn’t clog pores) to wash your face twice daily, preferably in the morning and at night. Try not to use harsh scrubbing or overwashing, as this can irritate your skin and make acne worse.
• Skip the Moisturizer: MOX recommends skipping the moisturizer and opting for the Multi Nutrient Serum; it’s lightweight and packed with vitamins to hydrate your skin and leave you feeling stronger on a cellular level (biohackers can’t get enough of the stuff). 
• Take Advantage of Salicylic Acid: Have you ever tried an acne treatment that had salicylic acid in it? It unclogs pores, reduces inflammation, and kills acne-causing bacteria, which is why it's a key component of our Invigorating Peppermint Cleanser. 
• Don’t Touch Your Face: You’ve probably been told before to not touch or pick your face or you’ll get acne, and while you may not want to take the advice – it’s 100% true.  
• Sun Protection: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, no matter the weather or season. SPF protects your skin from UV damage and prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is why we created the Invisible Armor.
• Hydrate and Eat a Balanced Diet: Make sure to drink plenty of water (15.4 cups) to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can also support overall skin and gut health. 
• Manage Stress: Stress can worsen acne, so practice some stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises (they’re backed by science). Getting good-quality sleep and regular physical activity can also help manage stress levels.

What Age Is Acne the Worst? Meet the MOX Starter Set That Tackles Blemishes at All Ages