A zit? At 50?! I'm here to reassure you that, contrary to popular belief, breakouts are not something we "grow out of" once the teenage years have passed. It is normal to experience breakouts at any age for a few different reasons. 

Great, it's normal. But why does this happen, and what can I do about it? Glad you asked!

What Causes Middle-Aged Breakouts?

In life, things change—our skin responds to that, and not always in a positive way. 

Many middle-aged women who haven't had a breakout since their teens or early twenties suddenly find themselves battling acne and don't know why. 

Acne generally results from an overproduction of sebum, dead skin, and acne-causing bacteria that clog pores. Middle-aged women may experience breakouts because of this, combined with the following reasons. 

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations are the leading cause of middle-aged acne. Things like perimenopause and menopause cause the body to produce more testosterone than estrogen, increasing our oil production.

As we age, these hormonal changes and our compromised ability to desquamate dead skin cells cause skin inflammation—the breeding ground for acneic bacteria. 

Stress

It's no secret that stress wreaks havoc on the skin and worsens existing acne. Maybe your job or your relationship status has changed. Perhaps you're experiencing empty nest syndrome, or you've taken on a caretaking role for a loved one. 

No matter the stressor, your body produces more hormones that increase oil production while under stress. This over-production of sebum can lead to exacerbated acne. Stress-related habits—like smoking, lack of sleep, or increased sugar in the diet—can also worsen acne. 

Changes in Skincare Needs

Our skincare must evolve with changes to our skin type and condition. For instance, if our skin shifts to a drier or oilier skin type as we age, we want to tailor our skincare for those needs instead of using our previous regimen.

Some oil-based cosmetics, sunscreens, and perfumes may clog pores and cause acne. Poor-quality products may lack the technology to penetrate the skin and clog pores causing breakouts.

How to Reduce My Breakouts

There is no cure for acne, but we can manage it well and reduce instances of it. Lifestyle, skin treatments, and quality products make up your skintervention!

Great Skincare

There's no relief quite like professional-grade, non-comedogenic skin care. For example, the products I offer are ones I've tested personally and can attest to their AMAZING results. 

The first thing you need to manage breakouts is quality exfoliation. MBK Microdermabrasion is an at-home device that is great for removing dead skin cells between treatments. Try using it as your weekly exfoliation tool. 

You also need a moisturizer. I know it can feel like you're missing out on the best products for middle-aged skin when worried about acne due to fear of excess oil. But with PLLA H2 Cell Repair Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin, you can experience a rich and luxurious cream while killing acne-causing bacteria and avoiding cosmetic-induced breakouts. 

Healthy Lifestyle

Our lifestyle choices determine the clarity of our skin. For example, a lack of zzzs can contribute to acne. Six to eight hours a night is best!

Diets with too much sugar, trans fat, or saturated fat can also increase the likelihood of breakouts due to increased sebum production. Watch for these things in your diet, and drink plenty of water for clearer skin.

Finally, research shows that smokers will see more breakouts than non-smokers, and the more a person smokes, the more severe the acne. Smoking cessation is ideal for overall health and clear skin. 

Professional Treatment

To be in good hands is to be in the hands of a professional! This is especially true when it comes to managing breakouts. As an Esthetician, I'm trained in executing skilled extractions in your treatments. LED therapy, professional-grade peels, and microneedling are effective treatments for minimizing your breakouts. 

Monthly treatments will encourage the upward migration of new skin cells every 28 days while removing the layer of dead skin that causes breakouts when left behind. We'll also chat about customized products and devices to manage your breakouts at home. It's as if you're taking me home with you!

Seeing Clearer

Yes, acne can occur in our later years due to factors like hormones, products, and lifestyle—but don't feel too frustrated. Breakouts are something we can learn to live with. And without.

Want to get more support with your skincare journey? Join me in the Christine Byer Beauty Club. I offer a 14-Day FREE preview with full access to everything in the Club. Get personalized support for your questions and access savings and the opportunity to win a FREE consultation. If you don't find value in your membership, cancel within 14 days at no charge. Find more great articles like this on my blog, and check out my great video content here.