Podcast
Acne isn’t just a teenage problem. For many adults, it shows up out of nowhere—on your chin before a meeting, your cheeks after a stressful week, or across your forehead after switching moisturizers. You think you’re doing everything right, yet the breakouts keep coming. That’s the frustrating part: adult acne often stems from things you wouldn’t immediately link to your skin.
Let’s get into what might really be causing those breakouts and how to treat them in ways that actually work.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormones don’t retire when you turn 18. In fact, they’re often the biggest reason your skin flares up in your 20s, 30s, and beyond. If your breakouts are showing up around the jawline, chin, or lower cheeks, hormones are likely involved.
Menstrual Cycle
Many women break out like clockwork before their period. That’s not a coincidence. Estrogen levels dip while progesterone rises, which can increase oil production. More oil often leads to clogged pores and spots.
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome can throw your hormones completely off balance. One of the skin-related signs is persistent acne that doesn’t respond well to over-the-counter treatments. If you’re also noticing irregular periods, facial hair, or sudden weight changes, it might be worth speaking with a doctor.
Menopause
Yes, even during menopause, acne can make a comeback. As estrogen levels fall, testosterone may have more influence over your skin—triggering excess oil and, yep, breakouts.
Targeted Tip:
Track your skin against your cycle. If breakouts follow a pattern, consider talking to your healthcare provider about hormonal options or topical treatments that support your skin through these changes.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Your daily habits may be sabotaging your skin—without you even realizing it.
Stress
Stress doesn’t just live in your mind. It shows up on your skin, too. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol. High cortisol increases oil production and inflammation. That’s a recipe for acne.
Targeted Tip:
You can’t remove stress entirely, but how you handle it matters. Short walks, regular sleep, and boundaries with work and tech all go a long way—not just for your mind but for your face, too.
Diet
Everyone’s skin reacts differently to food. But common culprits include high-sugar snacks, dairy (especially skim milk), and fast food. These don’t just affect your waistline—they may impact your insulin levels, which can kickstart inflammation and oil production.
Targeted Tip:
Instead of cutting out entire food groups, pay attention to how your skin behaves after certain meals. Try a food journal. If you notice patterns, tweak your habits slowly.
Sleep
Your skin repairs itself at night. If you’re only getting a few hours of rest, or your sleep quality is poor, your skin doesn’t get the time it needs to recover.
Targeted Tip:
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep and try to keep a consistent schedule. That alone can help reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, and improve your skin’s overall condition.
Skincare and Cosmetic Products
Ironically, the products you’re using to fix your acne might be the ones causing it.
Comedogenic Ingredients
Comedogenic means “pore-clogging.” Some ingredients, especially in thicker creams or certain makeup products, can block pores. This creates the perfect environment for acne.
Targeted Tip:
Look for labels that say “non-comedogenic.” It’s not a perfect science, but it helps narrow things down. Also, scan ingredient lists for heavy oils like coconut oil or lanolin, which are known to cause breakouts for many people.
Overuse of Acne Treatments
More isn’t always better. Many people overdo it with spot treatments, strong cleansers, and exfoliants. This strips the skin barrier, leading to irritation, dryness, and—ironically—more breakouts.
Targeted Tip:
Stick to a balanced routine. Use active ingredients (like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide) in moderation, and always follow with a calming moisturizer. Think long-term care, not quick fixes.
Not Cleaning Makeup Tools
Dirty brushes and sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria. Applying makeup with them just spreads that bacteria right back onto your face.
Targeted Tip:
Wash your makeup brushes at least once a week with gentle soap or a brush cleanser. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.
Environmental Triggers
Your surroundings affect your skin more than you think.
Pollution
Pollutants in the air cling to your skin, especially if you live in a busy city. These particles can block pores and trigger inflammation.
Targeted Tip:
Double cleansing at night—first with an oil-based cleanser, then with a gentle water-based one—can help remove dirt, oil, and pollutants from the day.
Humidity and Sweat
Heat and moisture can trap sweat and oil on the skin’s surface. That often leads to breakouts, especially around the hairline, chest, or back.
Targeted Tip:
If you’re sweating during workouts or in hot weather, rinse your face and body soon after. Choose breathable fabrics and avoid sitting in sweaty clothes.
Friction and Pressure
This is known as “acne mechanica.” Constant rubbing from face masks, helmet straps, bra straps, or even resting your chin on your hand can irritate your skin and cause breakouts in those spots.
Targeted Tip:
Switch to softer fabrics, keep accessories clean, and be mindful of repetitive contact with your skin. Even small changes—like using a silk pillowcase—can help.
Targeted Solutions
Now that we’ve broken down the hidden triggers, let’s talk solutions. Real ones.
A Consistent Skincare Routine
Forget complicated 10-step routines. The basics matter most: a gentle cleanser, a treatment suited to your skin type, a moisturizer, and SPF. What matters more than fancy products is sticking to it daily.
Targeted Tip:
If you’re starting from scratch, go slow. Introduce one new product at a time, and give it a few weeks to show results before adding something else.
Professional Treatments
Sometimes, your skin needs expert help. Dermatologists can prescribe stronger treatments, offer in-clinic options like chemical peels or light therapy, or help identify deeper issues like hormonal imbalances.
Targeted Tip:
If your acne is painful, cystic, or hasn’t improved after a few months of consistent skincare, book an appointment. Early treatment can prevent long-term scarring and frustration.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Clear skin isn’t just about what you put on your face. It’s about what you do every day.
Targeted Tip:
Hydration, balanced meals, quality sleep, and movement all support your skin in staying balanced. Try stacking small habits rather than overhauling your life overnight.
WillaKrause Anti-Acne Skin Care Range: A Simple, Complete Routine That Works
If you’re tired of guessing which products to use, the WillaKrause Anti-Acne Skin Care Range takes the stress out of skincare. This curated set includes everything you need for a targeted, daily routine that supports clear, balanced skin—without overwhelming it.
Here’s what’s inside:
- 2-in-1 Face Wash & Toner
A gentle multitasker that cleanses and tones in one step. It removes excess oil, unclogs pores, and preps your skin for the rest of your routine. - Daily Calming Lotion
Lightweight and soothing, this moisturizer calms irritation and redness while keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day. - Purifying Clay Mask
A deep-cleaning treatment that draws out impurities, absorbs excess oil, and leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. (And right now, it’s yours free when you buy the full set.) - Night Moisture Serum
Designed to work while you sleep, this serum supports skin repair, reduces inflammation, and helps fade post-acne marks over time.
Special Offer:
Get the full WillaKrause Anti-Acne Range for only R1830.00 and receive the Purifying Clay Mask absolutely free.
This routine is ideal if you’re dealing with consistent breakouts and want something effective, no-fuss, and made to work together.
Ready to start a routine that actually supports your skin?
Visit your nearest Willa Krause salon or consultant for expert, personalised advice and to shop the full Anti-Acne Range.
Final Thoughts
Adult acne is rarely about one thing. It’s usually a mix: some hormonal shifts, a stressful few weeks, a new night cream that doesn’t suit your skin. The key is identifying the less obvious culprits and building a routine that supports your skin, instead of working against it.
If you’re stuck in the cycle of breakouts and trial-and-error products, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Visit your nearest Willa Krause salon or consultant for expert, personalised advice. They’ll help you pinpoint what’s going wrong and recommend solutions tailored to your unique skin needs.