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Acne and pimples: causes in adults

Acne is driven mostly by hormones and genetics, but diet and products can make it better or worse.

Common causes

  • 01Hormonal changes and genetics
  • 02A high-glycaemic diet (sugary foods and refined carbohydrates) may worsen acne in some people
  • 03Heavy, pore-clogging skin or hair products
  • 04Some medicines

In women, acne together with irregular periods or excess hair growth can point to PCOS.

What a doctor may check

Usually no tests. A dermatologist can recommend proven treatments.

When to see a doctor

See a dermatologist for painful, deep cysts or scarring. Early treatment prevents permanent marks.

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Venva's content is written against clinical guidelines and systematic reviews, listed below. See our medical disclaimer.

References

  1. 1.Recommendations from the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for PCOS. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023.doi:10.1210/clinem/dgad463
  2. 2.A low-glycemic-load diet improves symptoms in acne vulgaris patients: a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007.doi:10.1093/ajcn/86.1.107

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