For many people, acne doesn’t stop when they leave their teenage years behind. While mostly associated with adolescents, persistent skin eruptions can also affect older people. At some stage in life, around 25 percent of men and 50 percent of women will suffer from adult acne, and there has been a marked increase in cases over the past few years. What causes acne in adults, and how can it be treated?

Dr. Chunlin Yan, a dermatologist at ParkwayHealth says, “The causes of post-adolescent acne haven’t been proven for sure. There are theories that hormones, colonization by resistant bacteria and the use of cosmetics are to blame, as well as stress.”

Dr. Yan also cites life in Shanghai as the cause of many of the cases he sees. “Sometimes I tell my patients that Shanghai is a ‘pimple city,’” he says. “Stress is a factor in adult acne, so it’s no surprise [to learn] that most of my patients are under pressure [here]. Also, food is more oily and sugary in Shanghai, and these chemicals plus the humid environment mean more zits.”

Treating adult acne quickly and efficiently is important for self-esteem, as it can lead to both emotional and physical scarring if left unchecked. Dr. Tim Johnson, at the Shanghai East International Medical Center, says, “Many people with skin complaints become depressed because it’s difficult to hide something like acne. It’s hard to cover up, and cosmetics can make things worse.”

When it comes to cures, Dr. Yan recommends topical clindamycin, tretinoin and adapalene, which treat moderate acne and which you can get from your doctor. In severe cases, Dr. Yan prescribes oral antibiotics or isotretinoin, which comes in pill form.

There are no known natural remedies for adult acne, but lowering your stress level and keeping your face clean can help. Light exfoliation using an oil-free facewash like Neutrogena, available for RMB48 at Watsons, can keep outbreaks under control, as can regular facials.

Dr. Johnson says that going to your GP is a good idea to rule out other conditions, as “in adults, acne can be the first sign of other problems such as rosacea [facial redness]. It’s important to get the right diagnosis, especially if you are considering chemical peeling or laser treatment.”

The stress of adult acne can be a vicious circle, but with proper treatment it doesn’t need to blight your life.

How did moving to Shanghai affect your skin? What advice can you give CW readers about maintaining clear skin in China?