Episode 43: Adult Acne — Why It Happens and Why It's So Hard to Treat

Acne isn't just a teenage problem. In fact, more adults than ever are dealing with breakouts, and they often behave very differently than what you experienced growing up.

In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down the unique causes of adult acne and why it tends to be more stubborn, more inflammatory, and more frustrating to treat. From hormonal shifts and testosterone exposure to stress, sleep disruption, diet, and modern lifestyle habits, they explain why adult acne is becoming more common and why it often shows up differently in men and women.

They also walk through the biggest mistakes people make when trying to treat acne at home, including over-scrubbing, using overly aggressive routines, microneedling over inflamed skin, and popping cystic lesions that never come to a head. These habits often make things worse, leading to more inflammation, longer healing times, and higher risk of scarring.

On the treatment side, they cover what actually works. From over-the-counter options like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and niacinamide to prescription treatments like tretinoin, clindamycin, Winlevi, spironolactone, doxycycline, and Accutane. They explain how each works, when to use them, and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

They also dive into the mental side of acne, especially in adults, where breakouts can impact confidence, work, and daily life in a very real way. The key takeaway is consistency, patience, and working with a professional to find the right combination for your skin.

If you're dealing with acne in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, this episode will help you understand what's actually going on and how to treat it the right way.

Product of the Week

MANTL Complete Skincare Bundle

A simple, effective routine that covers the essentials without overcomplicating things. The bundle includes a cleanser, anti-aging moisturizer, and the Invisible Daily SPF, one of Dr. Portela's go-to sunscreens with a clear, matte finish that works especially well for men and anyone with facial hair.

Bundle: $30
Invisible Daily SPF: $15 or 2 for $24
Cleanser: $10
Moisturizer: $12

Available at:
https://shop.drdustinportela.com/collections/mantl

Follow Us:

Dr. Portela
TikTok: @drdustinportela
Instagram: @drdustinportela
YouTube (Reactions): @208SkinDoc
YouTube (Educational): @drdustinportela
Pinterest: @DrDustinPortela

Austin Lee
TikTok: @austinleepac
Instagram: @austinleepac