Understanding the Common Causes of Adult Acne (And What You Can Do About It)

Acne isn’t just a teenage concern. For many adults, breakouts that persist into their 30s, 40s, and beyond—especially around the jawline and chin—can feel frustrating and hard to manage. The truth? Adult acne is complex and often tied to a mix of internal and external factors like stress, hormones, nutrient deficiencies, and lifestyle habits.

Clear skin starts with supporting your body from the inside while giving your skin what it needs on the surface.

Here's what might be triggering your breakouts and how targeted treatments can help.

Hormonal Fluctuations:

Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and perimenopause, play a significant role in adult acne. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to increased sebum production, clogged pores, and inflammation.  

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome):

PCOS is a common endocrine disorder characterized by high levels of androgens, insulin resistance, and irregular menstrual cycles. Elevated androgens stimulate oil glands, leading to acne development, particularly along the jawline and chin.

Nutrient Deficiencies:

Low levels of nutrients like B12, A, D, and zinc can affect your skin’s ability to heal and reduce inflammation. Many of our clients benefit from regular vitamin B12 shots, which support cell turnover, energy, and overall skin health, especially during times of stress or dietary gaps.

Food Sensitivities:

Certain foods, such as dairy, gluten, and high-glycemic index foods, may exacerbate acne in susceptible individuals by promoting inflammation, insulin spikes, and hormonal imbalances. Identifying and eliminating trigger foods, along with supporting gut health and inflammation reduction can be an important treatment consideration.

Stress:

Chronic stress contributes to acne by triggering hormonal fluctuations, increasing sebum production, and compromising the skin's natural defense mechanisms. Chronic stress can also worsen insulin resistance, deplete nutrients and worsen hormone fluctuations mentioned above.

Environmental Factors:

Pollution, harsh weather, and pore-clogging products can all contribute to acne. Incorporating a powerful antioxidant serum like SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF—formulated specifically for oily, acne-prone skin—can help protect against environmental stressors while reducing oiliness and inflammation. Pairing this with regular custom medical facials helps keep your skin balanced, clear, and resilient.

Genetics:

Genetic predisposition plays a role in acne development, influencing factors such as sebum production, inflammation response, and skin barrier function. While genetics cannot be changed, understanding familial patterns can help tailor treatment approaches to address individual needs effectively.

Treatments That Support Clearer Skin

Custom Medical Facials

These are tailored to your skin’s current needs, using advanced exfoliation, soothing masks, extractions (if needed), and LED light therapy to calm inflammation and reduce acne-causing bacteria. Each treatment begins with a skin analysis so we can choose the right approach and products.

Book a custom advanced facial in toronto

Vitamin B12 Injections

Vitamin B12 supports more than energy, it helps with healthy cell function, immune regulation, and skin regeneration. Regular injections are especially helpful for those dealing with hormonal changes, fatigue, or increased breakouts due to stress.

book a vitamin b12 in toronto

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to adult acne. But by understanding the root causes and choosing the right treatments, it’s possible to calm breakouts and support long-term skin health. Whether you're looking for a facial that actually works or ways to support your skin from the inside, there’s a solution that fits your lifestyle.

Disclaimer: Any information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in place of professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care practitioner with any questions or health concerns you may have or before starting any new treatments.

Hi, I’m Hilary!

The founder and lead nurse injector at Subtle Enhancements. Education is something that I’m very passionate about and this blog is an extension of that. Here you will be fully informed of the benefits and risks of each cosmetic procedure — no fads, no trends, just the scientific facts.

In the Greater Toronto Area or Durham Region? Consultations are free!

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I started Subtle Enhancements as a solo nurse injector with a vision: to offer honest, ethical, and natural-looking results that made people feel confident in their own skin. What started as just me has grown into something far greater than I ever imagined. 💫 Today, I get to work alongside an incredible team of nurses, both I would trust with my own face. Each of them bringing their own care, skill, and passion to our clients! In Toronto, we’re lucky to have Nurse Claudia👱🏻‍♀️ , who brings warmth, precision, and a deep love for helping people feel their best. And in Whitby, Nurse Arlena 👩🏼 is leading the way with her kindness, attention to detail, and the most calming presence. To have grown from one pair of hands to a team that serves two communities is something I don’t take lightly. 🥹 I’m proud, grateful, and always dreaming of what’s next. Thank you to every client who has trusted us—whether you’ve been here from the start or just found us, you’re the reason we get to keep doing what we love. 💉💗

When it comes to your face, choosing an injector isn’t just about finding the best price—it’s about trusting someone who understands anatomy, safety, and how to bring out your natural beauty without going overboard. 💉✨ Yes, cheaper filler exists. But if it leads to complications, overfilled results, or costly corrections… was it really a deal? 😬💸 Our injectors are trained to create results that age beautifully—not temporarily trend. Because real value comes from precision, safety, and results that feel like you! 💬 Curious about your options or just want to ask a few questions? We’re always here for honest conversations. — #facialbalancing #torontobeauty #torontonurseinjector #dermalfillers #torontoaesthetics #aestheticnurse #torontofillers #youthfullook #facialharmony #naturalenhancement

One and Done? Not With Skin Treatments! 🤯 If you’re serious about real skin transformation, a series of 3 (or more!) is necessary. Here’s why consistency is key when it comes to microneedling, chemical peels, and medical-grade skincare: In this reel, Darby is breaking down why one session is a great start, but true skin changes happen when we consistently stimulate collagen, exfoliate, and nourish the skin over time. ✨ Ready to commit to glowing skin? Check out our 3-session packages & savings! Classic Microneedling w/ Hyaluronic Acid – $1,035 x 3 Sessions ($90 Savings) 
Classic Microneedling w/ Post Cooling – $1,345 x 3 Sessions ($115 Savings) 
JETPEEL Pro Facial – $800 x 3 Sessions (Regularly $975, Savings of $175!) 
Light to Medium Depth Chemical Peel – $450 x 3 Sessions (Regularly $525, Savings of $75!) 
Custom Advanced Facial (Dermaplaning + LED + JETPEEL Infusion) – $685 x 3 Sessions (Regularly $810, Savings of $125!) The best skin doesn’t happen overnight—it happens with consistency, the right treatments, and expert care. Let’s build your customized treatment plan today! #torontobeauty #parkdalelife #torontoskin #torontoskincare #skincarespecialist #torontowellness #parkdale #microneedling #chemicalpeel #medicalgradeskincare

We’ve been seeing way more male-presenting clients lately… and we’re so here for it 🤘🏼 Masculinizing a face with filler is a whole different skill — and we love the challenge. This client felt like he was losing chin projection, starting to get jowls, and noticed volume loss beside his chin (super common signs of aging btw). Here’s what we did: 1. Added filler to his chin for more projection and width, creating more of a “bum chin” which is considered a more masculine feature 2. Placed a bit in front of the jowl to camouflage the heaviness 3. Restored volume along his jawline and chin to even everything out 4. Created a smooth transition by adding filler around the chin (chin shadows) Filler is all about blending. If you only treat one area, it can look obvious — but done right? Undetectable. Thinking about enhancing your features? Let’s chat — shoot us a DM to chat about facial balancing 🙏🏾 #masculinefiller #jawlinegoals #chinfiller #beforeandafter