Often thought of as a skin condition exclusively for teens, adult acne is also common problem among 80 percent of adults according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Whether your acne started as a teen or you developed it later on in life, adult acne is not the result of bad genes. Adult acne can be the result of hormones, the makeup of your skin, medical conditions, and even your diet to name a few.HormonesA change or imbalance in your hormones is one of the main causes of adult acne in women. Menstruation cycles, pregnancy, or menopause cause estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels are reflected in the condition of their skin. Women with adult acne often develop depression and anxieties, which further aggravates the problem. Acne in adult men and women can also be caused by hormone changes brought on by the normal aging process and stressful life experiences.Medical problemsSeveral health issues can be responsible for adult acne. When your body is unable to rid itself of extra hormones, it causes a hormonal imbalance that triggers acne. The toxins found in your intestines can be picked up into your circulatory system, which can also have a significant impact on the appearance of your skin. Adult acne may also be a side effect of using the wrong medication or using it in the wrong amount. One of the most common culprits for women is the use of a birth control pill that does not match their hormonal system.Dietary deficienciesZinc, beta-carotene, vitamin B complex, as well as vitamins A, C, and E are just a few of the vitamins that control the appearance of your skin. Having a deficiency in one or more of these nutrients can initiate adult acne. Many recent studies also indicate that particular food items such as milk products or foods high in sugar or carbohydrates can trigger acne. Food allergies can also appear in the form of acne. This can easily be determined by seeing an allergist and eliminating the instigator from your diet.Skin FrictionFriction against your skin, infected hair follicles, sebum, and blocked pores might also be responsible for the acne on your skin. A pore blocked by sebum or dirt is often referred to as a blackhead. When a pore is clogged up, it infects and swells until it breaks the wall of the pore. This causes a painful and ugly pimple. If the pimple breaks, the infection can block other pores spreading the acne. Hair follicles can become infected and cause pimples the same way. If excess oil (sebum) runs in your family, there is a greater chance that you will have it as well. Chemicals such as chlorine or cosmetics can also block your pores.Acne causes many emotional issues for adults making treatment extremely important. Because of the way treatments for teenagers are designed, they do not work well for adults. Effective treatments need to address the cause of the acne instead of just the symptoms. Your diet, your skin, and your environment are just a few contributing factors of adult acne.