Still breaking out as an adult? It’s more common than you might think, and it’s not always about poor hygiene or a bad skin care routine. Adult acne can stick around or show up for the first time, due to a mix of things happening inside and outside your body. Hormonal changes, especially around your period or during times of stress, can throw off your skin’s balance. Late nights, certain foods, and even your go-to hair or skin care products might be making things worse. And sometimes, it’s not what you’re doing—it could be something like a health condition, your medication, or even family history. Adult acne doesn’t always look the same either. For some, it shows up as deep, painful lumps. For others, it’s persistent blackheads or clogged pores that just won’t clear. If acne tends to run in your family, or you’ve noticed flare-ups tied to your cycle or stress levels, there’s usually more going on beneath the surface. Keep reading to find out what could be causing your breakouts and how to treat acne in a way that actually works for your skin.