Adult Acne

Jenn Krouse:
Are you well into adulthood and suddenly breaking out like a teenager — even though you never had acne as a teenager? You’re not alone.

I’m Jenn Krouse, Founder and CEO of AUNU, and I’m here with Dr. Adam Geyer, board-certified dermatologist and AUNU’s Chief of Dermatology.

Today we’re doing Episode 9 of Office Hours, our ongoing educational series. We’re talking about adult-onset acne — what it is, why it happens, and what you can do about it without compromising your skin barrier.

So, Dr. Geyer, is this something you’re seeing more frequently in your practice?

Dr. Adam Geyer:
Adult acne is a major reason patients come to see me. It always has been, and unfortunately, it probably always will be.

It’s also something that can take a real emotional toll. Many people feel that by the time they reach their 30s, 40s, and beyond, acne should be behind them. They think of it as a teenage problem. There’s often a feeling that if they’re starting to see wrinkles, they shouldn’t still be dealing with breakouts.

But unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Many people continue to struggle with acne well into adulthood.

Hormones certainly play a role, but it’s important to understand the root causes of adult acne and how it differs from the acne we typically see in teenagers.

Jenn Krouse:
What exactly are hormones, and how do they affect your skin?

Dr. Adam Geyer:
When we’re younger, acne is often driven by increased sebum production associated with hormonal surges during puberty. Those breakouts tend to present as blackheads, whiteheads, and small inflammatory pimples concentrated on areas like the forehead.

Adult acne is often different. The underlying causes are typically more internal and more complex.

It’s not just about fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. Adult acne is also influenced by insulin, cortisol, and the way these hormones interact with one another.

Cortisol is particularly important because many adults experience significant stress. Elevated cortisol levels can have several effects on the skin.

First, cortisol increases oil production, which contributes to acne.

Second, it promotes inflammation by stimulating the release of inflammatory signaling molecules.

And third, it compromises the skin barrier.

When cortisol levels are elevated, the skin produces fewer ceramides and lipids. The function of the stratum corneum — the skin’s protective outer layer — becomes impaired. As a result, irritants penetrate more easily, water escapes more readily, and the skin becomes increasingly reactive and vulnerable.

Jenn Krouse:
That’s fascinating. I never realized cortisol could have such a direct impact on the skin barrier.

It also makes me think about how acne was treated when I was younger. Not to date myself, but I remember using harsh astringent toners like Stridex pads or even straight alcohol on a cotton pad. That was considered normal acne treatment.

Dr. Adam Geyer:
And that’s exactly what we want to avoid today.

For adults, the skin barrier is often already more sensitive, and the acne tends to be deeper and more inflammatory.

Instead of stripping the skin, we want products that provide multiple benefits simultaneously: anti-inflammatory support, gentle antimicrobial activity, hydration, and barrier repair.

That’s one of the reasons I love Mānuka honey and why it’s such an important ingredient in AUNU.

Jenn Krouse:
Can you talk a little more about how the antibacterial properties of Mānuka honey work, especially when it comes to acne?

Dr. Adam Geyer:
Absolutely.

One of the primary active components of Mānuka honey is methylglyoxal, or MGO.

MGO acts as a selective antimicrobial. That means it helps reduce harmful, pathogenic bacteria while preserving beneficial bacteria that are important for maintaining a healthy microbiome.

That’s what makes Mānuka honey so unique.

While it’s helping control unwanted microbes, it’s also reducing inflammation, supporting hydration, and strengthening the skin barrier.

Over time, this creates a healthier environment for the skin and supports long-term improvements in overall skin health.

Jenn Krouse:
What about people who need more immediate results? What can they do?

Dr. Adam Geyer:
AUNU offers several products that work together to provide both immediate and long-term benefits.

Our Mānuka Cleanser combines glycerin and MediHoney® to provide gentle cleansing with antimicrobial support. It’s suitable for both younger and adult skin.

Our Essence contains a concentrated 20% MediHoney® formula that delivers hydration, helps calm inflammation, and supports barrier repair.

Our Mānuka Cream is non-comedogenic, meaning it supports the skin barrier without clogging pores or feeling heavy.

But when someone is looking for a more immediate reduction in inflammation, my favorite product is the Mānuka Mask.

The mask contains 100% Comvita MediHoney®. If you have an inflamed breakout, you can apply it directly as a spot treatment or use it as a full-face treatment if you’re experiencing more widespread congestion.

Leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes, and you’ll often notice a significant reduction in redness and inflammation.

Jenn Krouse:
What can someone expect as they go through this process? Not just with acne, but with overall skin health — tone, texture, and how their skin looks and feels?

Dr. Adam Geyer:
There are both short-term and long-term benefits.

In the short term, people often notice greater comfort, less redness, improved hydration, and a more even-looking complexion.

Long term, the goal is not just clearer skin — it’s healthier skin.

When you strengthen the barrier, your skin becomes more resilient. You see fewer flare-ups, improved texture, a healthier glow, and a complexion that looks more even, luminous, and radiant.

Jenn Krouse:
And how long does that process typically take?

Dr. Adam Geyer:
Acne improvement takes time. It’s not an overnight process.

Consistency is key.

There are certainly situations where prescription medications and professional dermatologic care are necessary. But when using the AUNU regimen, many people notice improvements in comfort, hydration, and inflammation within the first couple of weeks.

The more meaningful changes in skin health, barrier strength, and breakout frequency typically become noticeable over the course of one to two months.

Jenn Krouse:
Thank you so much, Dr. Geyer. This has been incredibly insightful.

And thank you all for joining us for another episode of Office Hours. We’ll see you next time.