Adult Acne Causes in Women: Hormones, Gut, or Something Else?

Battling acne as an adult is way more common than you think—especially for women.
But here’s the truth: adult acne isn’t just a teenage skin problem lingering too long.
It’s usually a symptom of deeper imbalances.

If you’re searching for adult acne causes South Africa, you’re not alone.
At Ask Dr Olz, we help women decode the real reasons behind their breakouts—and heal skin from the inside out.

Let’s break it down:

1. Hormones Gone Haywire

One of the top culprits behind adult acne?
Hormonal imbalances.

Key hormonal drivers include:

• High androgens (male hormones) like testosterone
• Low progesterone relative to estrogen (estrogen dominance)
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), even if you don’t have cysts
• Perimenopause shifts (especially after 35)

Signs your acne is hormone-related:

✅ Breakouts around chin, jawline, and mouth
✅ Flare-ups before periods
✅ Oily skin or hair thinning

2. Gut Health Disruptions

Your skin mirrors what’s happening in your gut.
Poor gut health can lead to inflammation, toxin buildup, and hormone disruption—all fueling breakouts.

Watch for signs like:

• Bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
• Food sensitivities
• Frequent infections or weakened immunity

Healing your gut microbiome often dramatically improves skin.

3. Blood Sugar Imbalances

High-sugar diets spike insulin, which increases oil production and inflammation.
Even “healthy” carbs can tip you into trouble if your body is sensitive.

Signs of blood sugar issues include:

• Energy crashes
• Intense cravings
• Feeling shaky if meals are delayed

Balancing blood sugar is essential for calming acne.

4. Stress and Cortisol

Chronic stress leads to high cortisol levels, which:

• Disrupts hormones
• Worsens gut permeability (leaky gut)
• Increases inflammation

Stress = more breakouts, slower healing, and harder-to-control skin.

5. Wrong Skincare or Over-Cleansing

Sometimes it’s not just an internal issue—your products might be making it worse.

Harsh cleansers, heavy creams, and over-exfoliation can:

• Strip your skin barrier
• Trigger inflammation
• Lead to reactive oiliness and clogged pores

Less is often more when treating adult acne.

🩺 Ask Dr Olz Adult Acne Healing Protocol

At Ask Dr Olz, we focus on root-cause healing, not just topical treatments.

Our proven 3-step process:

1. Test: Hormone testing, gut health assessments, and nutrient panels
2. Treat: Custom protocols with targeted supplements, dietary changes, and skin barrier repair
3. Transform: Clearer skin, improved digestion, balanced hormones, and glowing confidence

We often recommend support like:

✅ DIM (diindolylmethane) and I3C for hormone detox
✅ Calcium-D-Glucarate for estrogen clearance
✅ Zinc Glycinate for skin healing
✅ Probiotics and L-glutamine for gut repair

📍 Adult Acne Causes South Africa: What to Do Next

You don’t have to guess anymore.

With expert guidance from Ask Dr Olz, you can uncover the real triggers behind your breakouts—and finally heal your skin naturally.

👉 Book your personalized Acne Root Cause Assessment
👉 Shop our curated skin-healing supplements online

💬 Final Thoughts

Adult acne is a message from your body that something deeper needs attention—not a surface-level issue.

By understanding the real adult acne causes South Africa women face daily, you can take back control and enjoy truly healthy, radiant skin.