8 Common Causes of Breakouts Over 50

If you’re over 50 and still dealing with breakouts, you’re not alone. Many are surprised to find acne showing up later in life, especially if they didn’t struggle much when they were younger. But there are real, common reasons for these flare-ups. Understanding what’s going on can help you take better control of your skin and get some answers.

1.  Hormonal Shifts Are Still Happening

Your body goes through various hormonal changes throughout different stages of your life. Even after menopause, hormone fluctuations can disrupt your skin’s balance.

 

Estrogen levels drop, allowing testosterone to take the lead. This triggers excess oil production, which clogs pores and leads to breakouts, especially around the mouth and jawline. If this sounds familiar, you're not imagining it. Unfortunately, hormones don’t settle down with age.

2.  Stress Wreaks Havoc

Chronic stress increases cortisol — a hormone that directly boosts oil production and inflammation. If your stress levels have been high lately, it might be part of what’s showing up on your face.

 

Step outside for as little as 15 to 30 minutes a day. Whether you take a walk or sit with a book in the sun, slowing down outdoors can help reduce stress.

 

3.  You Need to Update Your Skincare Routine

Skin changes with age, so the products that worked in your 30s or 40s might not work now. Some anti-aging creams are too heavy and can clog pores, and others are too harsh and can cause irritation. If you're breaking out using the same products you've always used, it might be time to switch to gentle and non-comedogenic formulas.

4.  Diet Still Matters

What you eat can really affect your skin, no matter your age. Foods that are high in sugar or processed carbs and dairy in certain populations can lead to breakouts. It might help your acne to cut back on sugary snacks and highly processed foods.

5.  Some Medications Cause Acne

Certain medications that are more common later in life — specifically steroid medications — increase sebaceous glands’ oil production and can lead to breakouts. If your skin changes after starting a new prescription, check in with your doctor. Don’t stop taking it on your own, but do ask about your options.

6.  Dry Skin Triggers More Oil

Mature skin is drier by nature, but dryness often causes your skin to overcompensate by producing more oil. That excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, clogs your pores and causes blemishes.

 

Moisturizing is essential. It’s best to moisturize as soon as you get out of the shower, especially if you want your makeup to last the day.

7.   Your Makeup Brushes and Pillowcases Need a Clean

This one’s easy to overlook, but it matters. Dirty brushes and fabrics can collect oil, bacteria and dead skin, then transfer all of that back onto your face.

 

If you’re breaking out and not washing your brushes every seven to 10 days, it could be a simple fix. While dirty pillowcases may not directly cause your acne, experts still recommend weekly washings to be on the safe side.

 

8. You’re Not Removing Makeup Properly

Even if you use high-quality makeup, it can still clog your pores if you don’t fully remove it at the end of the day. As skin becomes thinner and more sensitive with age, leftover residue can irritate it and lead to breakouts.

 

A quick face wipe isn’t enough. Make sure you thoroughly cleanse your skin every night with a gentle but effective cleanser.

 

Take Control of Your Skin Again

Breakouts after 50 are frustrating, but they’re also manageable. Once you understand what’s causing them, you can take real steps to get your skin back on track. You don’t have to accept acne as another part of aging.

 

 

 

(photo: cottonbro)