Although being most commonly linked to changes in hormone levels during puberty, Acne can still manifest at any age.
Certain hormones (like androgens) cause the oil-producing glands next to hair follicles in the skin to produce larger amounts of oil (abnormal sebum). This abnormal sebum changes the activity of a usually harmless skin bacterium, called P. acnes, which becomes more aggressive and causes inflammation and pus.¹

If You’re a female:

You might also notice acne forming around the time of your period as a result of hormone activity.² Changing hormone levels in women include around your period, irregular periods, during pregnancy, during menopause or after discontinuing birth control.³