Symptoms
Why am I breaking out again after years without acne?
Short answer
Hormonal shifts can influence oil and inflammation, but adult acne can also relate to products, medicines, stress, or another diagnosis.
Full answer
Why am I breaking out again after years without acne?
During the menopause transition, the relative balance of androgens and estrogen can change even when total hormone levels are not simple to interpret. That may affect oiliness and the location of spots.
New acne should be considered in context: what the spots look like, where they appear, whether they itch or hurt, and which products or medicines changed. Persistent, painful, scarring, or sudden acne is worth discussing with a clinician.