Adult Acne That Actually Gets Treated at the Root
Jawline breakouts, cystic acne, hormonal flare-ups around your cycle -- over-the-counter products only go so far when the real driver is hormonal or internal. We evaluate what's actually causing your acne and build a treatment plan around it, not just another cleanser.
Acne Doesn't Have One Cause -- Or One Fix
We start by figuring out which type (or combination) you're dealing with, since the right treatment depends on it.
Hormonal Acne
Breakouts along the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks that flare around your cycle -- often driven by androgens and sometimes linked to PCOS.
Cystic Acne
Deep, painful, under-the-skin breakouts that don't come to a head and often leave marks or scarring if left untreated.
Adult-Onset Acne
Acne that shows up (or comes back) well past your teenage years, frequently tied to hormones, stress, or medication changes.
Most Adult Acne Has a Hormonal Component
If you're past your teens and still breaking out -- especially along the jawline or chin, or in a pattern that tracks with your cycle -- there's usually more going on than skin care alone can fix. Excess androgens, insulin resistance, and thyroid dysfunction are all common, treatable drivers.
We start with a real evaluation, not a guess, so treatment actually targets what's causing your breakouts.
Common Underlying Drivers
- Hormonal shifts tied to your menstrual cycle
- PCOS or elevated androgen levels
- Insulin resistance
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Stress-related cortisol changes
- Certain medications or supplements
From Breakouts to a Real Plan
We treat the cause, not just the current breakout.
Initial Consultation
Brittany reviews your skin history, cycle, and any patterns to your breakouts.
Targeted Evaluation
If a hormonal cause is suspected, we order relevant labs -- androgens, insulin, or thyroid markers as needed.
Treatment Plan
We build a plan that can include prescription topicals, oral medications, or hormonal treatment depending on the cause.
Ongoing Follow-Up
Acne treatment takes weeks to show results. We adjust your plan as your skin responds.
Is This the Right Next Step for You?
You May Be a Good Fit If...
- ✓Over-the-counter products haven't made a real difference
- ✓Your breakouts cluster along the jawline, chin, or track with your cycle
- ✓You have deep, painful, cystic-type breakouts
- ✓You want to understand what's actually causing it, not just cover it up
Important Considerations
- ✗Acne treatment takes 6–8+ weeks to show visible results -- it's not overnight
- ✗Some prescription options aren't safe during pregnancy or while trying to conceive -- we'll screen for this
- ✗Severe scarring or cystic acne may benefit from an in-person skin exam and possible dermatology referral
- ✗Consistency with your treatment plan matters -- results depend on it
Acne Tied to a Bigger Hormonal Picture?
If your acne is connected to PCOS, thyroid issues, or another underlying condition, Happy Health Clinic's DPC membership includes at-cost labs and ongoing provider access to manage it all together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get to the Root of It?
Get a real evaluation and a treatment plan built around your skin, from Brittany Adams, APRN FNP-C. Cash-pay, no insurance required, same-day or next-day appointments.
