An estimated 50-million Americans suffer from acne, and not all of them are teenagers.

Acne may be common among teens, but it hit 51-year-old Narva Simmons by surprise.

"It was kind of embarrassing when you are trying to dress very professional but your face is messed up with all these bumps and blister," said Simmons.

Narva turned to Dermatologist Rutledge Forney for relief.

She says adult acne breakouts can be triggered by everything from hormonal changes to sun damage to germs.

"Sometimes it can be a bacteria on the skin, that has triggered it and we often test adults with sudden onset acne for bacteria to see if by chance that can be part of the problem," said Dr. Forney.

Forney treats adult acne differently than that of teenagers so the skin doesn't get irritated.

"They have to be more sensitive to the fact that these people are not as oily as they were as teenagers," explained Forney.

Some acne will clear up on its own.

Lotions and topical creams can also help.

Narva's case was severe and she uses the drug Accutane.

"I was determined, I wanted to get my beautiful skin back again," she said.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a flesh-tinted acne lotion containing acne medications can safely hide blemishes.

Also loose powder in combination with an oil-free foundation is also good for cover-up.