While acne mostly occurs during your growing stages as a teenager, acne can follow through to adult life as well. Adult acne can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild acne may consist of blackheads and whiteheads while severe acne may consist of redness, discolorations or even swelling. Rosacea may also be referred to as “adult acne” but it differs from the standard acne. Rosacea’s bumps are smaller and appear all at once compared to the standard acne.
What Causes Adult Acne?
Acne occurs when the skin and the pores are not functioning properly. Oil could be overproduced by the glands and pores are not effective enough to eliminate the oil. This ultimately causes the pores to be clogged, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. There are several factors that could play a part in causing acne.
Changing Hormone Levels
Fluctuating or excessive sexual hormones could lead to changes throughout the skin and body. This includes:
- pH imbalance
- Inflammation
- Excess production of sebum
- Differences in circulation
These changes would play a part in the development of acne. While fluctuations in hormones does not necessarily translate to imbalance hormone levels, the skin can react to these fluctuations commonly seen during stages like puberty or perimenopause.
Hormonal acne more often than not appears as deep and cyst-like, often tender or painful. People who are suspected to have hormonal abnormality should have a dermatologist evaluate further and treat accordingly.
Family History
Some people have a genetic predisposition for acne. This person does not have to be your immediate family. It could also be a more distant relative such as your uncle or cousins.
Contact Irritation
Anything that irritates your skin such as harsh cleansers or razors could also reduce your skin’s defenses and cause a protective reaction leading to inflammation.
Hair & Skin Products
Oil based products designed for hair and skin could also potentially trigger acne breakouts, such as:
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Leave-in conditioners
- Face creams and moisturisers
- Makeup
- Styling products
Emotional Stress
Stress can create biological changes in the body that can worsen adult acne. By feeling scared, anxious or stressed, your adrenal glands will cause more stress hormones called cortisol. This can lead to an increase in sebum product, worsening acne.
Physical Stress
A physical strain on your body can also trigger hormonal changes, weakening your immune system and causing inflammation. Potential physical stress include:
- Lack of sleep
- Falling sick
- Dehydration
- Exposure to environmental irritants such as smokes and incense
Treating Adult Acne
Working with a skincare professional is a good idea when your acne becomes difficult to control by yourself and creates emotional distress for when over-the-counter products do not help. A good skincare professional can evaluate your skin type and acne issues, recommending a proper treatment and skincare regimen tailored to your specific needs.
Treatments for adult acne could include home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) products and prescriptions. Of course, results can vary from person to person and not all types of acne treatment will work for everyone.
Sometimes, remedies may work quickly but if they do not produce results by a week or two, seek a professional for support.
Home Remedies
Home remedies for adult acne include oral supplements and topical treatments that can be applied to your skin. These examples include:
- Aloe vera
- Green tea extract
- Zinc
- Probiotics
- Vitamin A
- Tea tree oil
However, do note that home remedies may have a hard time working on extensive or deep acne. Some home remedies such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice may also damage the skin barrier, which leads to further irritation and rashes. So take caution when adopting such remedies.
Preventing Adult Acne
To prevent adult acne, one has to be diligent with their skincare routines by using ingredients that are appropriate for your own skin type. Ensure that the skin is moisturised sufficiently as excessive dryness could exacerbate acne and propel a continuous breakout cycle.
Be patient when dealing with acne. Change would not happen overnight. Be consistent in your routine and give time for the solution to work effectively.
Also, take care of your physical health such as minimizing stress, having a balanced diet and drinking enough water.
For professional help and advice, book an appointment with us today!
