ADULT ACNE: CAUSES, SOLUTIONS
What is Adult Acne?
Some of us
noticed the acne when we had 15 and
wished to grow fast, hoping time will solve it naturally. But when it returned
in our 30s, it was like a strike below the belt. Statistics say 20% of the women between the ages of 25
and 40 suffer from adult acne, but men are affected too.
Adult acne does not pop up in the T-zone area
as they did in your high school years. Rather, it appears as pink pimples on
the lower part of the face in a V shape from the chin up the sides of your jaw
Adult acne is caused by sebum, an oily
substance produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands. Sebum clogs pores, which
attract bacteria and become inflamed. For some adults, breakouts are a result
of hypersensitivity or overproduction of androgens (male hormones). But an
imbalance in both male and female hormones (estrogen) can also cause breakouts
Reasons for adult acne:
Fluctuating hormone levels: An imbalance can lead to breakouts.
Women often experience fluctuating hormones:
-
Around
their periods
-
During
pregnancy, peri-menopause, and menopause
-
After
discontinuing (or starting) birth control pills
Stress: Researchers have found a
relationship between stress and acne flare-ups. In response to stress, our
bodies produce more androgens (a type of hormone). These hormones stimulate the
oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, which can lead to acne. This
explains why acne can be an ongoing problem when we find ourselves under
constant stress.
Family history: Does a close blood relative, such
as a parent, brother, or sister have acne? Findings from research studies
suggest that some people may have a genetic predisposition for acne. People who
have this predisposition seem more likely to get adult acne.
Hair and skin care products: If you have adult acne, you should
read the labels on your skin care and hair care products. Make sure that you
see one of the following terms on every container:
-
Non-comedogenic
-
Non-acnegenic
-
Oil-free
-
Won’t
clog pores
Medication side effect: Acne is a side effect of some
medicines. If you suspect that a medicine is triggering your acne or making it
worse, continue taking the medicine — but talk with the doctor who prescribed
it. Ask if acne is a possible side effect. If acne is a possible side effect,
ask if you can take a different medicine. If you cannot take another medicine,
you may want to see a dermatologist who can help you control the acne.
Undiagnosed medical condition: Sometimes, acne is a sign of an
underlying medical condition. Once the medical condition is diagnosed and
treated, the acne often clears.
Treating the Adult Acne
Do not wait
for too long before you see a doctor for this skin problem. Treatment products
that contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to unclog pores and
reduce bacteria may resolve the issue. However, if you have serious types all
over your face, you must talk to a dermatologist. He/she may prescribe you antibiotics or retinoids, depending on your condition. But medical acne treatment
is tricky and has side effects, like severe depression and ulcerative colitis.
You may
also undergo laser treatment, if you
have the money as this treatment option is very costly.
In terms of
daily care products, most acne
creams and lotions are geared to teens' oily skin, a bad choice for drier adult
skin. Effective treatment often requires a trial-and-error approach that takes
time.
Here are
some advices from specialists:
Cleansers: Choose gentle ones. Avoid
too-strong gels and products containing beads or granules, which are abrasive
and can irritate and worsen sensitive skin.
Creams and lotions: Avoid anything that contains
lanolin, mineral oil, or petrolatum. Don't use pressed powders or pancake or
powder foundation, because they contain oil. And never cleanse with harsh soaps
that will dry out your skin, because they don't help clear up the acne, and you
wind up using too much moisturizer to counteract the dryness. Try
over-the-counter acne products containing sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, and
salicylic acid, all of which can help; but again, don't overuse them, because
they'll dry you out. If your face doesn't clear up in two to three months, see
a dermatologist
Prescription medications: The topical antibiotic clindamycin
helps fight bacteria in the skin; so does tetracycline, another antibiotic,
taken orally. Oral contraceptives and spironolactone, a blood pressure drug,
can help balance hormones. A gel containing dapsone, an antibiotic, helps fight
infection and inflammation involved in acne.
High-tech solutions: Laser and intense pulsed light
treatments mainly target scars, but blue light therapy treatments kill
acne-causing bacteria. These treatments are costly, though, so explore your
other options first.
Skin-Care Regimen for the Acne Prone
Try to keep your face clean during the day.
Wash your face twice daily with the cleanser (if
your skin is dry, try using water the second time). Use only warm water (hot
water is drying). Wash for just 1-2 minutes (more can irritate your skin). And
use your hands instead of a rough washcloth. (If you must wash with a cloth,
choose one made for babies, so it’s as soft as possible.)
Apply special acne moisturizers.
Go natural: in order to achieve clearer skin,
you should consider wearing little cosmetics. If you need to wear makeup, you
must sure that it is safe for skin prone to this type of skin condition. You
must choose to use product that has no oil. It must be water based and
non-comedogenic to avoid whiteheads or blackheads. Before you go to bed, you
must make sure that you remove your makeup by washing your face with gentle
cleanser.
Eat smart, healthy foods: carbohydrates with high glycemic
index can raise your insulin levels. Insulin can boost male hormone which may
cause breakouts. Instead of eating starchy foods, you must consider eating
whole grains and veggies. Low GI foods will not aggravate this type of skin
condition.
Reduce stress levels: freaking out when you see bumps
showing up on your face will only make things worse. As bumps may be the result
of stress, experts recommend getting at least eight hours of each night. This
amount of sleep helps in reducing excess cortisol in your body allowing your
skin to regenerate. When the cortisol levels have been reduced, your body can
produce more endorphins, which are known to have a calming effect. Getting
regular exercise is a great idea too as it delivers the right amount of oxygen
to your skin cells preventing bacteria to thrive.
Natural remedies:
Herbal teas: Drink teas made
from detoxifying herbs that will help to reduce inflammation, drink from 3-4
cups during the day of: red clover, nettle, or milk thistle
Infusion: Instead of using soap, which removes de acid mantle
of the skin and thus increases the susceptibility to infection, rinse the face
with a herbal infusion, such as red clover, which is an excellent blood and
tissue cleanser and has a gentle action.
Decoction: Dandelion root, taken as a decoction, is helpful in
improving the detoxifying action of the liver , which can help to clear the
skin, and also has a gentle laxative action taking pressure away from the skin
as an organ of elimination.
Tincture: Echinacea is one of the best all-purpose immune
stimulants, aiding resistance to infection. It can be taken in conjunction with
the herbal treatments suggested above, to help the detoxification process. It
is best taken in the form of a ready-made tincture, following the
manufacturer´s directions on dosage. Do not take more than 2-3 weeks at a time
and do not resume taking it within a month.
Steam inhalation: Regular steam inhalations of juniper can
help clear blocked pores or blackheads. Add 3-4 drops juniper oil or fresh
juniper leaves and berries to a basin of water.
Source:
-
Acne Pwnt
-
Women’s Health
-
About.com Beauty
-
O, The Oprah Magazine
-
PositiveMed
Buy professional Acne Products from www.markastore.com/Acne-Control/
Categories:
acne,
epiderm,
oily skin,
women aged 20+,
women aged 25+,
women aged 30+,
women aged 45+
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