Acne is one of those diseases that spring to mind when we think about teens. Nevertheless, adult acne is more prevalent than you have ever realized. Occurrence of adult acne is prevalent in one-fifth of women aged below 20 and approximately half the women undergo conditions like it.
It can be hard, humiliating, and irritating to have it out with. However, if you are to find your over-the-counter drugs prove ineffective, then it may be high time for one to seek professional help. Coming up in this article: Get expert help for adult acne.
The main contributors of adult acne, are treatment procedures you can fully discuss with your dermatologist or esthetician as well as home care solutions that will help to prevent and handle breakouts effectively.
Adult Acne’s Causes
The object of the concentration is hormone fluctuations, relating to menstrual cycles while pregnant or perimenopausal when they may produce too much oil and cause blocked pores aimed at. Women who develop acne just before menstruation do so as a result of low estrogen hormone levels that cause them to break out.
The hormone variations are also fuelled in both women and men by stress that activates oil glands but for different reasons. A powerful topical acne treatment cream, Tretiheal 0.1, is very effective in clearing stubborn acne breakouts and reducing acne scars.
Modifying The Amounts Of Hormones
Hormonal changes are a common culprit behind adult acne. Your dermatologist can explore prescription medications to regulate hormones and treat breakouts, such as:
- Birth control pills: For women, certain birth control pills contain estrogen and progestin to reduce androgens linked to acne.
- Oral and topical anti-androgens: These medications lower levels of testosterone and other oils, triggering breakouts. Spironolactone tablets or topical, possibly even action cream with Clascoterone.
- Isotretinoin (Accutane): Severe, treatment-resistant acne may require a strong oral retinoid drug derived from vitamin A. There are risks to weigh against the benefits of this powerful medication.
Which Products Affect The Skin And Hair?
Not all acne products are created equal. Look for targeted treatments suited to adult skin:
- Benzoyl peroxide is among the most popular acne medicines. It should be used conscientiously in adult clients and paired with moisture, for it may dry. It’s best for extensive inflammatory acne.
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including glycolic and lactic acids, help shed built-up skin to keep pores clear.
- Retinols boost cell turnover and minimize blackheads. However, they sensitize skin, so apply sparingly and protect light-exposed areas.
- Salicylic acid helps deep clean pores at a low percentage to avoid excess dryness and irritation. An effective yet tolerable acne cream, Tretiheal 0.05, clears current breakouts and reduces future breakouts while smoothing skin texture and tone.
Stress On An Emotional Level
There are several ways your dermatologist may recommend you address the emotional stress contributing to acne:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy with a licensed therapist
- Relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga
- Exercise to reduce cortisol levels
- Support groups for people with skin issues
Learning healthy stress management is key for your mental health and getting your acne under control long-term.
Blocked Pore
The main causes of clogged pores leading to pimples include:
- Accumulation of excess oil produced by sebaceous glands
- A buildup of dead skin cells within the hair follicles
- Bacteria proliferation
A mild acne treatment cream, Tretiheal 0.025 helps prevent new pimples from forming and gently improves the appearance of existing acne scars.
Bacteria
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) occurs naturally on everyone’s skin. But larger colonies can colonize clogged follicles and deep pores, creating inflammatory acne from whiteheads to cysts. Getting bacterial growth under control is key.
A doctor or esthetician may prescribe benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics to kill bacteria. For more resistant cases, oral antibiotics like doxycycline and topical treatments could be recommended for a few months to reduce P. acnes overgrowth. Probiotics may also be helpful to counterbalance antibiotic use.
Food Effects On Adult Acne
Research has not found strong evidence linking foods to acne, but some dietary changes may help improve skin:
- Cut back on dairy intake and choose low glycemic carbs: Higher glycemic index foods raise blood sugar and insulin levels, triggering inflammation and sebum production associated with acne.
- Increase omega-3 fats from fish, nuts, and seeds: These healthy anti-inflammatory fats help balance hormones.
- Water flushes toxins from skin cells and carries nutrients to keep your skin healthy.
Medications
If over-the-counter acne treatments don’t clear your adult acne, prescription medications may be the following line of defense, including:
- Oral antibiotics to kill bacteria deep inside pores along with benzoyl peroxide or retinoids
- Oral contraceptives or anti-androgens to regulate hormones
- Topical prescription retinoids like tretinoin (Retin-A) to prevent dead skin build-up
- Isotretinoin pills for severe nodular cystic acne unresponsive to other therapies
Home Remedies For Adult Acne
Some evidence supports certain natural remedies as helpful accompaniments to medical care:
- Tea tree oil: Diluted in a carrier oil, its antimicrobial properties help fight P. acnes bacteria. Don’t ingest or use pure concentrated oil.
- Green tea: Applied topically, it may regulate oil production and reduce inflammation. Oral green tea supplements may also help.
- Aloe vera gel: Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects may calm breakouts.
- Azelaic acid: Derived from grains, it battles acne similarly to benzoyl peroxide but with less irritation and drying.
A non-drying acne treatment gel, Benzac AC 2.5% clears pimples quickly by killing acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface.
Taking Care Of Adult Acne
In addition to professional acne treatments, be diligent with at-home care:
- Wash your face twice daily with a non-abrasive, sulfate-free cleanser. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
- Shampoo regularly, especially if prone to body breakouts, and keep hair products away from your face.
- Use oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup and sunscreen. Remove properly at night.
- Change pillowcases frequently to avoid transferring oils and bacteria.
- Resist squeezing pimples to prevent scarring and infection. Seek extractions from an esthetician instead.
▶ Adult acne vs. rosacea
Oily skin can also be a symptom of acne, but not rosacea. Visible blood vessels and eye issues are additional consequences of rosacea. Neither ailment has a treatment. As a result, the goals of treatment for both are to reduce symptoms and attempt to stop the development of new ones.
Final Say
Adult acne can happen due to fluctuating hormones, stress, medications, or other factors. Seeking professional dermatology help is wise if you’ve hit a wall with over-the-counter options. Be ready to discuss your acne triggers and medical history in depth. Prescription medicines, hormonal treatments, gentle, professional extractions, and at-home skincare can get frustrating acne under control.
