Adult Acne - Important Information You Should Know to Treat It
Many adults get acne, even after they thought that they were done with it for good. It can be embarrassing and difficult to deal with, and it’s something that many of us face at least once. Over the counter treatments can be drying and irritating, and many may not even work. Things that worked well when you were a teen may not work now.
Most adults that get acne will try almost anything to get rid of it, and they often try scores of treatments before they find one that works. If you’ve done this, you probably wonder if your acne will ever go away. If you’ll just read a little further, you might have some of your questions answered.
You probably think that acne is really a teenager’s problem, but nothing could be further from the truth. Adults can and do get acne- some have it at thirty, forty, or even fifty. If your acne has not cleared up by the time you turn 25, you are considered to have persistent acne. Cases of adult acne usually have painful, inflamed, and large pimples. Stubborn cases of adult acne usually appear on the chin, mouth and jaw line, but lesions can also appear on the back and buttocks.
Adults can get late onset acne, too. Unfortunately, women are far more vulnerable than men. Even those who haven’t had a breakout in years can get big, inflamed pimples, and those who have never had acne can get it too. Late onset acne can often be brought about by hormone imbalances, like those that happen during menopause.
No matter when you get it, your acne has a root cause- overstimulation of the oil glands in your skin, and pores that are clogged with bacteria and dead skin cells. Those hormone fluctuations that we mentioned can bring about the production of too much sebum- which can explain why a lot of women get acne flare-ups right around the start of their menstrual cycle, or when they are expecting a baby.
Some medicines are known to aggravate acne. If you are on birth control, you’ve probably seen a reduction in your acne. Suddenly stopping the pills can make your skin flare up. If your pill contains estrogen and progestins, it can bring your acne under control, but if the pill only contains progestins, your acne can get worse.
Many other medications can affect your acne. Anticonvulsant drugs and corticosteroids can aggravate a case of acne, but that is not a good reason to stop taking them if they have been prescribed to you. If your acne is a concern, talk to your doctor. If the medicine is necessary to you, talk to your dermatologist about other ways to control your acne.
It is known that acne has a genetic component. About half of adults who have acne also have an immediate family member (a parent, child, or brother/sister) who has it too. The genetic link isn’t completely understood, so more research is needed.
Still other studies show that stress is a major acne trigger, especially for women. Scientists have established a link between heightened stress levels and more severe acne in women who have demanding jobs. When the body is under stress it produces more androgens, that stimulate the sebaceous glands and cause acne flare-ups.
Certain hair and skincare products can promote the formation of acne. Some sunscreens and hair products contain a lot of oil, that can cause acne cosmetica. When you buy haircare and skincare products, look for those that are labeled “non-acnegenic” or “non-comedogenic”. These are a lot less likely to cause acne, although they can still irritate very sensitive skin.
Acne can be a warning sign of a more serious medical condition. When adult acne is accompanied by thickening facial hair, balding, and irregular menstrual cycles, it can be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome, or an adrenal gland disorder. It could also mean that the woman has a tumor on an adrenal gland or ovary. If you are experiencing any of these signs, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Testing can find the cause of the symptoms, and your acne won’t go away until they are treated.
If you’ve been checked for other conditions by your doctor, your acne can be controlled with any of the various natural acne remedies available. A lot of adults with acne don’t bother to seek treatment, and they end up needlessly “living with” the condition. Adult acne can be stubborn, but with consistent treatment, it can be reduced or eliminated for good.
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