Men and women experiencing acne breakouts in their 30s and 40s or even later years can be termed adult acne. However, you are never too old for acne, as it can affect people of any age group.
Acne is one of the most common skin problems that both men and women experience. Since our face is mostly exposed to the external environment, it’s more affected, while other body parts remain covered. The case of stubborn acne that occurs in people in their 20s and 30s is often referred to as adult acne; on the other hand, many teens facing an acne breakout find it less intense and lasts for a short time, too. According to a study, approximately 25% of all cases of adult acne are found in men, 50% in women, and the remaining 25% are shared among the other age groups.
Almost one-third of adults with facial acne also experience breakouts on other body parts. Sometimes, acne becomes a serious skin problem, and it can be a cause of depression, anxiety and embarrassment.
Teenage and acne breakouts:
Teens are a phase of life during which hormonal changes occur more rapidly than in other age brackets. These hormonal changes often lead to excessive sebum production, making the skin more vulnerable to acne breakouts, pimples, and other skin issues. The application of some lotions, herbal creams and home products helps to treat teenage acne, but adult acne may not find it an effective solution. Adult acne treatment requires more regular and effective remedies that must be taken in conjunction with lifestyle changes. It’s noteworthy that persistent breakouts of adult acne can leave indelible marks on the skin, making early treatment necessary, possibly during one’s teenage years.
Causes of adult acne:
Some common causes of adult acne could lead to breakouts. The causes can be counted as:
- Stress
- Consumption of birth control pills
- Hormonal changes
- Exposure to UV rays
- Pregnancy
- Excess production of the sebum gland
- Intense medication
- Menopause
- Oily skin
- Excess use of cosmetics
Types of acne:
When it comes to the types of adult acne, most dermatologists categorise it into four types depending on the nature, longevity and the affected area. These four types are:
- Comedonal acne
It is also known as clogged pores of the skin, which occur due to the presence of oil or waxes under the skin. The breakout of tiny bumps on the skin gives a look of acne that often remains concentrated in the T-zone.
- Inflammatory acne
The inflammatory acne typically appears as whiteheads, blackheads, and red bumps that are not only inflammatory in nature but also irritating to the skin. It occurs due to clogged follicles triggered by higher testosterone levels in the body; thereby, this condition leads to increased oil production by the sebum, which further clogs the hair follicles.
- Hormone-induced acne
Hormonal changes can cause the breakout of acne, and young people often witness this problem. Typically, a lack of sufficient estrogen in women can alter the complexion of the skin, with the lower parts of the face being the most affected by this type of adult acne. In women, this type of skin problem often occurs before, during, and after the menstrual cycle, but typically resolves over time.
- Cystic acne
Adult Cystic acne is notorious for causing scars and deep inflammation in the skin. It can persist for a long time, causing blackheads and whiteheads, and sometimes it appears as blisters on the skin, which can be very painful as well. People with cystic acne find it difficult to shave, and its impact increases due to infection and the side effects of some environmental factors.
Adult acne treatments:
It’s very important to consider the nature of your skin when choosing acne treatment products.
- For sensitive or dry skin, applying a cleanser and non-alcohol toner, along with a calming mask, works better.
- Dehydrate your body by taking at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. It will also help to dilute the skin’s secretions, flush out toxic elements from the body, and prevent clogged pores.
- Reduce the intake of fat, which will ultimately slow down the production of sebum in the skin, a necessary step in preventing pore congestion. You are also recommended to increase the share of foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidant elements to keep your skin fresh and shining.
- The use of glycolic acid and natural exfoliates helps renew the skin, reducing the chances of adult acne breakouts. Don’t allow environmental pollutants to saturate the skin; wash it gently and frequently.
- Get a full night’s sleep and adopt a punctual lifestyle to keep your skin fresh and wrinkle-free.
- One can also consult a dermatologist if home treatments of adult acne are not proving to be very effective.
Conclusion:
Acne is a common skin condition that typically poses no serious problems in most cases. It remains for a short time, and if you take proper skin care, then its impact can be nullified. There are many herbal products available in the market that promise to treat adult acne with utmost care. If you find the tips mentioned above insufficient, consider consulting with skin experts for additional guidance. Don’t let your skin suffer from this trivial skin problem anymore.
Amelia Smith
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