The transition to adulthood from being a teenager is marked with several vast improvements. Among the benefits of being a grownup are the ability to rent a car, staying out as late as you want, and enjoying a cocktail or two with friends after work. Most teens who suffer from unfortunate haircuts and the inevitable hormone-induced skin outbreaks can look forward to the end of teenaged awkwardness and enjoy a smooth, polished twenty-something existence. But for those of us who suffer from adult acne, the suffering continues.
Why do adults still get acne? Why is acne so much harder to get rid of as an adult? Well, acne is caused by a multitude of factors. Those factors include –
1. Stress – An often overlooked factor, hormones released by the body during periods of stress can cause acne outbreaks.1
2. Clogged pores – Dead skin cells can build up quickly and clog pores and hair follicles. When this happens, oils and bacteria can cause acne outbreaks.
3. Hormones – One of the root causes behind acne outbreaks in teenagers, fluctuating levels of hormones in pubescent children can cause adult acne outbreaks. Women who stop using the birth control pill can also have acne outbreaks. Some women actually go on birth control pills as a way of controlling adult acne outbreaks when the outbreaks are severe enough. Menopause can wreak havoc with a woman’s hormones, and adult acne can be a result.
4. Side effects of medications – Some medications can cause acne outbreaks.2
5. Makeup/body care products – Makeup can clog pores, as well as lotions, creams, etc that are commonly used by women and men. This inevitably leads to acne.
The first step to getting rid of adult acne is to keep the skin clean. Even face washing can have a detrimental effect on the skin. Washing without rinsing adequately can cause pores to clog up with soap residue. Too much makeup can lead to breakouts, as the pores cannot rid themselves of the dead skin cells which build up every day.
The second step to getting rid of adult acne is to help restore the natural bacteria balance of the skin. That balance can be restored by applying a topical solution of probiotics to the skin.
The third step to getting rid of adult acne is to try and reduce the factors which cause the acne. While reducing clogged pores is easier than reducing stress, making small changes in the daily care routine and an overall lifestyle change can have a slow but steady positive effect on your skin.
Adult acne can be a very difficult thing to eliminate. Although no longer teenagers, many people find themselves the victims of unsightly blemishes. There is hope for those who suffer from adult acne, however, and understanding the root cause of the acne is the first step on the road to prevention of future outbreaks. With your doctor’s help, you can be well on your way to clear, healthy skin.
1, 2 – https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/every-stage-of-life/adult-skin/adult-acne
