Adult acne has become a persistent concern for many individuals in their 30s and 40s. While acne is often considered a teenage problem, more and more adults are finding themselves struggling with active breakouts well into their adulthood. If you never had acne as a child, you might be confused and frustrated when you suddenly start getting pimples and cystic acne as an adult.
What Is Adult Acne?
Adult acne refers to the presence of zits, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and acne that appear in adults, typically after the age of 25. This condition can affect both men and women, but it is more common in women, especially those in their 30s and 40s. Unlike adolescent acne, which is often associated with hormonal changes during puberty, adult acne may be triggered by a variety of factors that go beyond just the teenage years.
Adult acne can manifest in different forms, including:
- Non-inflammatory breakouts, such as blackheads and whiteheads, are characteristic of comedonal acne.
- Inflammatory acne: This type involves pimples that are inflamed and may develop into pustules or cysts.
- Cystic acne is notoriously severe. It causes painful cysts to form deep under the skin.
Understanding the causes of adult acne is crucial for selecting the most effective treatments.
Why Do Adults Get Acne?
Many factors can induce and maintain adult acne. At the same time, hormonal variations are still an essential factor.
1. Hormonal Imbalances
Among the most common reasons why adults get pimples is hormonal fluctuations. In women, this is often tied to:
- Menstrual cycles: Many women experience acne flare-ups right before their periods due to an increase in hormones that are naturally present in men and increase sebaceous gland oil production.
- Pregnancy: Certain hormonal shifts that occur during pregnancy can lead to a change in the skin’s oil production, which can lead to acne.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS may have irregular periods and an excess of male hormones, which can lead to acne along with other symptoms like weight gain and hair growth.
- Menopause: Due to estrogen-testosterone imbalance, some women in their 40s and beyond may develop acne flare-ups.
2. Stress
Stress is another common culprit of adult acne. Being under a lot of stress can increase cortisol levels, which can lead to an alteration in the appearance of oily skin. Acne happens when oil blocks pores. Stress can also weaken the skin, making it more challenging to eliminate pimples.
3. Diet and Lifestyle Choices
What you eat is crucial for maintaining the health of your face. Too much sugar, processed foods, and other foods can make some people break out in acne, and dairy items. Because they mess up the balance of hormones and the production of oils on the face, foods that cause inflammation can make breakouts more likely. Not drinking enough water or too much alcohol can also make the situation worse.
4.Cosmetic Products
Some cosmetics and skincare products, especially those that are heavy or oily, can exacerbate acne. Comedones (pimples) can form when you use lotions or makeup that clog pores. Ensure you use non-comedogenic items, meaning they won’t clog your pores.
5. Genetics
A person’s genes can also significantly influence the development of adult acne. If your parents or siblings had acne as adults, you may be more likely to experience it as well. Genetic factors may determine how much oil your skin produces or how your skin responds to hormones.
6. Medications
Some medications can cause or exacerbate acne. In this group are drugs used to treat seizures or high blood pressure, as well as corticosteroids and lithium. It’s important to talk to your doctor about possible options if you think a medicine is making your acne worse.
Effective Treatments for Adult Acne
Thankfully, adult acne is treatable, and many people find significant improvement with the proper skincare regimen and treatment plan. A mix of prescribed medication, over-the-counter remedies, and behavioral modifications can help keep breakouts under control.
1. Topical Treatments
- Retinoids: These are among the most effective treatments for adult acne. To put it simply, retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene increase cell turnover rate, preventing clogged pores and reducing inflammation.
- Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient helps kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- Salicylic acid: A gentle exfoliant that unclogs pores and reduces the appearance of blemishes.
- Topical antibiotics: For inflammatory acne, topical antibiotics like clindamycin or dapsone can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
2. Oral Medications
- Oral contraceptives: Pharmaceuticals used for contraception that include estrogen have the potential to regulate hormonal fluctuations that contribute to acne in women.
- Antibiotics: Prescription antibiotics, such as doxycycline or tetracycline, can help reduce swelling and eliminate microorganisms that cause acne.
- Spironolactone: A medication that blocks androgens (male hormones) and is often prescribed for women with hormonal acne, especially during their 30s and 40s.
- Isotretinoin (Accutane): In cases of severe or cystic acne, isotretinoin may be prescribed to reduce oil production and prevent future breakouts.
3. Professional Treatments
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels use acids to remove dead skin cells and clear pores, making acne and its scars less noticeable.
- Laser therapy: Lasers can target acne-causing bacteria, reduce oil production, and improve skin texture.
- Extraction: A professional can safely remove blackheads and whiteheads that won’t clear with at-home treatment.
4. Lifestyle Changes
- Diet: Avoiding dairy and processed foods, and consuming more foods rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help improve skin health.
- Proper skincare routine: Use oil-free creams and gently cleanse your face.
- Adequate sleep: Ensure that you’re getting enough rest
Conclusion
Many people, especially those in their 30s and 40s, deal with adult acne, which can be very annoying. There are successful treatments for this condition, even though many things, including changes in hormones, stress, genetics, and lifestyle choices, can cause it.
If you have active acne or are having trouble controlling breakouts in your 30s and 40s, you might not have to deal with adult acne forever. But there are ways to get better skin. If you take the proper steps, you can get smoother, cleaner skin. Please be gentle with your skin as it heals, and always consult a dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment for your condition.
One Face Clinic – Dr David Ng Cheow Hua
1 Tras Link #02-01
Orchid Hotel
Singapore 078867
Phone: +65 6222 2262
Whatsapp: +65 9822 2989
