Adult acne is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous gland and hair follicles of the skin that causes the eruption of pimples or pustules, especially on the face. Adult acne can occur even if you have never suffered from acne as a teen. A common time when women may get adult acne can be in pregnancy.
Adult acne is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous gland and hair follicles of the skin that causes the eruption of pimples or pustules, especially on the face. Adult acne can occur even if you have never suffered from acne as a teen. A common time when women may get adult acne can be in pregnancy.
The difference with adult acne is, it is most likely to be found on areas like the neck, under and running along the jaw, as well as around the hairline, unlike teen acne, which commonly occurs on the cheeks, forehead and chin.
Adult acne normally has fewer blackheads and there tends to be a general increase in skin sensitisation. Adult acne tends not have the same severity as pubescent acne.
What causes Acne?
The one big similarity? Hormones are probably still to blame.
At its root, adult acne is caused by the same things that cause teen acne-excess skin oil and bacteria. Any changes in hormones, including those brought on by pregnancy and menstruation, can trigger excess oil. Women who smoke also seem to be more prone to acne.
Acne also tends to run in families, so if a parent had adult acne, you're at higher risk. People can get acne into their 40s and beyond.
Ways to help if I have Adult Acne?
- Don't pick it. Really simple but so important. Picking will result in scarring. And scarring is permanent. In severe cases, consider seeing a specialist who can assess the underlying cause and identify if stronger, medical treatment is necessary.
- Cleansing is such an important step in preventing breakouts. Further that, double cleansing is really essential when it comes to targeting acne. Use a cleansing oil, which gives the skin a really deep clean, then follow up with an antibacterial facial gel wash or clay-based cleanser.
- Ensure you spend a bit more time focusing on the areas where you get your breakouts.
- Exfoliating will not only help treat your breakouts, but it will also keep the skin from becoming congested in the first place.
- Hydroxy acids are my go to when it comes to acne-in particular Salicylic Acid, which is great for decongesting pores-not only in your two to three times weekly exfoliation, but also in some daily leave-on treatment products like serums or moisturising lotions.
- Use SPF. It's a myth that all sunscreens will make your breakouts worse. There is plenty of oil-free, matte SPF moisturisers on the market, look for one in your price range. It is especially important to use SPF if you are using any Hydroxy acids as exfoliants.
- Assess your diet. What you eat can have a significant impact on your skin, so making small changes like avoiding processed foods and those known to trigger acne (and yes, for some that is chocolate!) can have big results.
- Drinking plenty of water, herbal teas (which are packed with anti-oxidants) and eating plenty of fresh, leafy green vegetables can also help.
- Some people find cutting their dairy intake also reduces the frequency of their breakouts.
Written by Laura Doyle staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.lovelifeandlittleones.com.
