Most of us think of acne as a problem that happens during the teen and preteen years, but acne affects millions of adults, too. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology says rates of adult acne are increasing, particularly among adult women.
At Starkey Medical Esthetics, Michele Meinhart, FNP, helps patients manage adult acne with skincare routines and treatments focused on improving skin health. Here, learn the basics of adult acne, including what causes it and how we can help you reduce its symptoms.
Acne symptoms, like pimples, pustules, whiteheads, and blackheads, have the same underlying cause regardless of your age. Symptoms begin in your pores or follicles, when bacteria that occur naturally on your skin get trapped inside the tiny follicles.
Dead skin cells, excess oils, and debris form plugs that block follicles and prevent bacteria from escaping. The warm environment of the follicles makes it easy for bacteria to multiply, and dead skin cells and oil provide food sources for them.
As the number of bacteria increases, it triggers an inflammatory reaction, part of your body’s natural response designed to fight off bacterial infections. Inflammation leads to skin redness, swelling, and pus buildup, which we see as pimples and pustules.
Although acne tends to be most common during the teen years when hormonal fluctuations are at their peak, it can continue well into adulthood, too, partly due to hormones and influenced by other factors.
Stress can trigger inflammatory effects in your body, which, in turn, can lead to breakouts. Some stress hormones increase production of skin oils, making clogged pores more likely. Chronic stress from work, relationships, or other issues, can lead to long-term, chronic acne symptoms.
Your genes also help determine if acne will persist into your adult years and even if you have acne at all. Genes influence inflammation, stress response, oil production, and more. If one or both parents had adult acne, you’re more likely to suffer from it as well.
Skincare products help keep your skin healthy, but when you have acne, you need to be especially careful choosing the products you use. Some products contain harsh chemicals or other additives that can clog pores, overdry your skin, or disrupt your skin’s healthy barrier, increasing the risk of breakouts.
Though food choices don’t directly cause acne, they can increase inflammation and increase blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar increases the production of hormones that can make breakouts more likely.
Smoking and excess alcohol consumption can also increase your risk of breakouts by compromising skin health. Your personal habits, like touching your face or picking at acne lesions, also come into play.
Air pollution, humidity, and exposure to smoke or airborne chemicals can easily compromise skin health and lead to breakouts. Tiny airborne particles clog pores and irritate skin, leading to inflammation.
Adult acne management begins with a good skincare routine, using products designed for skin that’s prone to breakouts. Look for products with the word non-comedogenic, which means it isn’t likely to trigger acne reactions in your skin.
If you use cosmetics, once again, be sure to choose products designed for acne-prone skin. The same is true of skin washes and body sprays — anything that comes in contact with your skin.
Cleanse your skin gently without rubbing and exfoliate no more than about once a week to avoid irritation. Many people don’t moisturize acne-prone skin because they think their skin is already too oily, but using a moisturizer on a regular basis maintains skin’s natural barrier that actually helps fight off acne infections.
Consider making spa treatments part of your skincare routine, too. Our team offers a variety of treatments, including chemical peels, laser treatments, and microdermabrasion, each tailored to help pamper acne-prone skin and reduce breakouts. Even our acne facials are specifically designed to reduce inflammation and help skin stay healthy.
Of course, if you have acne, it’s also important to visit a dermatologist regularly. Our skincare solutions work well with medical treatments by keeping your skin healthy and receptive to medications and topical prescription creams.
Don’t let acne take a toll on your physical and emotional well-being. To learn how we can help you enjoy clearer skin, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Starkey Medical Esthetics in Salem, Virginia, today.
