Understanding Adult Acne
The Causes, Symptoms and Effective Treatments
Introduction:
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not merely a vestige of adolescence but a distinct and often perplexing skin condition. Here we will explore the nature of adult acne, its underlying causes, its varied presentations, and effective treatments designed to restore skin health and confidence.
Understanding the Causes:
Adult acne is a complex interplay of internal and external factors, each wielding its influence on the skin. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, are often a primary culprit, triggering excessive sebum production and pore congestion. Just before or during the menstrual cycle, you may see breakouts on either side of the chin, the area said to be linked to the ovaries in Eastern skin diagnosis. Stress, the ubiquitous companion of modern life, can wreak havoc on skin health by disrupting hormonal balance and exacerbating inflammation. Breakouts on the lower jaw and neck are an indication that stress hormone, cortisol is high. Genetics also play a pivotal role, predisposing some individuals to a lifelong battle with acne. Furthermore, dietary choices laden with ultra-processed foods, dairy, and high-glycemic index carbohydrates can fuel acne flare-ups, while certain medications, such as corticosteroids and hormonal therapies, may inadvertently contribute to skin woes. Understanding these causes is the first step towards devising an effective treatment strategy.
How it Presents:
Teenage acne is usually more concentrated around the oilier “T-Zone” area of the forehead, nose and chin, unlike adult acne which is more common around the chin, jaw and neck. While some individuals may experience persistent, low-grade breakouts, others may encounter sporadic flare-ups punctuated by painful nodules and cysts. Moreover, adult acne tends to be more inflammatory in nature, leaving behind stubborn pigmented marks and scars that linger long after the blemishes have faded. An adult with acne may experience a range of other skin conditions such as dehydration, sensitivity and pigmentation. Cell turnover is slower as we age so the skin is much slower to heal, resulting in post acne marks and redness, creating an more uneven skin tone and increasing the look of premature ageing.
Effective Treatments:
Confronting adult acne demands a tailored approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes. First, you must reduce chronic stress. Take time for yourself every day. This could be a walk in nature, reading a book, or taking a hot bath. All these activities have been shown to reduce cortisol levels so try to do something you love as often as you can. Topical treatments, containing potent ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids, serve as frontline warriors against acne-causing bacteria, unclogging pores, and promoting cell turnover. However, these powerhouse ingredients should be introduced gradually to mitigate potential side effects such as dryness and irritation. In cases of severe acne, oral medications such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, or isotretinoin may be prescribed by your GP to tackle hormonal imbalances and quell inflammation at its source.
Good Skincare Habits:
Navigating the wide range of skincare products can be daunting, especially when grappling with adult acne. Opting for non-comedogenic formulations, that won't exacerbate pore congestion is paramount. This is true of your make-up ingredients too. Look for mineral based foundations and blushers, those without Isopropyl Myristate. Lanolin and Mineral Oils can also exacerbate congestion and stop skin cells from shedding properly. Ingredients like niacinamide, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, and hyaluronic acid, which can hold a thousand times its own weight in water, can soothe irritated skin while maintaining optimal moisture levels, without adding extra oil to the skin. Incorporating gentle exfoliants like salicylic acid into your skincare regime can help slough off dead skin cells to help combat the congestion that cause breakouts deep inside each pore.
Lifestyle Changes:
Beyond skincare, subtle shifts in lifestyle habits can yield profound improvements in skin health. Prioritising stress management through mindfulness practices, meditation, and adequate sleep can restore hormonal equilibrium and diminish cortisol-induced inflammation. Regular physical activity not only promotes circulation but also facilitates the detoxification process, flushing out impurities that may exacerbate acne. Moreover, adopting a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, can quench inflammation from within, while curtailing dairy and high-glycemic foods can stabilise blood sugar levels, thereby mitigating acne flare-ups. Clean your make-up brushes regularly to prevent bacterial build up in the brushes which can then be transferred to the skin. Avoid using hot water to wash your face and don’t over exfoliate as treating the skin too aggressively can dry out the skin and trigger an inflammatory response. Avoid wearing make-up during your workouts and make sure to remove your make-up before bed to avoid clogging your skin.
Products We Love:
Clearing Skin Wash- This foaming cleanser won’t dry the or strip the skin of its natural oils but will help to gently exfoliate the skin to help clear clogged pores.
Age Bright Clearing Serum- An active serum to help clear and prevent breakouts through gentle exfoliation while reducing visible skin ageing for a clearer, brighter and more even looking skin.
Retinol Clearing Oil- An overnight treatment containing slow-release Retinol to optimise skin recovery and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. While Salicylic Acid targets active breakouts.
Deep Breakout Liquid Patch- An invisible spot treatment creates an patch over the skin to help treat and sooth individual breakouts.
Sebum Clearing Masque- A cooling and soothing mask that helps to absorb excess oil and refine skin texture.
Our Favourite Professional Treatments:
A Dermalogica Pro Power Peel treatment is a fast acting, deep exfoliation treatment with no down time. It will help to clear congestion in the follicles to speed up the recovery of existing breakouts as well as minimizing the appearance of post acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The effects can be enhanced by adding LED light therapy after the treatment to aid recovery and kill the acne causing bacteria present on the skin.
IPL Skin Rejuvenation Treatment uses intense pulsed light to stimulate the skin. It can help to reduce active mild to moderate acne and can also help with acne scarring. A course of treatments is recommended for best results.
Read more about these treatments and all the treatments offered at Tranquil Soul Beauty Therapies here.
Conclusion:
Knowledge of the causes of acne is paramount to attaining a clearer, healthier skin. Armed with insights into its causes, attuned to its varied presentations, and equipped with an arsenal of transformative professional and homecare treatments it is possible to keep acne under control.
Talk to Janine or book a consultation to find your best course of action.