Unfortunately for some of us, acne can last beyond our teenage years and follow us into adulthood. Whichever age you experience acne at, the red, blotchy bumps and pus-filled pimples can be both frustrating and embarrassing.
There are various causes of adult acne, but fortunately, there are also lots of adult acne treatment options to help keep your acne flare-ups at bay.
What Causes Adult Acne?
When you get acne as a teenager, you might hear your doctors or parents talk about hormones. While we associate hormonal changes with our teen years, fluctuating hormone levels are still the main culprit for acne in adulthood.
For example, menopause and changing hormonal birth control medications are two common causes of adult acne in women. For some women, even normal hormone changes during a typical menstrual cycle are enough to send their acne into a frenzy.
Another common cause of acne for both adult men and women is added stress. Stress can affect hormone levels and result in a breakout. Also, many medications that affect hormone levels have acne listed as a side effect and can exacerbate skin flares.
How Do You Treat Adult Acne?
Although the causes of adult acne are similar to the causes of acne in teenagers, the treatment you used to fix your acne in the past could irritate or worsen your current condition. Remember, your skin changes over time, so you can’t assume the same things that worked in the past will work now.
A good place to start with adult acne treatment is to make sure to wash your face consistently. For some people, maintaining a clean face is all it takes to keep their pores unclogged and their skin clear. It is important to keep these four tips in mind for your daily skin care routine:
- Wash your face no more than twice a day.
- Use cool or warm water when washing.
- Use your hands, a soft cloth (preferably a baby washcloth), or scrubbing brush for 30 seconds.
- Gently pat your skin dry.
Even if you know that you need a little bit more than just a clean face to get rid of your acne, it is still good to implement this routine into your day.
If daily facial cleansing isn’t enough to control your acne, the next step should be to look into over-the-counter creams and lotions. Products containing sulfur and benzoyl peroxide can be great for adult acne treatment-- just be sure to use these products according to the recommended use described on the label.
If you normally wear makeup, using cosmetic lines that are tailored to people with sensitive and acne-prone skin may help keep your skin clear. Makeup products that are lighter in texture and contain fewer oils are less likely to clog your pores and trap in dirt. Also, making sure to wash off makeup before going to bed can help improve your skin, as it allows your pores to breathe.
Finally, there are prescription medications and high-tech solutions such as laser treatments that may be effective in reducing or eliminating acne when lifestyle changes and over-the-counter products don’t work. Be sure to talk to your dermatologist about these options if the treatment methods you’ve tried so far haven’t been successful.
As frustrating as it can be, adult acne can be controlled and reduced. By familiarizing yourself with the potential causes of your adult acne, the needs of your skin, and by speaking with your dermatologist, you can find a treatment plan that works for you.
