Face It: How to Control Adult Acne

Think acne is just for young boys and girls on the brink of puberty? Think again. Once known as the ‘scourge of adolescence’, acne affects millions of adults in their 20s, 30s and even in their 40s and some are more prone to it than others.

Blackheads, whiteheads red spots and pustules may appear in clusters on the skin that you thought otherwise was finally free of that most common of adolescent skin problems. Imagine the physical discomfort and emotional distress this may cause an adult with acne during a job interview or a board meeting or going to a function with your family.

Acne in adults may be triggered by several factors like hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycles, stress, vitamin deficiency, use of drugs and medication, exposure to chemicals and even pregnancy. The good news is, acne caused by these conditions normally clears up after a short time.

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The most common cause of adult acne is the overproduction of oil or sebum by the sebaceous glands located just beneath the skin. This promotes the growth of bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, which is actually harmless in normal skin conditions. This bacteria feeds off the excess sebum and produces fatty acids that irritate the hair follicle and causes inflammation.

Killing the bacteria is just one step in the process of managing acne. Controlling it means utilizing a sustained effort in hygiene maintenance, medication and lifestyle change while being gentle to the skin. Here are several ways to control it.

Shed your skin.

Skin cells are constantly renewing themselves, which means that dead skin cells are inevitable. If left unattended, dead skin cells can clog hair follicles. Coupled with the overproduction of sebum in the skin, it provides the ideal environment for P. acnes to multiply.

Washing the face helps rid the skin of dead cells but overdoing it can prove detrimental. A good regimen should include only about two or at most, three washings a day with an antibacterial soap. Too much washing can irritate the skin and promote dryness.

Go see the doc.

If your case is a pimple or two, it may be treated by over-the-counter topical medication. But if your acne is mild to severe, it would be best to consult a doctor. He can diagnose the type of acne you have and prescribe the proper medication.

There is a wide variety of topical and oral medication in the market, benzoyl peroxide being the most popular. There are also antibiotics available to fight infection and your dermatologist may offer cortisone injection should he find it necessary.

It may take some time before visible results are noticed. Sometimes improved conditions can only be seen after weeks and months of treatment, but don’t be put off. If scarring has already occurred, dermabrasion may be the solution or a chemical peel. Lately, laser surgery has been employed to lessen the appearance of scars. Ask your doctor which is best for you and when you can avail of it.

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Don’t believe the hype.

Some medications, drugs or herbal remedies may claim that they have the ultimate cure for acne but be wary of these preparations. Know what the formulations and ingredients are and ask a doctor or dermatologist for advice. If you do happen to use one of these remedies and it helps clear your skin, then good for you but remember that some of these may not be regulated and may contain some components that are yet untested and unapproved.

Leave your face alone.

Pricking your pimple or squeezing it is an unhealthy practice. If your hands are unclean, you will promote infection and worsen the inflammation. The skin will rupture and produce scars. Even if your hands were clean, squeezing and picking your skin will irritate it more. It’s best to treat your acne like a wound and touch it only when washing and applying medication.

Food could be it.

Some people find that staying away from certain foods help prevent an acne breakout. There is, however, no study yet that has concluded there is a direct relation between food and acne. But a recent study involving more than 47,000 women showed that there was a correlation between skimmed milk and skin. This may be because of the presence of hormones in cow’s milk. Again, studies have been inconclusive but if avoiding certain foods works, then do manage your diet.

Watch your makeup.

Some acne are triggered by cosmetics. It is best to keep away from makeup with too much scent or cosmetics with too much colorants. Some makeup companies carry lines that are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. These are good bets because they have gentler formulations than regular makeup.

De-stress.

If you can help it, try to keep calm. Stress has been known to cause acne breakouts and it is not uncommon for people to complain of bad skin just days before a special event. Live a healthy lifestyle and get some exercise. Exercise has been known to strengthen the immune system and this will help in keeping your body and your skin in good condition.

About 25% of men and 50% of women out of their teens have been affected by acne at some point in their lives. Severe cases have the effect of diminishing self-esteem and promoting feelings of embarrassment and inadequacy because of disfigurement and the association of acne with dirt. Acne is a treatable condition and there is no reason that you should despair if you have it.