What Causes Adult Acne and How to Treat It

by Tracey on November 1, 2017

Adult acne is one of the most frustrating and bothersome skin issue affecting millions of people around the world. Contrary to common belief, the problem is not limited to teenagers going through puberty. More than 80% of women suffer from acne at some point in their lives. The problem continues on to adult life in 12% women and 4% men.

Speaking specifically of adult acne, it is a chronic inflammatory skin problem causing a papule that forms a lesion on your skin. It is caused by accumulation of sebum on the sebaceous glands (oil glands). Clogging of these glands lead to infection from bacteria. It is when your immune system starts attacking the bacteria that you face breakout. It will not be wrong to call them your battle scars. If not treated properly and timely, these scars may advance into cystic acne – a more damaging form of acne that penetrates deep into the skin layers.

Common Causes of Adult Acne

So what causes your sebaceous glands to act against your skin? Most common culprits behind acne breakouts in adults are related to our lifestyle and daily routine. While sebum production is natural for our skin, busy lifestyle, work related stress, lack of sleep, exposure to environmental pollution, lack of skin cleansing and exfoliation results in inflammation leading to acne.

Similarly, unbalanced diet is another cause for acne. Consuming rich foods like crisps, fried food and chocolate can increase acne in some people. Going through stress and depression is another trigger for pimples and irritation on skin. For adults, oral contraceptives and pregnancy can alter Androgen levels. It is a hormone that enlarges the sebaceous glands leading to excess sebum production. Side effects of other medications can lead to hormonal imbalance and outbreak of acne.

Tips for Avoiding Acne in Adults

Taking care of your skin must be a priority. Taking some time off from your busy lifestyle will help rejuvenate your skin. Your skincare plan must include at least these two products, which contain the ingredients Glycolic and Salicylic.

Salicylic or Glycolic – Which Peel to Choose for Acne?

Both acids are beneficial for treating acne, Glycolic is an alpha-hydroxy acid and Salicylic is a beta-hydroxy acid. You can choose a peel that best suits your skin but it is important to consult your dermatologist before selecting your peel. Beta acid peel treats acne and Glycolic peel help lighten your skin tone. Its rejuvenating properties will freshen your skin reducing the irritation.

Moisturise and Exfoliate your Skin

Moisturising is important for your skin no matter your skin type, and that is why it should be a part of your daily skincare regime. For oily skin, try using oil free matte moisturisers with SPF for extra protection against UVA/UBV. However, try not to over-exfoliate your skin as it can cause irreparable damage. Exfoliate twice a week to avoid flaky skin.

Acne Treatment Tips

• Always consult your dermatologist for severe acne breakouts. Maybe you would require medication to treat the outburst.
•Consult a professional skincare expert for an in-depth consultation before using any skincare and start any acne treatment.Continue your treatment for long-lasting effects with an ongoing skincare regime.

Have a look at the latest acne-related products on https://vwskincare.co.uk/image-acne.html. Adult acne is just as natural and normal as any other form of acne, which means it is completely treatable and you should not worry about it.

Talk to the expert

As highly qualified skin expert, I offer complete consultation and treatments for Adult Acne. I recommend a minimum course of 6 Acne resurfacing treatments to help reduce inflammation and blemishes, whilst detoxifying and purifying the skin. Before your first treatment I normally prescribe products that you will need to prepare the skin for better results from the resurfacing treatment. The treatments are 30 minutes each and you will be provided with a post treatment kit to use up to 5 days after each treatment. For further information or to book an appointment, click here

For further information and help, feel free to call 020 8536 4031 and have a friendly confidential chat relating to your acne concerns.

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