In an ideal world, nobody would suffer from acne, but as it is, both teenagers and adults have to live with it on a daily basis. In fact, about 50 million Americans are affected by acne every year, and it’s estimated that 20-40% of those affected are adults. So, what’s the deal? We asked four dermatologists to weigh in on the causes and treatments of adult acne, what products can help prevent and treat it, and in-office treatments you can get from your local MD.
What causes adult acne?
There’s no clear-cut answer on this since there are so many factors that it could be attributed to – genetics, lifestyle, habits, food and more. Any of the below factors could be to blame for your pesky acne.
Hormones and stress can both trigger breakouts. “Hormonal acne tends to come and go, including around your period or when you’re under stress. Hormones can trigger oil production to increase and flare up acne,” explains Dendy Engelman, MD, a New York City based dermatologist, and stress increases cortisol levels, which can worsen acne. In teenagers, hormonal acne typically manifests itself on the forehead, but for adults it’s more commonly found along the jawline and on the cheeks.
Pollution damages skin easily because “nanoparticles can be up to 20 times smaller than human pores, allowing them to easily penetrate the skins surface without an adequate layer of protection,” explains Dr. Engelman. “The harmful effects are directly correlated to clogged pores, inflammation, and often times, allergic reactions.”
Beauty products are “one of the most common causes of adult acne,” says Tess Mauricio, MD, a dermatologist in Beverly Hills. “Moisturisers, sunscreen and especially makeup that may be too thick and oily may clog pores resulting in acne.” Opt for products that are labeled non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and non-acnegenic (formulated specifically to not cause acne), and be sure to clean your makeup brushes at least once a week.
“When applying hairsprays and other hair care products, make sure to shield your face,” adds Valerie Harvey, MD, a dermatologist in Virginia. “If the spray comes in contact with your facial skin, it can cause acne.”
Food can affect your acne. “There is some research that shows foods with a high glycemic index (i.e., food that spike blood sugar) can trigger hormones to help your body absorb the sugar,” says Dr. Engelman. “Dairy has also been elucidated as causing or exacerbating acne. Interestingly, skim milk is worse than whole milk.” Additionally, Dr. Mauricio notes that there is data that shows that eating foods rich in iodine, like shellfish, can trigger acne in most people.
Bad skincare habits, like if you frequently touch your face, forget to take off your makeup, sleep on dirty pillowcases, pick at your pimples, and skip your face cleanser (or wash your face too often!), you’ll be much more prone to breakouts. All of these things will add debris to your face, blocking the skin’s barrier and putting it in contact with bacteria.
Beyond tailoring your lifestyle, there are a few at-home solutions and products you can use to cure your adult acne.
From: Goodhousekeeping.com
Photo: iStock/Yuri_Arcurs
Also read:
What your pimples are trying to tell you
