Although it’s typically seen as a teenaged skin condition, acne can affect us all, at any time. In fact, 5% of women and 1% of men are said to still be battling acne past the age of 40. This makes it one of the most common skin concerns in the world.
How Is Adult Acne Caused?
When we’re growing up, the development of acne is often ascribed to fluctuations in our hormones. As adults, this may also be the case. It’s estimated that 25% of women aged between 40 and 49 will experience acne at this point in their lives – a period of time in which some of these individuals may be going through menopause. Women diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may also experience body-wide breakouts as a side effect of their condition.
Like more juvenile forms of acne, adult acne takes shape due to the activity of our sebaceous glands. When the body encounters a hormone imbalance, the sebaceous glands will produce too much sebum – a natural oil that is used to moisturise and protect the skin.
After being created in excess, sebum joins unshed dead skin cells in clogging the pores. It’s this that causes the acne-triggering bacteria that lives on our skin to go into overdrive, facilitating the appearance of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), pustules (pus-filled spots), tender-feeling cysts and several other forms of spot. Cysts are the most severe form of acne.
Hormones aside, it is also believed that adult acne emerges as a result of dietary choices, with some experts advising against the heavy consumption of dairy. Certain medications and existing health conditions can also leave individuals susceptible to acne.
Treatments For Adult Acne
Adult acne, when linked to hormonal changes, can be treated using various methods. These range from topical creams and antibiotics right through to advanced aesthetics procedures.
If the acne in question is anything more than mild, it is recommended to seek medical advice. Most professionals can prescribe hormone-balancing medications and oral contraceptives. Antibiotics may also be combined with high-strength creams in a programme designed to bring breakouts under control.
Non-prescription approaches to targeting adult acne include incorporating skincare products that feature tea tree oil into your daily routine. The consumption of green tea can also be useful in tackling any inflammation that may lead to acne. It should be noted that these ways of treating acne may only be successful if it is of a moderate level.
Remember, there is no definite “cure” for acne and treatments will usually focus on managing the condition, rather than eliminating it altogether.
Book A Consultation
As an Independent Nurse Prescriber and an aesthetics specialist with several decades of experience in the medical industry, I have both the knowledge and the expertise to identify and treat any skin concerns that may be troubling you.
Please get in touch with me to discuss anything related to your skin. I may be able to provide you with a suitable solution for this challenging skin condition, and I am proud to offer top-quality advice to help you find what causes adult acne.
Book your consultation here or give me a call on 01628 303 020 today.
Appearance Based Medicine is an ARAUK accredited clinic and is dedicated to helping acne sufferers better understand and manage their skin.
You can find out more about our acne treatments by reading this brochure.
