Adult Acne: Types, Causes, and Treatment
Acne is often considered a teenage disorder but might affect several people in adulthood. Several people experience adult acne in their twenties, thirties, and forties.
Adult acne can be caused by changing hormone levels, genetic predisposition, irritation from skin or hair products, and certain bacteria. Like other types of acne, it starts in the hair follicles and clogs pores, leading to its formation. Adult acne can affect self-confidence and self-esteem, and severe acne can even lead to depression. OTC and prescription medicines that may be involved in acne treatment regimens to treat adult acne, we will discuss in this article also.
If we talk about signs of acne in adults, they are similar to those of teenage acne, including redness and inflammation, excess oil, increased cell turnover, and bacteria.
Types of adult acne
There are three main types of adult acne include:
Mild adult acne
Whiteheads and blackheads characterize mild adult acne, which is mainly found among people with congested skin. This type of acne can be easily treated with a proper skincare routine that includes non-comedogenic products.
Moderate adult acne
Moderate acne is characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules. Compared to mild adult acne, the bacteria causing this type of acne are more aggressive.
Severe adult acne
Hormonal imbalances cause severe adult acne, which worsens and requires specialist treatment. People suffering from adult acne experience painful cysts and nodules that occur in different areas of the body.
Causes of adult acne
Acne occurs when your pores get blocked with oily substances, dirt, and dead skin cells. However, when you suffer from adult acne, it can be due to factors which did not come into play during the teenage time:
Hormones
Hormonal fluctuations later in life are responsible for most adult acne cases. When your skin starts producing more of an oily substance due to hormone fluctuations, excess oil blocks the pores and interacts with bacteria present on your skin, causing adult acne.
Women are more prone to adult acne or hormonal acne throughout their lives, mainly during the days that surround menstruation, during pregnancy or menopause, and when starting or stopping contraceptives.
While men with high testosterone levels naturally can be affected with adult acne.
Stress
Some people might experience an acne flare-up while experiencing stress because their bodies start to produce more androgen hormones in response. These hormones further stimulate the oil glands present in the skin and lead to adult acne.
Medicines and supplements
Adult acne is also a side effect of certain medicines like mental health medications such as lithium or corticosteroids. Apart from this, testosterone medicines, some seizure drugs, and birth control pills are also responsible for adult acne. Supplements like whey protein and vitamin B can contribute to adult acne.
Pollution
You might have never considered the environment's effect on your skin, mainly the dirt and UV radiation present outside. Air pollution often puts a layer of dirt on your face, leading to clogged pores and more acne. Excess dirt and grime on your face increases the chance of blocked pores, which causes adult acne. Even the use of harsh soaps and cleansers can irritate your skin and may make your pre-existing acne worse.
Genetics
Sometimes, acne is a lifelong problem for people with certain skin types, especially if you have oily skin naturally or slower skin-cell turnover where dead skin cells get retained and clog pores. However, these problems increase with age and hormonal changes. A family history of adult acne can also increase your chance of getting it.
Treatment of adult acne
The best acne treatment depends on the severity and frequency of the symptoms. Sometimes, lifestyle changes, such as trying other skincare products or improving cleansing habits, can help.
Some common treatments for adult acne include home remedies, over-the-counter products, and prescription medicines. You should consult a dermatologist once you notice adult acne or worsen acne symptoms.
Here are some treatment options for adult acne:
Home remedies
Home remedies for adult acne usually include topical treatments and oral supplements, including:
- Tea tree oil
- Aloe vera
- Zinc
- Green tea extract
- Vitamin A
- Probiotics
Medical treatments for treating acne
- Antibiotics
- Retinol
- Salicylic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Blue light therapy
- Oral isotretinoin
- Spironolactone
Related Article - Salicylic Acid Vs Benzoyl Peroxide Difference
Summary
Therefore, there are several ways to treat acne. It can happen at any age and affects both men and women. Using the right combination of anti-acne treatments and natural products and maintaining a good skincare routine can help clear acne and attain flawless skin.
