What Causes Adult Acne?
It’s a cruel irony that teenagers get acne when they’re going through puberty, when they’re at their most vulnerable and sensitive. Still more ignominious, is those that continue to get acne into their late 20s. While some say that America is a culture that’s obsessed with appearances, there has probably not been any time in the recorded and unrecorded history of human society, where primitive man actually found acne to be a desirable condition to have. But unlike yesteryear, modern medicine can manage the symptoms of acne. So what could be causing your adult acne?
#1. Genetics
Chances are your adult acne is inherited, making this yet another thing that you can blame your parents for. In this case a person who is predisposed to producing more oil than the average person would is also predisposed to acne. It’s fundamentally the same reason why teenagers get acne. Their bodies are producing more oil during puberty than it would otherwise. If this condition continues into adulthood, you end up with adult acne.
#2. Hormones
Any condition that causes changes to your hormones has a tendency to trigger acne. This goes beyond puberty to include menstruation and pregnancy.
#3. Makeup
There are a number of makeups that can cause or aggravate acne as they have a tendency to clog pores in the skin. Finding makeup that is non-comedogenic and using more powders than creams can be one way to reduce the risk.
#4. Stress
While there is no known scientific link between stress and acne, many patients do report that stress actually worsens the condition of their skin and makes them more prone to outbreaks.
#5. Birth Control Pills?
For some women, birth control pills actually help control acne. This is because the hormones in them can block androgen hormones, which is the hormone responsible for putting the oil glands into hyperdrive.
Preventing Acne
For those prone to getting acne, getting rid of it can be a frustrating experience.
“Adult acne has the same basic causes as teen acne,” says one dermatologist from Cameron Park, “but it’s treated differently. Some of the over the counter stuff that’s prescribed for teenagers isn’t going to work at all for adults. But there are a number of treatment options, including birth control for women that will help reduce outbreaks. Of course birth control isn’t going to be an option for all women but there are prescription creams, antibiotics, and some other treatment options that have proven effective. But they’ll require a prescription.”
Disclaimer: We are unable to guarantee any result, even though most of our patients do see success. The results of our services will vary greatly to each patient’s level of commitment and compliance with the program.
dermatologist Cameron Park