Your teen years are way behind you, but it doesn’t seem like your skin has gotten the memo.
If you’re a card-carrying adult and you’re breaking out like it’s the second coming of your puberty, you’ve got a case of adult acne. And just like in your pubescent years, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the primary culprit is fluctuating hormone levels.
Women, the AAD adds, are more prone to suffer from adult acne caused by hormonal imbalance, which can be brought on by your period, pregnancy, pre-menopause or menopause, or because you start or stop taking birth control pills.
In your teens, Healthline points out, hormonal acne appears in your T-zone, but in adulthood, they appear in the lower part of your face, specifically around your chin and jawline. So if you’ve been plagued by stubborn acne in these areas as an adult, chances are they’re caused by hormones that are going haywire.
Causes of Adult Acne
Women going through menopause, in particular, may develop adult acne since they experience “a drop in estrogen levels or an increase in androgen hormones like testosterone.” This, in turn, leads to an increase in sebum production in the skin. The same goes for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition which also affects hormone levels and causes acne.
Another common cause of breakouts in adults is chronic stress. The AAD says that researchers have determined a correlation between stress and acne flareups, “In response to stress, our bodies produce more androgens (a type of hormone). These hormones stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, which can lead to acne. This explains why acne can be an ongoing problem when we find ourselves under constant stress.”
Related: Check out skincare products specifically meant for acne-control
Stress is also known to increase cortisol levels in the body. And a study suggests that cortisol, a steroid hormone just like androgen, also stimulates the skin’s excess oil production, providing a favorable environment in which bacteria can flourish.
Because increased sebum production appears to be the common denominator, it’s important to keep it in check. Dr Maximin Navarro, Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society and co-founder of Bella Pelle Philippines, explains that when the production of sebum goes into overdrive, they can block your pores or lead to the formation of comedones. Pimples form when these comedones become infected by bacteria and the immune system reacts, resulting in inflammation.
How to Prevent or Manage Adult Acne
Aside from oil control, it’s also important to keep the face clean to prevent bacterial infection. Use a gentle cleanser that addresses oily skin but doesn’t strip it of its natural oils. If your cleanser is too harsh, it can dry out your skin and cause it to overcompensate by producing excess sebum.
Keep your hands off your face, clean your mobile device (a bacterial cesspool, according to science) regularly, and wash your face before going to bed to remove makeup and dirt that have accumulated on your skin during the day.
Another thing you can do, says Navarro, is to manage your stress levels: Practice yoga, meditation, and mindful breathing. A study by the University of Sheffield has shown that meditation can benefit people with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, and acne.
Consult with your Dermatologist
Before using any product for persistent adult acne, the AAD suggests you consult with a certified dermatologist to assess the severity of acne, whether it is mild, moderate, or severe.
Hormonal acne is notoriously difficult to medicate and is often cystic and painful, so over-the-counter pimple medications are usually ineffective. In this case, especially, it is advisable to speak with a dermatologist for the best course of action.
In general, for mild acne, the AAD recommends topical benzoyl peroxide; for moderate acne, a combination of benzoyl peroxide with either a systemic antibiotic, retinoid, or both; and for severe acne, oral isotretinoin may be added to the mix. Meanwhile, oral contraceptives may also be prescribed to women who are suffering from persistent breakouts due to hormones.
In addition to the topical and oral medications outlined by the AAD above for the standard treatment of acne, Navarro recommends the following cosmeceuticals as well, “Working together, they can help prevent and banish adult acne.”
Best Skincare Products to Fight Adult Acne
Biretix Purifying Cleansing Gel, P980
This non-drying cleanser is especially made to combat acne by controlling sebum production and reducing the proliferation of pimple-causing bacteria with its plant-based peptide, BIOPEP-15.
Biretix Duo Anti-Blemish Gel, P1,150
It prevents pore blockage with its RetinSphere® Technology (a retinoid complex that’s not just effective, but also provides excellent tolerance even for sensitive skin) and inhibits the growth of acne-causing microorganisms with its BIOPEP-15.
It’s got RetinSphere® Technology that prevents the formation of whiteheads and blackheads, and green clay that controls excess sebum production reduces redness and detoxifies the skin.
This food supplement containing zinc, nicotinamide, vitamin E, selenium, and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) helps boost your skin’s health and acne-fighting capabilities, and prevent oxidative stress.
Kamedis AC- Breakout Kit, P3,300
Clinically proven to help you achieve clearer skin in just 12 hours, the kit comes with a facial cleanser that cleans without drying, a face cream that balances your skin’s sebum production, and spot treatment that clears breakouts quickly.
NeoStrata Clarifying Facial Cleanser, P2,300
This soap-free facial cleanser, formulated for blemish-prone and oily skin, unclogs pores, exfoliates the skin and boasts anti-aging properties as well.
NeoStrata Oily Skin Solution, P2,650
It contains 8% glycolic acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), to exfoliate the skin, tighten pores, clarify skin, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Formulated for oily and acne-prone skin types, it contains glycolic acid, which helps exfoliate the skin, reduce enlarged pores, refine skin surface, and prevent photoaging.
ZO Obagi Oil Control Pads, P4,000
These Oil-control pads designed to prevent acne minimize the appearance of pores and unclog them by removing dead skin cells, dirt, and oil. They also contain salicylic acid to treat pimples, and a cooling agent to soothe irritated skin.
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