Acne is often associated with a person’s teenage years and puberty. Unfortunately, it can occur at different stages of life. In our post ‘What Are The Pimples And Spots At Birth?’, we emphasized how military acne can happen at birth, caused by the obstruction of follicles on the skin.
Baylor College of Medicine’s post on acne facts and misconceptions notes that adults also experience acne due to genetics, hormonal changes, and lifestyle. The promising information is that there are exact measures to take to deal with adult acne, which we will further discuss below:
1. Why adult acne occurs
MedicineNet lists several causes of adult acne, including fluctuating hormone levels, environmental factors, and skin and hair products. The drop in estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle causes more sebum (oily secretion), resulting in acne.
Meanwhile, frequent exposure to air pollution and heat can irritate the skin and cause pimples. Oily skin care products only add to the oil on the face, and hair products drip or land on the skin can cause breakouts.
Other causes are genetics, makeup products, and dry skin conditions. If relations in your family have adult acne, chances are, you’ll also have it. Makeup that isn’t removed at the end of the day can also cause breakouts. On the other hand, dryness prompts the skin to produce more oil, contributing to acne.
2. How to approach adult acne
a. Consult a dermatologist
Board-certified dermatologists in the US—like those with certification from the American Board of Dermatology— are equipped with the necessary skills to treat skin conditions. They can identify and treat more than 3000 conditions such as acne, eczema, and skin cancer.
Local hospitals usually have a dermatologist on staff, so you can contact them and ask for an appointment to consult about your adult acne. They will give you the necessary instructions on how to treat it, such as taking over-the-counter medications.
b. Book a telehealth consultation
Healthcare professionals offering telehealth services can also provide treatment, and your point of contact will likely be a nurse practitioner. Remote nurse practitioners across the country are trained in specialized areas like acne.
Telehealth services are highly accessible and convenient, especially when dealing with non-urgent conditions like this. This is especially beneficial if you’re self-conscious about your acne since you won’t need to appear in public.
Remember that during the telehealth consultation, you may be asked to turn on your camera or send photos of your skin. Contact your local hospital or clinic and ask if they provide telehealth services. If not, the US Department of Health and Human Services has resources to help you book a teleconsultation.
c. Make lifestyle changes
Other than consulting medical professionals, changing your habits can also prevent acne. A New York Times piece on adult acne suggests limiting sugar intake, refined starches like bread, and fast food.
These have the potential to increase insulin levels that make hormones more active, causing acne to appear. Another is to minimize stress by indulging in relaxing hobbies like yoga and meditation. Stress hormones increase oil production, so it’s best to avoid it.
Adult acne is nothing to be ashamed of, as it can happen because of many factors. However, it can impact one’s confidence. With this guide, hopefully, you get the necessary treatment for your acne.
