Facts About Adult Acne
Skin conditions are typically associated with adolescence and early adulthood, but the stereotype does not accurately reflect the reality of the situation. About a quarter of men and half of women struggle with adult acne at some point. This can lead to low self-esteem, distorted body image, depression, and social anxiety in some people. Those with pre-existing mental health or self-confidence issues may find that the presence of acne makes things far worse. At times, acne seems to end during the teen years only to inexplicably return decades later. There are many myths concerning skin problems, and knowing the facts helps clarify what's going on with your body and how unwanted blemishes can be treated.
There is a persistent rumor that diet plays a large role in determining who gets acne. This is not necessarily accurate. Eating unhealthy foods is not the best thing for the heart, liver, or digestive system, but junk food alone is not going to cause a break out. Many people mistakenly believe that fried, greasy foods as well as sweets, such as chocolate, are the prime culprit. This misconception makes it difficult for people to cope because it creates a social stigma. The assumption is that someone has acne because their eating habits are out of control.
In reality, the main causes have nothing to do with personal accountability. One of the main causes of adult acne is hormone changes, especially in women. Estrogen levels fluctuate as a woman ages, particularly during menopause. That is when women seem to have the worst skin troubles. The menstrual cycle on its own can result in breakouts regardless of age. Many women notice pimples around their mouths when they are about to have their periods. Birth control pills can be a culprit as well. They often work by manipulating hormone levels, which leads to sudden breakouts. Others use birth control pills as a way of eliminating acne, so they see a flare up if and when they discontinue use. The same can be said for pregnancy; the hormone changes the body undergoes produce pimples in expectant mothers.
Certain foods are known to make acne worse, and they are not the items typically associated with the stereotype. Caffeine isn't good for the skin, so limit soda and coffee intake. Simple carbohydrates, such as starches, potatoes, and refined sugar do not have a lot of nutritional value, which means they do not stimulate cell growth or healing. Acidic foods and those high in vitamin B5 should be cut out of the diet whenever possible.
There is also a genetic component to adult acne. Those that dealt with skin problems in the teen years are far more likely to see renewed symptoms later in life because of the hereditary aspect. Parents pass these tendencies along to their kids at a roughly 50% rate. Stress is another big contributor. Higher levels of stress make the skin oily, much like during the teen years. These conditions lead to infections, which manifest as unsightly pimples. Despite the fact that the two conditions have similar roots, adult acne should be treated in the same way as the adolescent types. Products that are made for teens will not work for grown ps. They might make things worse! This is because the oil in an adult's face is coming from the overproduction of androgens, which are male hormones. Dry skin is another part of adult acne that rarely appears in kids. Teen formulas are often very aggressive, and the chemicals are simply too harsh for an adult's sensitive skin.
Stress gets blamed for stimulating this condition in adults, yet the clinical research demonstrates scant evidence to support the claim. This is not to say that stress has nothing to do with acne. On the contrary, stress probably plays a role in determining the timing of breakouts. It just means that the stress factor may be overstated. In all likelihood, stress interacts with previously existing genetic tendencies to create problems at the worst possible times. Personal hygiene is another topic that is misrepresented. Washing the face once or twice a day is helpful, but lots of people practice good hygiene and still encounter difficulties. Using a stay on cream instead of temporary cleanser works more efficiently because it increases the duration of treatment. Scrubbing the face vigorously actually exacerbates the problem, especially in terms of redness. The same is true of scratching, picking, or popping pimples. These practices may eliminate one or two blemishes only to cause additional ones in the process. Instead, gently wash with a very soft cloth or bare hands for maximum effect. The hair is an important part of the equation, too. Hair inadvertently touches the face throughout the day. If it's oily for whatever reason, then the acne it touches could spread. Keep hair away from the face and wash it regularly with a light shampoo and/or conditioner.
Another myth states that women cannot wear make-up if they are dealing with acne. This rumor probably started because of skin allergies. Women that are unable to wear make-up because of this are definitely in the minority. Thick, oily make-ups should be avoided because they may irritate even normal skin, but that doesn't mean all cosmetic products are off limits. Loose powders and foundations do not provide as much coverage of blemishes, but they are better than nothing. Try using natural cosmetics to see if the harsh chemicals are producing a bad reaction. The same is true for sunscreen. This product is not completely off limits to those with skin conditions. In fact, sun exposure can amplify dryness tenfold. Use nonabrasive sunscreens that do not rely on oils and artificial enhancements. Basically anything that is water based is safe.
Adults may benefit from seeing a professional dermatologist. Buying over the counter products might not be enough to tackle an ongoing problem. Dermatologists can prescribe clinical strength versions of popular products and have access to other drugs that aren't available in the store. Antibiotics are a prime example. These cannot be purchased at a department or drug store.
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