Acne is perceived as an issue that only teenagers experience, but many adults continue to struggle with acne well into their adult years. Acne during the adult years occurs when the skin isn’t functioning as well as it should. At Worcester Dermatology Associates, we can help you find the cause and the best treatment for you.
Prevalence of Adult Acne
If you suffer from adult acne, you are not alone. Over 25% of women and 12% of men in their 40s report having acne. Acne is one of the primary reasons that women between the ages of 20 and 40 visit dermatologists. Sometimes this is due to controllable factors, such as oily cosmetics, or uncontrollable ones, such as hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause. The good news is that there are many treatment options available.
Causes and Triggers for Adult Acne
Before we look at how we can treat adult acne, we need to dive into the multiple factors that can cause, or worsen, adult acne:
- Hormonal fluctuations: Hormonal changes or imbalances, such as during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, is a common time for acne to pop up. Hormones can influence the production of sebum, which is the oil in our skin. When our skin is oilier, there is more chance for clogged pores and, ultimately, acne.
- Stress: When our body experiences stress, it releases cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Cortisol increases the production of sebum, which again leads to increased acne. Stress also slows down wound healing, so present acne may take longer to heal.
- Diet: Eating certain foods can promote inflammation in the body or blood sugar to spike, which can indirectly cause acne to develop or worsen. Foods that raise your blood sugar quickly include white bread, white rice, potato chips, doughnuts, and sugary drinks. Researchers are also looking into whether consuming cow’s milk is linked to increased breakouts.
- Family history: Certain people may have a genetic predisposition for acne. If a close blood relative suffers from adult acne, chances are you may too.
- Medication side-effects: Acne is an unfortunate side effect to many types of medications, such as corticosteroids and certain birth control pills. If you feel your acne is caused by a medication you are taking, speak with your healthcare provider on possible alternatives.
- Hair and skincare products: Using the wrong products for your hair and skin can increase the prevalence of, and worsen, adult acne. When using hair products, make sure to keep them off the skin, or wash the skin right after. For skincare products, look at the labels to make sure they show the following terms:
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
- Non-acnegenic (designed specifically to not cause acne)
- Oil-free
- Won’t clog pores
Is It Bacteria or Hormones?
We can make an accurate assumption on if your acne is bacterial or hormonal by evaluating your skin, medical history, and symptoms. By narrowing down the type of acne you are experiencing, along with where it is located, and the timing of it (e.g., during your period), we can recommend an effective treatment.
Effective Treatments for Adult Acne
Managing acne often requires a multi-layered approach to see what works best for you. Treatment options include:
Topical treatments: Common over-the-counter and prescription products can reduce inflammation and unclog pores.
- Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are found in many over-the-counter products
- Topical retinoids unclog pores and promote cell turnover
- Azelaic acid foam or gel kills bacteria and keeps the pores clean
- Antibiotic creams treat inflamed skin and target bacterial infections, but they don’t clear pores. For this reason, antibiotic creams are often paired with another topical treatment.
Oral medications: Oral medications are often effective for acne, but they come with potential side effects. Make sure to consult your dermatologist on the pros and cons. Examples include:
- Antibiotics
- Birth control pills
- Hormonal treatment, such as spironolactone
- Accutane, which is typically reserved for severe cases and is often a last-resort option
In-office procedures: There are many in-office treatment options to reduce acne. These include:
- Steroid injections
- Chemical peels
- Laser therapy
- Light therapy
- Microneedling
- Dermabrasion
Lifestyle modifications: Treating and preventing adult acne can be as simple as changing up your routine.
- Get yourself on a regular skincare routine with ingredients appropriate for your skin type.
- Even though it seems counterproductive, don’t forget to moisturize! Excessive dryness can exacerbate acne.
- Try a simple change like washing your towels and bedsheets more often, and replace your pillowcase every night.
- Taking care of your overall health will only improve your skin, such as staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly.
If any of these treatment options interest you, but you aren’t sure what your next step should be, contact our office for a consultation and we can help you find the right treatment plan to heal your acne.
When to See a Professional
Working with a dermatologist or dermatologic provider is helpful when you feel that over-the-counter products aren’t working, your acne is causing emotional stress, or just overall feels unmanageable. You aren’t alone in this process and oftentimes quick office procedures, or a prescription topical treatment, can help dramatically.
At Worcester Dermatology Associates, we understand the unique and frustrating challenges of adult acne and we are committed to helping you obtain clear and healthy skin. Our team of dermatologists and dermatologic providers will provide a comprehensive evaluation and create a tailored treatment plan to help you meet your skincare goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take that first step to being acne-free.