Adult acne can be a frustrating experience, especially for those who thought their days dealing with acne were over after high school.
However, many people do not know that acne can appear at any point in someone's lifetime, not just in their teenage years, and can continue well into adulthood. In this blog of vievesleaves, we will discuss adult acne and how you can manage it if you are experiencing it.
What Exactly Is Adult Acne?
Adult acne is similar to the acne experienced during puberty and adolescence. However, it can be classified in one of three ways:
- Mild adult acne: This level of acne breakout usually entails breakouts of whiteheads, blackheads, and blemishes.
- Moderate adult acne: Moderate acne for adults usually includes papules covering one- to three-quarters of the body or face.
- Severe adult acne: This acne is often extreme and shows signs of deep cysts, swelling, irritation, discoloration, and extreme redness.
Read more: Effective Acne Spot Treatments: What Works, What Doesn't & What's Right for You
What Are The Causes of Adult Acne?
There are several reasons why you may be experiencing an adult acne breakout. Below is a list of the most common reasons why one might experience adult acne:
- Hormonal changes: Acne breakouts can occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
- Stopping birth control pills: Contraceptives are often used to keep acne away, but they may trigger adult acne if you suddenly stop using them.
- Some medications: Certain medications can cause adult acne. If you suspect your medicine is causing a breakout, consult your doctor.
- Family history: Genetics can play a role in determining whether you are more susceptible to getting acne. In many instances, adult acne is caused by your genetics. If someone in your family experiences adult acne, you’re more likely to experience it too.
- Stress: If you are extremely stressed, your body produces more oil on the surface of your skin, which can cause acne.
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions cause irregular periods and hormonal imbalances, so they can cause an adult acne flare. An excellent example of this is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is known to cause adult acne in women.
Read more: Hyaluronic Acid Benefits for All Skin Types
When Does Adult Acne Go Away?
Unfortunately, complete recovery from acne can vary from individual to individual, and it can sometimes never go away. Studies have shown that up to 26% of adults in their 40s and 12% of adults in their 50s have acne. At the same time, up to 10% of females who developed acne in their adolescence have battled with oily skin their whole lives and routine acne breakouts.
This means that many people experience acne – moreso women than men – and that thousands never stop experiencing adult acne. But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are preventative measures and treatments available.
How Do You Treat Adult Acne?
If you are experiencing an acne breakout, there are options for you to try to treat it. Here are two treatment options to consider:
- Topical creams, gels, or lotions: Doctor-prescribed skincare products often contain helpful ingredients such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antimicrobials, and more that help with adult acne.
- Oral medication: Medications such as contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy can help keep adult acne under control.
Can You Prevent Adult Acne?
Sometimes, adult acne is genetic and cannot be prevented, but if it isn’t genetics, you could avoid the development of adult acne by managing stress, removing makeup, and cleaning your skin regularly. You can also implement these tips to prevent acne:
- Be diligent about your skincare routine: A regular routine with products that don’t irritate your skin can help prevent a breakout by equipping your skin with what it needs.
- Moisturize properly: Don't skip moisturizing, and ensure your skin does not dry out.
- Be patient: Don't get frustrated; with consistency, you will see results.
- Take care of your physical health: Adjust your diet, exercise regularly, and drink plenty of water. Water intake is especially important for keeping your skin hydrated and acne-free.
Read more: 5-Minute Skincare Routine for Busy Young Adults
The Wrap-up on When Adult Acne Goes Away
When experiencing constant flare-ups and adult acne, it is important to understand that it is completely normal to get acne at any stage of life and for it to stick around. However, adult acne can be manageable with the proper skincare, preventative measures, and treatment, so no matter how old you are, you still have options to help you manage your acne.
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