Why Do I Have Adult Acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, but we generally don’t imagine dealing with it past our teenage years. Sadly, millions of adults struggle with this condition, and here’s why.

Our skin is protecting us against a number of threats and helping us in countless ways, but it’s also where we suffer a number of illnesses both mild and serious. One of the most common skin conditions is acne, which around 50 million people in America struggle with, and up to 85% of them are aged 12-14.

However, anyone can get acne, and it’s becoming more common in adults all the time, especially women. Adult acne happens for many reasons, but it is manageable, and we can help.

Residents in the Denver, Colorado, Chicago, Illinois, San Diego, California, and Tampa, Florida, areas struggling with acne in adulthood can find help with the dedicated team at Ice Cave Body Sculpting.

To better understand why you’re struggling, let’s examine some basic facts about acne, what often causes it to occur in adults, and what can be done to prevent and treat it.

Facts about acne

Your skin may look solid on the surface, but upon closer inspection (on a microscopic level) you’ll find it’s filled with a vast network of pores that perform several functions, including releasing sweat to help regulate your body temperature, producing natural oils to keep your skin moist, and housing hair follicles.

Acne is the result of clogged pores and hair follicles, often from dead skin cells and excess amounts of the oil your skin produces.

Causes of acne in adults

Hormones are the most common cause of acne in teens, as their bodies are going through constant changes. However, teen acne usually sits on the surface of the skin and is located on the top half of the face. Adult acne is frequently deeper into your skin and appears as cysts, making them harder to drain. This can be caused by several factors, including:

Hormonal changes (often in women as they’re entering menopause)
Hairstyling products that contact your skin
Topical products for hair removal
Using too many skin products
Some types of makeup remover
Environmental changes due to travel
Some heavier sunscreens

Other factors, such as diet, family history, and emotional and physical stress can also play a role in acne outbreaks.

Prevention and treatment

Avoiding the use of the products that lead to acne outbreaks can help reduce your chances of developing it, so changing skin care products, hair care products, and other items that irritate your skin is a good place to start.

Reducing stress can also help, along with over-the-counter remedies, topical treatments, and oral supplements like aloe vera, green tea extract, tea tree oil, zinc, vitamin A, and probiotics.

If you’re struggling with deep or extensive adult acne, more powerful treatments may be necessary, such as hydroxy acids, oral birth control pills, Spironolactone, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, blue light therapy, and Clascoterone.

Adult acne may feel embarrassing, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of, and we’re here to help. If you’re dealing with adult acne, make an appointment with the team at Ice Cave Body Sculpting today to get the help you need to have clear, healthy skin. Call our location closest to you or book a visit online today.