Liptsick, Blush and More

Acne is a hassle and an inconvenience for a lot of people, and it can strike when you least expect it. You can get it years after you thought you were done with it forever. Adult acne can be persistent and difficult to get rid of, and most of us will have to deal with it at some point. Those treatments that work for teenage acne are often ineffective for adults, and in a lot of cases can make acne worse.

Many people try numerous treatments before they find one that works for them. This can make you wonder if the condition you have is true acne, or some other ailment. Hopefully, this article will clear up some of the confusion.

You probably think that acne is really a teenager’s problem, but nothing could be further from the truth. Adults can and do get acne- some have it at thirty, forty, or even fifty. If your acne has not cleared up by the time you turn 25, you are considered to have persistent acne. Cases of adult acne usually have painful, inflamed, and large pimples. Stubborn cases of adult acne usually appear on the chin, mouth and jaw line, but lesions can also appear on the back and buttocks.

Adults can get late onset acne, too. Unfortunately, women are far more vulnerable than men. Even those who haven’t had a breakout in years can get big, inflamed pimples, and those who have never had acne can get it too. Late onset acne can often be brought about by hormone imbalances, like those that happen during menopause.

Regardless of when it happens, all acne cases have the same basic cause- an overproduction of sebum, combined with too many dead skin cells and bacteria in the pores. Overstimulation of the sebaceous glands can, like we said, be triggered by hormones. Many women break out right around the time that their menstrual cycle begins, or when they are pregnant.

Some medicines are known to aggravate acne. If you are on birth control, you’ve probably seen a reduction in your acne. Suddenly stopping the pills can make your skin flare up. If your pill contains estrogen and progestins, it can bring your acne under control, but if the pill only contains progestins, your acne can get worse.

Other drugs can cause acne, too. Medicines like corticosteroids and anticonvulsants can cause acne, but you should never stop taking them because they make your acne worse. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned.

It is known that acne has a genetic component. About half of adults who have acne also have an immediate family member (a parent, child, or brother/sister) who has it too. The genetic link isn’t completely understood, so more research is needed.

Still other studies show that stress is a major acne trigger, especially for women. Scientists have established a link between heightened stress levels and more severe acne in women who have demanding jobs. When the body is under stress it produces more androgens, that stimulate the sebaceous glands and cause acne flare-ups.

Those with adult acne should be selective in choosing skincare and haircare products. A lot of hair and skin products contain a high amount of oil, that can lead to cosmetic acne. To avoid this, look for products that don’t have oil in them (they’ll usually be labeled “non-comedogenic” or something similar). These will reduce your chances of getting cosmetic acne.

Acne can be a warning sign of a more serious medical condition. When adult acne is accompanied by thickening facial hair, balding, and irregular menstrual cycles, it can be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome, or an adrenal gland disorder. It could also mean that the woman has a tumor on an adrenal gland or ovary. If you are experiencing any of these signs, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Testing can find the cause of the symptoms, and your acne won’t go away until they are treated.

If you’ve seen your doctor, and they’ve ruled out polycystic ovary syndrome or other conditions, your acne may need more aggressive treatment. There are a lot of effective natural remedies available. You don’t have to live with adult acne anymore- with persistence it can be treated.