Though you might not specifically remember getting your first pimple, you surely remember the general feeling – and embarrassment. For many people, that first pimple was soon followed by another, then another, then hundreds more throughout the course of their teens year. Fortunately, for most people, that acne inflamed skin was simply the result of adolescent hormones running rampant and wreaking havoc on their bodies. Eventually their skin cleared up and the acne battles of their teen years were soon forgotten. Years later, when all seemed well, many of these people have awakened to find the familiar, unwelcome signs of a coming acne breakout. For many people in their 30s or 40s, this seems like a cruel nightmare from their past.
Causes of Adult Onset Acne
What it turns out to be is a common condition called adult onset acne. What causes this cruel reminder of that trauma referred to euphemistically as adolescence? Though many factors can lead to outbreaks of acne, the most common culprit is the very same one that made its presence in the teen years, hormones. Although levels of androgen hormones such as testosterone and estrogen taper off sharply after puberty and continue to decline throughout life, large fluctuations do occur. Though the fluctuations do occur in men, they are much more common in women. Sharp hormonal fluctuations occur during ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy, etc. and can trigger acne outbreaks. Certain types of birth control can also spark outbreaks. Hormones, though the most common, are not the only cause. Chemical irritation can also promote adult onset acne. Cosmetics, moisturizers, etc., especially those containing oils, can clog pores and cause reactions leading to adult onset acne. For men, this is often due to shaving related products or techniques.
Treating Adult Onset Acne
The first step in treating adult onset acne is finding the cause. This generally involves a process of elimination to determine if a specific product or change of lifestyle is to blame. Sometimes luck shows its face and it s easy to find and eliminate the cause. In other cases, such as pregnancy, there s nothing to be done and treatment is the only option.
As adolescents, often the only option was some zit cream, a concealer and a lot of nights home alone. Fortunately adults have more options to treat adult onset acne. Options range from medications prescribed by a physician to laser skin treatments performed by cosmetic surgeons. A good middle ground solution can be found in your local spa.
These days, day spas have at their disposal a number of treatments that are effective in treating adult onset acne. Spas offer chemical treatment that deeply cleanse the pores and balance the skin. Some chemical treatments cause the top layer of skin to peel , leaving a fresh layer of clean skin behind. Another technique is called microdermabrasion. This technique uses abrasive crystals to remove the layer of dead skin cells and also helps to open up pores and reduce oiliness. All of these procedures can be performed by a trained technician at a span and offer a minimum of risk.
Reducing the Incidence of Acne
You can reduce the incidence of acne by:
Using mild cleansers. Harsh cleansers can have the ill effect of worsening your acne by irritating or inflaming your face.
Drinking lots of water.
Avoiding “squeezing” blackheads and whiteheads; this can spread the acne and cause cysts.
Cutting down on caffeine and chocolate, which are known acne triggers.
Adult onset acne can be controlled and people shouldn t suffer like they did as kids. Explore the cause of the acne and then determine the best treatment option. Proper treatment can cure or at least greatly reduce this annoying, unpleasant condition.
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