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The best online guide to the beauty & cosmetic industries.
The Facts About Adult Acne
You're all grown up, have an adult job, make adult decisions and yet you're plagued by teenage skin. Adult acne is an increasingly common and frustrating skin disease with 50% of females and 25% of males over the age of 25 affected. Luckily, treatment is widely available and your choice can range from remission to recovery.
Adult acne is defined as acne vulgaris which occurs after the age of 25. Pimples, know as comedoes, are created by blocks of skin cells, fat and keratin which clog the hair follicles. If the follicle is open it is a blackhead, if it is closed it is a whitehead. With whiteheads the clogging matter causes inflammation of the cell walls which causes redness and pustules as the white blood cells try to fight the infection. Large cyst type bumps can occur under the skin which are painful to touch. This is caused by inflammation in the deeper tissue rather than the surface of the skin.
Acne most commonly occurs on the face and neck, however many sufferers experience pimples on the chests, arms and back.
Scarring is a common side effect from acne, where the pimple ruptures and the cell does not return to it's previous size and shape. The most common scar in the "ice pick" scar which has the appearance of a permanently enlarged pore. "Box car" scars occur on the cheeks and temples and have a fine angular appearance. Some scarring can leave the skin with a bumpy appearance, such as "rolling" scars and in severe cases keloid scars can form which are wide and noticeable.
Most people believed acne represented poor hygiene and that simply by washing the face more regularly would combat the problem. Whilst bacteria on the skin can inflame acne, dermatologists have found that acne is caused more by internal factors and the individuals skin make up. Some people are more likely to develop acne due to their higher production of sebum, a naturally produced oil. This production can cause the cells to become more blocked resulting in acne.
Hormones are a major contributor to the development of acne. Puberty and menstrual cycles increase the body's testosterone levels which increase oil production. Factors such as pregnancy or polycystic ovary syndrome can cause hormone imbalance and with menopause the hormone estradiol, which naturally fights acne, depletes causing adult acne. Scientists have proven a correlation between acne flare-ups and stress levels. Stress causes an increase in testosterone resulting in break outs.
Nutritionists have found that diet is one of the major factors with acne. In todays world we eat processed and high glycemic index foods. In a study scientists found that people who ate a typical American diet of high fat, high sugar and processed foods had a higher percentage of acne sufferers and more severe cases compared to those who ate lean meats and organic, unprocessed foods.
Treatment for acne is relatively easy to come by. Products such as Proactiv and Dermalogica contain benzoyl peroxide which dries out the skin and contains anti-inflammatory ingredients. These are marketed as a daily cleansing, toning and moisturising regime and with regular use have been proven to reduce and clear acne. Benzoyl peroxide must be used often as it does not build up an immunity to bacteria unlike antibiotics. In severe cases antibiotics are prescribed which can be taken orally or applied as a topical treatment.
In females, hormonal treatments are available in the form of the pill. Increasing estogen and progestrogen levels counteract the high testosterone levels.
Dermatologists can inject cortisone directly into large, stubborn nodules which immediately reduce the inflammation. Whilst it does not remove the cyst completely it makes it less bumpy therefore easier to cover up with makeup making it less noticeable. The use of cortisone or other steroids can cause a pigment discolouration where the nodule has been injected and a bacterial infection where the needle has opened the skin. Recurring acne is highly probable with this treatment.
Vitamin A is proven to control acne breakouts. Topical applications such as tretinoin, adopaline and trazarotene can be used and oral medications like reaccutane, clavaris and clarus are effective in long term reduction of acne. These products must only be used for 3-6 months as ongoing treatment can cause problems with the liver and kidneys due to excessive vitamin A intake.
Dermabrasion is a popular procedure for those with acne scars. The surface of this skin is removed through an abrasive technique which lessens or removes scarring. This procedure must be performed under a general anaesthetic and can take 3-6 months for the skin to grow back. Microdermabrasion is a gentler version where the surface layer of skin is gently buffed back to reveal the newer skin below. Superficial scar removal is successful with this treatment.
Laser treatments are available to lessen or remove scars and have recently been used to treat acne itself, however due to the damage laser can inflict on skin cells a common side effect is pigmentation of the skin and an overly dry appearance. A pulsing light is applied to the affected area which burns the hair follicle to stop oil production and increases the oxygen in the cells, killing the bacteria.
With the number of treatments available you do not have to suffer anymore. Go to your nearest doctor for advice regarding the best form of treatment. Adult acne can be a thing of the past, everyone deserves beautiful, healthy skin.
