Are you facing an acne problem even when you are in your 30s or 40s? Acne has never been just a teen problem. However, it is infamous for affecting young people. These days, various causes like an increase in pollution and rising stress levels have caused a surge in the number of acne cases in men and women. Getting the right treatment can help adults control an acne breakout.
What causes acne?
Acne is a skin condition that results in blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules, and a lot more. These unsightly blemishes on the skin are most prevalent in teens because of hormonal changes. However, adult acne is also a common problem.
Acne is caused by a buildup of excess body oil (sebum) in the skin pores. This sebum is sticky, and so hair, dust, and other particles stick to it, causing raised bumps. The blocked pores can no longer push out the excess sebum or clear the skin of toxins by sweating. So, the dirt accumulates, creating a conducive environment for bacterial infections.
Causes of adult acne
While acne breakouts mostly reduce once you enter your twenties, you can still get it if your skin pores are blocked. People with oily skin are especially vulnerable because their skin normally secretes excessive sebum.
Adult acne can be triggered by:
- Environmental pollution
- Hormone fluctuations
- Using harsh cosmetic products
- Using creamy, oil-based skin-care products on oily skin
- Eating a high-sugar diet
- Not taking good care of your skin
Treatments for adult acne
One can use medications, light therapy, and home remedies to treat adult acne. Some of these treatment options are:
Adult acne medication
For adult acne, you may be asked to use the following — topical applications and oral medications.
Topical applications
- Salicylic acid-based creams: These creams give a gentle exfoliation effect, thus removing dead cells. They also cleanse the pores.
- Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient provides deep exfoliation and pore cleaning. It also kills the bacteria that causes acne. However, this chemical can be harsh on the skin, and so, one must consult a dermatologist before opting for creams and ointments that have this ingredient.
- Retinol: It is derived from vitamin A and converted into retinoic acid in the skin. Retinol can cleanse your skin and kill the bacteria that causes acne. It has anti-inflammatory properties. It also stimulates skin renewal and collagen production. However, it can cause an adverse reaction in people who have sensitive skin.
- Sulfur: Sulfur works by drying up the excess sebum, but it can leave your skin dry.
- Glycolic acid: It exfoliates the skin and stimulates the production of new skin cells to replace the old and damaged ones. It also helps in initiating collagen production which can help heal scars.
Oral medication for treating adult acne
- The doctor may give you antibiotics if you have severe acne to control the infection.
- They may also prescribe hormone control medicines if your acne’s trigger is an imbalance in the hormone levels.
- You may have to take vitamin E supplements and other nutritional supplements that are beneficial for your skin’s health.
Other treatments for adult acne
Blue light therapy
Blue light therapy uses light beams to cure and prevent acne. The light beams penetrate deep into the skin, kill the bacteria that causes acne, and also shrink the oil-producing glands underneath your skin, thus controlling sebum secretion.
This therapy can be an excellent treatment option if you have frequent acne breakouts.
Home remedies for treating adult acne
Along with medications, you can also try various home remedies to control adult acne.
Peppermint
Peppermint is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredient. Crush a few peppermint leaves and apply this over the affected area. After 10 minutes, wash it off using with cold water.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
ACV is capable of balancing your skin’s pH levels and removing excess sebum. It also acts as an antibiotic. Add a teaspoon of ACV to one cup of water, and drink this mixture to get relief from adult acne.
For a more direct action on acne, add a cup ACV to a bowl of water. Heat this in a pan, and give your face a steam therapy.
Honey and cinnamon
You can mix a pinch of cinnamon powder to a tablespoon of honey to create a thin paste. Cleanse your face. Apply this mask on your face and other areas affected by acne. Leave it on for some time and then rinse it off.
This mask is quite effective. Moreover, it is a safe alternative to retinol and benzoyl peroxide.
Tea tree oil
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil to a cup of water and apply this over the acne-affected area. You can also directly apply tea tree oil to the affected region and leave it overnight.
Witch hazel
It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Add a few small pieces of the bark of witch hazel to water. Let it soak for half an hour, then boil it. After it cools down, strain the mixture. You can store this liquid in an airtight container.
Take a small quantity and apply it to your skin using a cotton swab. You can repeat this treatment more than once. Repeat this every day until your acne is gone.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel can treat infections, and soothe and heal wounds. Apply this gel on your skin directly. Apart from healing acne, it also helps to moisturize the skin.
Omega-3 fatty acid foods
Omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits. They help in controlling sebum levels, reduce inflammation, and maintain skin hydration. Some foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, anchovies, sardine, chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
Several factors can cause adult acne, and you can treat this condition by taking medication as well as opting for other treatment options.
