Adult Acne: Common Causes and Ways to Treat Them

Facing acne during adulthood is a common problem that a lot of people face. Normally acne can be a red bump on your skin. But, that’s just one form. In other cases, acne could be more severe involving cysts and pustules. Most adults are seen trying out everything from creams to serums to homemade remedies to cure their acne. But unfortunately, no product or treatment will work if you are clueless about the main cause of your acne breakouts.

The main reason behind the occurrence of acne is clogged pores. Pores that are present on your skin can get clogged as a result of dirt, oil, debris, bacteria, and skin flakes accumulating on the surface. Both men and women can have acne. For some, it can be mild, but for some, it could be severe.

What Causes the Breakouts?

As mentioned earlier, the basic cause of all acne is clogged pores. These pores are the openings surrounding your hair follicles and are also house to the sebaceous glands. These glands secrete sebum which is responsible for keeping the skin soft and protected. But when your pores get clogged, these glands won’t be able to secret sebum which will cause acne.

In some cases, following the simple step of CTM (Cleansing, Toning & Moisturizing) and exfoliating on a regular basis can help prevent acne to a great extent. But for others, it is quite complicated. The situation becomes quite frustrating when you try to figure out what is causing your acne.

Through this blog, we bring to you a list of some of the most common causes of acne and the best strategies to treat it.

Common Causes of Acne:

1. Stress

According to the skin specialists in Ajman chronic stress is one of the most common causes of acne. When a person feels stressed, the adrenal gland releases cortisol otherwise known as the stress hormone. These hormones are present in our hair follicles too and other different types of skin cells. Though cortisol is responsible for a number of skin and hair-related issues, it is a very important compound present in the human body that helps regulate other processes in the body as well. These processes include the digestive system, immune system, and neurological systems. It is quite natural for the cortisol levels to fluctuate over time.

But when you feel too stressed, your body starts secreting too much cortisol which causes issues with the bodily processes and your skin. According to research, this hormone can create a favorable atmosphere for acne caused by bacteria.

2. Wrong Products

There are a lot of products available in the market for skin-related issues for every type of skin. Though it is advised to be very careful about the products you apply to your skin irrespective of your skin type, this is even more important for people with oily skin.

If you have oily or combination skin, you should be using products that are ‘oil-free’, water-based, or non-comedogenic in nature. Using such products will reduce the chances of your pores getting clogged. You can also go for a gel-based moisturizer.

3. Pollution        

It might come as a surprise to you but the environment around you can have a severe impact on your skin, especially if it is acne-prone. The dirt and grime can settle on your skin and clog the pores which results in acne. But it is not just dirt that can cause skin issues. Ultra Violet (UV) rays can damage your skin too. Being exposed to the sun for long hours can cause skin discoloration, and cause fine lines, and aging. Also, it can make your skin too dry, leading to the production of excess oil to compensate for the dryness. And when there is excess oil, it can cause acne. Hence, our experienced skin specialists in Ajman will advise you to apply sunscreen (with at least SPF 30) to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

4. Hormonal Changes

Fluctuation in hormones is another reason for acne. Do you often see the ‘red bump’ on your skin after a stressful day at work? Well…you will be surprised to know what hormonal changes can do to your skin.

For example, when your body produces progesterone (after ovulation), it increases the production of sebum in your skin which causes acne. Similarly, Androgens like testosterone can also ramp up the production of sebum causing hormonal acne.

Ways to Treat Adult Acne:

1. Spot Treatments

Spot treatments are one of the best and fastest ways of treating acne. According to a skin specialist, a person suffering from severe acne should preferably use spot treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, which works great at eliminating the bacteria that cause acne. But people with sensitive skin need to be careful as the chemical can be harsh on their skin. In such a case, it is always advised to go for a patch test to be on the safer side.

2. Exfoliators

Exfoliation is another important thing that people suffering from chronic acne should include in their daily skincare. Using exfoliators regularly can help prevent acne and treat it at the same time.

Whether you choose to go for a physical or a chemical exfoliant, rest assured that it will prevent breakouts by clearing out your pores and unclogging them. Glycolic acid is an ingredient that provides good results. That being said, you need to be careful not to exfoliate too often as it can cause irritation and make your skin dry and flaky. An experienced skin specialist will recommend exfoliating two to three times a week.

3. Injecting Cortisone

In the case of cystic acne, there is a good chance that topical treatments (using salicylic acid, PHAs, benzoyl peroxide, etc.) might not work, And because they are big and painful zits deep into the skin, they can leave a scar if prodded. Hence, the best option is to drain it ASAP.

For draining cystic acne, you can get a shot of cortisone after consulting your dermatologist or you can apply a warm or a cold compress. Another way could be by applying a cream that contains hydrocortisone.

4. Oral Medications

In certain cases, a dermatologist might recommend oral medications. Medicines that can manipulate hormones such as spironolactone are quite effective in controlling outbreaks in the chin and lower face areas that are caused by hormonal imbalances. Additionally, oral retinoids such as isotretinoin are considered powerful dermatological weapons against acne.

In case you are suffering from a severe case of adult acne and are looking for an experienced dermatologist in Ajman, contact the Thumbay University Hospital today to book an appointment with one of our specialists.