Living with Adult Acne

Featured Article, Skin Conditions — March 9, 2010 at 9:16 — 2 comments  

A bit about Adult Acne:

The causes of adult acne are not clear cut, but it has been linked to hormones, family history and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Stress is another big contributor. The thought behind this is that stress can trigger stress hormones that get broken down into androgens (or male hormones) that stimulate the oil gland.

Oestrogens are female hormones produced by the ovaries. Imbalances between hormones, including oestrogen and testosterone can contribute to acne.

Adult women who have excess body weight can be more prone to acne. Surplus fat can convert the female hormone oestrogen into hormones that behave like male hormones (androgens), promoting acne by increasing production of sebum (natural oil that prevents skin from drying out).

Adult acne is not the same as acne that affects teenagers – younger skin is oily and less sensitive, whereas adult skin is drier and more fragile.

Poor skin care can cause adult acne. For acne prone skin, try products labelled noncomedogenic or oil free and avoid vitamin E cream or products with sorbolene.

Over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or an acne wash containing Montaline C40 may be enough to treat mild cases of adult acne. If that doesn’t work, a doctor can prescribe either a topical retinoid that keeps pores open and prevents inflammation, or a product that combines benzoyl peroxide with an antibiotic.

Studies have shown that women who work in competitive environments can overproduce male hormones. High levels of these male hormones can trigger acne outbreaks in adult females. Many women juggle jobs, friends, family, financial commitments and many other life stresses which make adrenal glands produce more cortisol hormones, which can set off acne.

From http://www.acne.org.au/Content_Common/pg-Adult-Acne.seo

This week our bloggers shared with us their experiences with Adult Acne.

Here is two of their stories.

• I suffered from acne as a teenager and this then continued into my adult years. I am now 36 and am currently suffering adult acne. Although it is not what I would class as severe, it is still visible (chin, neck, decolletage) and I often feel quite embarrassed about it. It is extremely frustrating when I have a function to attend and want to look my best! The triggers for me are often to do with my menstrual cycle, particularly the days before. Stress, hormones and pregnancy have also been contributors. I have tried many creams, lotions and even medication. I was once offered a particular ‘pill’ prescription from a GP after noticing my acne. I felt grateful for her suggestion, but embarrassed at the same time that it was that obvious! Keeping a skin routine where my face cleansed and moisturised day and night is helpful – but not foolproof! There is much information available about what may cause this problem, but nothing I have come across has completely cleared my skin. I just try where I can to keep up a healthy diet, drinking water, skin care routine and if that doesn’t work… just reach for the blemish cream!

This blogger would like to remain Anon.

Our next blogger Val shares her story..

• I had normal teenager acne, nothing major, just the usual. As I have become older I seem to be getting hormonal acne, when just before my period, the dreaded 1 or 2 spots appear. I use good moisturisers as my skin has always been on the dry side but I find that the sunscreen in them tends to clog up the pores. Usually outside of that time of the month, my skin is fairly spot-free but I had a major breakout a few weeks back when I tried a new moisturiser. It was obviously too heavy for my skin type and coupled with a bit more stress than usual led to a major eruption. This took quite a while to clear up and am now using a very expensive face cream on my legs. I was saying the girls at work that life is cruel when it gives you wrinkles AND pimples!!

Val

Tags: acne, adult, everyday, QV Skincare