Acne is often described as a condition that affects teenagers, and by the age of 21 we can expect our problem skin to miraculously clear up and become smooth and glowing. Unfortunately, this often isn’t the case, especially for women. In fact, it’s thought that over half of women over the age of 25 have adult acne.
According to the NHS, women are especially prone to acne because of hormonal changes. This can be because of the menstrual cycle, or due to pregnancy. Women who suffer from poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also more prone to acne. In some cases, an unsuitable make-up or skin care routine may be responsible.
The bad news is, even if you are reaching your fifties or beyond, acne may still be a problem, because it can be triggered by the hormonal changes during the menopause. In some cases, stress may be the culprit, because it triggers androgen hormones which stimulate oil production, leading to more breakouts.
Acne can sometimes be confused with rosacea, which is a skin condition that causes facial redness across the cheeks and nose, and produces pimples. It tends to affect people with fair skin more often, and the causes are unknown. However, it’s triggered or made worse by changes in temperature, alcohol, and hot drinks.
So, what can be done to tackle adult acne? Some people believe that certain foods, such as sugar, white carbs found in bread and pasta, and dairy products, make acne worse. However, there is no conclusive evidence for this. Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is important to maintain healthy skin, however.
Another myth is that acne is caused by poor hygiene. However, it is mostly the internal hormonal cycles of the body that are to blame, and extra washing may even make the problem worse. Even so, it’s best to avoid heavy oil-based moisturisers and sun screen products if you are prone to breakouts.
Women with long hair who use oils or intensive conditioners may find that breakouts are triggered when the hair comes into contact with the face, so it’s best to keep long hair swept back off the face as much as possible.
Other items that come into contact with your face, such as masks and phones, may also provoke acne or make it worse, so make sure they are cleaned on a regular basis. Women who have other problems such as excessive facial hair and irregular periods may be suffering from PCOS, so it’s worth seeking medical advice.
There are over the counter treatments which are effective for tackling mild to moderate acne. Look for products which contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which are formulated to reduce the oil and bacteria production which causes lumps and pustules.
Some people find that regular exfoliating to remove layers of dead skin cells helps to reduce acne. Intensive peel treatments which are carried out by a beauty therapist are effective at reducing pore size, and smoothing out the bumps and scars which can be caused by acne. If you are interested in a chemical peel in Essex, please get in touch today.
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