Many of us probably struggled with acne during our adolescent years, but what happens if you’re dealing with it now as an adult?
You may think that blemishes only affect teens, but adults can get them too — and it’s perfectly normal. In fact, 40% of adult women experience acne, and it’s most common in women going through menopause.
However, your skin changes as you get older, so how you deal with your acne now will be different to how you dealt with it 15 or 20 years ago. Read on to find out what can cause adult acne and how you can treat it accordingly.
Causes Of Adult Acne:
“stress acne will usually appear on the oiliest parts of your face”
- How To Treat Adult Acne:Stress – You’ve probably experienced going through a difficult week at work and ended up with some angry pimples along the way. This is because stress hormones trigger oil glands and the oil produced can cause acne flares. Therefore, stress acne will usually appear on the oiliest parts of your face, such as between your brows or on your nose, and this is usually accompanied by blackheads, whiteheads, and uneven skin.
- Makeup – Makeup can definitely boost your confidence, but it can also cause breakouts when you don’t choose the proper formula for your skin (i.e. not labelled “non-comedogenic”). If you attempt to cover up your acne with heavy foundation or concealer, it might just worsen. It’s important to note that adult acne from makeup isn’t just because of your products.Other reasons are using dirty makeup brushes, and not removing makeup properly — which allows oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells to build up and clog your pores.
- Diet – When you were a teenager, you might have been told to avoid oily foods as it can trigger or worsen acne. This is still true as an adult, but other kinds of food are thrown into the mix as well, such as high-fat foods (including milk and meat) and sugary foods and beverages. Sugary foods, in particular, can cause a spike in insulin levels that may trigger excess inflammation and oil production in the skin.
“your skincare routine is likely focused on anti-aging,”
- Find Time To Relax – This might seem like an obvious solution, but do keep in mind to have small chunks of downtime every day, instead of reserving everything for the weekend. Take time to exercise, meditate, read a book, or indulge in a hobby even for just a few minutes — whether it’s during your lunch break or at the end of your 9-5. If you don’t feel overwhelmed or tense, your skin won’t go into panic mode either.
- Have A Good Skincare Routine – By now, your skincare routine is likely focused on anti-aging, wrinkle prevention, and getting a youthful complexion. However, it would be better to incorporate skincare for acne, too. Nowadays, there are many products that help you fight aging and adult acne. Specifically, look out for ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which are effective in preventing breakouts and de-congesting impurities. Then, balance it out with hydrating and calming ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract.
These will smooth out fine lines and texture for a clearer, more youthful complexion. Of course, consult with your dermatologist before trying anything new. - Be Conscious About The Food You Eat – Changing dietary habits can help reduce acne. For instance, cut down on sugary foods and beverages and refined carbohydrates, like white pasta and white bread. Instead, consume more fruits and vegetables alongside whole grains. Also go for healthy fats, such as whole eggs, avocados, and nuts, and high-quality protein, which includes salmon, tofu, and chicken.
At the end of the day, acne is normal — no matter what your age is. So when you see another blemish rear its ugly head, don’t panic! Know that there’s always a way to remedy it and help you achieve healthy, radiant skin.
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