Maybe it’s chocolate’s fault? Perhaps the cleansing routine has fallen below standard alongside all the other ‘me time’ luxuries? Or my Aldi brand facial cleanser is just not cutting the mustard? Maybe I’m still too young to have clear skin? Hah! Immature yes, but by the time you hit your thirties mainly we ask ourselves why we’re still struggling with this ‘teenage’ complaint.
Adult acne tends to develop around the mouth, on the chin and along the jawline and more commonly affects women than men. It usually falls into one of two categories: ‘persistent acne’ is problem skin that carries through from adolescence into adulthood; ‘late-onset acne’ starts after the age of 25, with people in their 30s and even 40s developing the condition.
No matter how old you are, acne occurs when there is an increase in the production of sebum (an oil that keeps your skin soft and supple) in the skin which, combined with an increase in the number of dead skin cells around skin pores, leads to clogging of the skin follicles. Bacteria then accumulates in the skin follicles, causing inflammation.
Dietary and hygiene factors can contribute, and some acne is caused by a genetic predisposition where dead skin cells build up inside the pores.
Blackheads and whiteheads are potential pimples that haven’t been attacked by this bacteria yet. But once the bacteria takes hold you can be sure you’ll be sporting a whopper.
Adult acne is cystic, which means it forms lumps under the skin. These cystic pimples can scar badly, so see a GP when they first appear. Soap, topical creams and lotions won’t be of much assistance here.
GP Treatments
If pimples don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments (allow them three or four months), see your GP. They can offer a range of prescription drugs that target the main causes of acne: hormones, blocked pores and bacterium infection.
Internal drugs, such as the contraceptive pill and antibiotics, are usually prescribed for acne. You can also use topical antibiotics.
External medication is used to treat pore blockages. You can try salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, or the GP may prescribe a peeling agent such as tretinoin. If you don’t see results after three months, see a dermatologist.
The Over-the-Counter Anti-Acne Attack
Look for face wash products containing salicylic acid: a topically applied anti-inflammatory chemical. It is used in various over-the-counter products to treat the inflamed skin around the pimple.
Also available over the counter and on prescription benzoyl peroxide: a beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates the skin’s oily layer, clears blockages and kills bacteria. Start on a low concentration (one to four per cent) and increase over time.
Natural treatments
For ideas on how to treat your acne chemical free, see our posts on curing acne at home (insert link) and natural treatments for acne (insert link).
Sources:
www.bodyandsoul.com.au – body+soul
www.betterhealthchannel.com.au – better health channel
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