Learn to Tame Adult Acne

Acne affects 40 to 50 million Americans at any one time, and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that acne is the most common skin condition. Teenagers are most affected due to hormonal changes in puberty but many find relief in adulthood. For others, acne develops much later in life. Dermatologists don’t know exactly why but increasing numbers of adults have what they call “adult-onset acne”. Acne can be uncomfortable, undesirable, and has been shown to affect mental health. Keep reading to learn more about adult acne and the doctor recommended camouflage solution for all skin types.

Adult Acne Symptoms

Acne appears in various forms and places on the body. Common in adult acne is deep, inflamed pimples and cysts. AAD lists other acne blemishes to include:

• Blackheads.
• Whiteheads.
• Papules.
• Pustules (what many people call pimples).
• Cysts.
• Nodules.

Acne is most common on the face and neck, but can also be found on the back, buttocks, upper arms and chest. 

Additionally, acne affects the self-esteem and mental health of the individual. According to Matt Traube, MFT from Psychology Today, “Adults who experience acne report feeling less secure in their social lives, relationships, and occupations. The belief becomes deep-rooted: while the acne exists, success can’t. Clients often tell me that everything in their lives would be fine if their acne was gone.”

If acne is not treated immediately, it can eventually lead to dark spots and scarring. This is especially common with painful, deep-rooted cysts and nodules. 

Possible Causes of Adult Acne

Hormone Fluctuations

The AAD reports that adult acne is more common in women than men due to hormonal fluctuations. Women go through several hormonal fluctuations during a lifetime. Puberty begins wreaking havoc on the skin as menstrual cycles begin. Mid-cycle there is a progesterone rise that stimulates the production of sebum. These androgens (a group of male sex hormones like testosterone) cause oil glands to get larger as sebum levels increase. This becomes a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes for short. 

Many cases of adult acne start during menopause when hormone levels change dramatically. Pregnancy hormonal fluctuations can also kickstart breakouts.

Medications

Birth Control can cause hormonal fluctuation. Medical Daily explains, “For some people, birth control can increase the female hormones like estrogen and a form of synthetic progesterone to balance out the production of male hormones. For some others, birth control creates the opposite effect and makes acne worse.” Weaning off of birth control can increase breakouts as the body attempts to self regulate again. 

Ask your doctor if you suspect a medication you are taking is causing your acne. They should be able to tell you if acne is a possible side effect. 

Stress

Stress is the culprit for many health issues. When we are stressed, our bodies react by releasing cortisol hormones, increasing testosterone levels, and sebum production. The increase in oil on the skin can cause clogged pores and bacterial growth leading to acne. Sometimes the stress from having acne makes matters worse which can lead to a vicious cycle of breakouts. 

Diet

Eating healthy supports proper bodily functions, and has a huge impact on skin complexion. Medical Daily reports that foods high in sugars and carbohydrates that spike insulin levels lead to inflammation in the body which can cause breakouts. The foods to avoid include white bread, fried foods, and anything with sugar as a main component. The spike in insulin from these foods increase androgen levels and oil production in the body, clogging pores and inviting acne to the party. 

Skin Care Products

When choosing skin care products to use on your skin be sure to choose ones that are non-comedogenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free. Comedogenic products that clog pores create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Oil based products add more fuel to the fire worsening acne. Additionally, many fragrances in cosmetics aggravate sensitive acne prone skin. 

Treatment Steps to Take

1. We recommend making a list of all possible causes for your acne. Test different causes by cutting one cause out of your life at a time. 

2. See a board certified Dermatologist for best treatment options for your particular skin condition. Verify your Dermatologist is board certified by visiting the American Board of Dermatology website. 

3. Choose skin care products and cosmetics wisely. For a safe breathable foundation option use Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation. 

Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation

Oxygenetix now has a foundation specifically to unclog pores while concealing unwanted redness and pimples. Barry Knapp, formulator of Oxygenetix, pioneered the first breathable foundation for post-procedural skin and succeeded yet again by developing a product to liberate those affected with acne. To go to work or social events adults with acne often wear foundations and powders to cover up undesirable blemishes, only to find their acne worsens over time. Acne Control Oxygenating Foundation contains 2% Salicylic Acid, unclogging pores while staying flawlessly camouflaged. Additionally, a base of aloe vera barbadensis, most known for soothing the skin after sunburns is a non-comedogenic alternative to traditional water or oil bases. Coupled with a breathable technology, Acne Control works synergistically with acne treatments. Dermatologists from around the globe recommend award-winning Acne Control Foundation to their patients with confidence. 

Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation has also become a favorite of Kourtney Kardashian who states in Allure, “I have really sensitive skin and am prone to breaking out, so I try to keep makeup minimal on my face. I recently discovered the best, breathable foundation from Oxygenetix." In fact, Oxygenating Acne Control Foundation has become the only foundation Kardashian allows her makeup artists to use. 

Remember you are not alone in your quest to be acne free. Many people have succeeded in treating this skin condition and so can you! 

Source:

Allure

AAD

Mayo Clinic

Medical Daily

Psychology Today