Believe it or not you aren’t alone. Even though you’re all grown up and you feel like acne should be the least of your worries, it’s not – because it’s back. Adult acne is more common than you’d ever expect, affecting women in their twenties, thirties and even forties – and it’s much different than the breakouts of your teenage years. Often caused by hormone surges (progesterone and estrogen), the acne actually affects the lower part of the face. Going from the chin and moving up the jawline, the pink pimples are unsightly and totally frustrating. Keep reading for a look at ways to fight back and treat adult acne for good.
Try to de-stress. I know, I know…this one is a little easier said than done, but do it for the sake of your skin! Stress causes an increase in cortisol, which eventually turns to an over-production of oil on your skin. This clogs pores, and the clogged pores lead to acne – see where I’m going with this? Try sticking to a schedule with 8 hours of sleep; incorporating a daily workout or yoga session; or even getting creative with an art or language class. Whatever works for you, lowered stress equals clearer skin.
Put down the sweet stuff. Not only does sugar add inches to your waistline, it’s also been known to contribute to breakouts by raising blood sugar, which leads to increased hormone production. Get your diet on track with whole grains, veggies and the natural sugars found in fruit. Your body and your skin will thank you.
Wash your face every night. I know this can be a tough one sometimes – you’re out late or had a long day at the office – and all you really want to do is crawl into bed. But making the conscious decision to rid your skin of pore-clogging makeup and oils is essential when it comes to treating adult acne. Use a daily face wash that includes salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. While one ingredient is great, the combo of both ingredients will work overtime to fight clogged pores, a leading cause of breakouts.
If the acne is persistent, it’s probably time to go see your Dermatologist. He or she may suggest prescription face wash, topical spot treatments or even medication to nip the acne and clear your skin, stat.
I know adult acne can feel like a plague, causing you to want to hide out and often end up equaling more stress. But with a few simple changes or even a trip to the Derm, there are ways to treat adult acne and get it under control once and for all. Have you experienced adult acne?
