Adult acne: why it occurs and how to successfully deal with it
Although pimples on the face are more characteristic of puberty, acne sometimes appears later in life, affecting adults. Adult acne occurs in both sexes, though it is more common in women. In fact, 30% of women over 25 years of age suffer from acne. Mild, moderate and severe forms of this skin condition may develop, requiring special care to treat them.
What is it and what causes it?
Adult acne is an inflammatory condition of the facial skin which visibly affects the jawline, the neck and the area around the mouth. This problem arises when there is excessive sebum production. What is this substance we have heard so much talk of, and what does it do?
Sebum is an oily matter produced by our bodies; it can mainly be found on the face and scalp where it serves to lubricate hair and skin and prevent them from drying out. Sebum is produced when certain hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands, a process that intensifies during puberty but which also occurs at certain ages, such as in the case of adult acne.
Unlike teenage acne, adult acne is more resistant and thus requires a more intense treatment in order to successfully eliminate it. The majority of women with adult acne suffered from it persistently throughout puberty, although in some cases this skin condition can also appear for the first time as of 25 years of age.
Tobacco, stress, hormonal changes, poor nutrition and problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome –which causes the ovaries to produce more oestrogen than normal, causing small cysts to form as a result– are the most common causes of adult acne.
Some advice for fighting it
As this disease is inflammatory rather than infectious, topical antibiotics should be avoided since they are not effective in fighting bacteria and can lead to cross-resistance with other antibiotics. Here are some very practical and effective tips for dealing with adult acne.
Following these guidelines is a very effective way of improving the appearance of acne‑affected skin; however, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist, as this is the person who will provide you with the proper treatment to completely eliminate your acne.
