2024-02-03 11:00:00
Acne in adults. This is what you do about it
Contrary to what you might think, acne is quite common in adults. Oily skin is one of the main causes of pimples; it is important to treat these correctly to prevent or slow acne as much as possible. There are several ways to treat oily skin. This skin must be cleaned regularly, i.e. twice a day, with a mild cleanser that is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Acne in adults. General tips
Astringent products, such as facial toners, can also help control sebum production and remove dirt and makeup left behind after cleansing. Salicylic acid (an anti-inflammatory compound also found in aspirin) is a common ingredient in products for acne-prone skin. It prevents inflammation and red skin and exfoliates your skin, which prevents keratinization of the skin and makes the sebaceous glands less likely to become clogged. Salicylic acid is therefore also effective against blackheads. Topical anti-inflammatories, such as dapsone gel or cream, can also help reduce acne and prevent persistent cysts. Other acne treatments include chemical peels and blue light therapies.
It is also important to avoid overly aggressive cleaning agents. For dry and sensitive skin, it is better to use a slightly oilier cleanser so as not to dry out the skin too much. Also make sure you touch your face as little as possible so that you don’t transfer dirt or spread infection-causing bacteria across your facial skin. This only makes acne worse. Stress also plays a decisive role in the development of acne, as it can increase certain hormones such as cortisol, and these can cause tissue inflammation and cause or worsen acne.
Hormonal acne
Hormonal acne is another common cause of pimples in women and is related to the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance secreted by glands in the skin that clogs pores and causes pimples. Hormonal acne affects both adult men and women. Pregnant women and menopausal women in particular can suffer from it. A topical tretinoin cream (vitamin A acid) – available only by prescription – is effective against blackheads and comedones. Also effective are topical retinoids (available over the counter, unlike tretinoin creams), topical antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide. Even if medications are available with a prescription, it is always wise to consult with a dermatologist.
Avoid stress
Furthermore, there are a number of practical things you can do to reduce acne as much as possible. We already mentioned the stress factor. If you think this is one of the triggers, identify the cause and try to neutralize this trigger as much as possible. You can do this by removing the cause, but also by planning moments of rest (perhaps yoga or meditation) for yourself. Further protect your skin against harmful external factors such as UV radiation, air pollution, dry heating air and harsh winter cold. And of course, the general rules for a healthy lifestyle apply: don’t smoke, eat healthy, drink in moderation, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.
You can do this
In short, it is very important to regularly cleanse acne-prone skin with a milder cleanser. Avoid harsh cleaners, no matter how tempted you are to use them. Astringent products and over-the-counter salicylic acid products or topical anti-inflammatories can help control sebum production. Furthermore, remember not to touch your face and avoid stress as much as possible. For hormonal acne, topical creams and antibiotics can be effective. Also address your lifestyle. You can start doing that today.
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