Battling Breakouts

ADULT ACNE: CAUSES, CURES, AND PREVENTION

BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT

The teen years can be rough. Peer pressure, braces, precalculus, and, for many of us, acne at the most inconvenient times. Unfortunately, that last one — acne — can rear its ugly head well into our 30s, 40s, and beyond, and breakouts aren’t any more welcome now than they were the morning of senior prom.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, adult acne affects over 25% of women and over 12% of men — roughly 50 million Americans annually. There are many causes, including hormonal changes, stress, heredity, undiagnosed medical conditions, and certain medications.

WHAT IT IS

Adult acne is a common inflammatory skin condition doctors call “adult- onset acne” or “post-adolescent acne.” (A zit by any other name, am I right?) It typically occurs when oil and dead skin cells plug skin pores, resulting in the development of lesions commonly referred to as pimples. Although it’s most common on the face, acne can occur on the back, chest, and shoulders.

WHY ME?

But why are you seeing these ugly creatures well into your 30s, 40s, and even 50s and 60s? Some people actually develop acne for the first time in adulthood. The American Academy of Dermatology lists the most common causes as:

Hormonal Changes: Just as during your teen years, you may break out around the time of your period. For some women, it’s one of the first signs of pregnancy. For others, it occurs around the time of perimenopause and menopause or when beginning or discontinuing birth-control pills or other hormonal contraception.

Stress: Some dermatology experts believe that during times of stress, the body produces more androgen hormones which stimulate the oil glands in the skin, blocking pores and leading to acne.

Family History: You may also have a genetic predisposition for acne. If a close blood relative, such as a parent or sibling, has adult acne, you may be in line for the same.

Beauty Products: Some hair and skincare products contain substances that can aggravate acne-prone skin, resulting in breakouts. If you fall into this category, look for products labeled noncomedogenic, non-acnegenic, oil-free, or “will not clog pores.”

Medication: Certain medications can cause acne. These may include hormonal medicines, antidepressants, B vitamins, halogens, and antiepileptics. If you suspect your medication is causing acne, discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor.

Undiagnosed Medical Conditions:

An example of this is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). One of the symptoms is adult acne, along with weight gain, facial hair in women, infertility, etc. Most doctors don’t routinely evaluate for PCOS. If you suspect this may be your problem, ask to be assessed. Diagnosing and treating this or other conditions can, in turn, treat your acne.

WHAT TO DO

Treatment for adult acne is usually similar to treatments for adolescent acne. Your dermatologist may begin with over-the-counter (OTC) products containing benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and salicylic acid, then may proceed with prescription treatment such as prescription-strength retinoids, antibiotics, or antiandrogens. Although it may take weeks or months to clear up completely, there is help and hope for adult acne.

Eat For the Skin You Want

If you’re struggling with adult acne, consider cutting back on sugar, sugary desserts, and sodas. Opt for a diet high in leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Some foods believed to help acne are:

yellow and orange fruits and vegetables (carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes)
spinach and other dark green and leafy vegetables
tomatoes
blueberries
whole-wheat bread
brown rice
quinoa
turkey
pumpkin seeds
beans
peas and lentils
salmon, mackerel, and other fatty fish
nuts

If you’d like to try some homeherbal remedies before resortingto medications that may come with side effects, here are three options. (Please test a small patch of skin before applying new skincare products, including homemade ones.)

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Dilute one part ACV with three parts water (or more) and apply to your skin. Rinse thoroughly after 20 minutes.

Honey and Cinnamon: Mix two tablespoons of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon, which both possess antibacterial and anti- inflammatory properties. Apply the paste to your face. Rinse off after 10 minutes.

Aloe Vera: Apply the gel from inside an aloe leaf (avoiding the outer skin) directly onto your skin. The gel’s natural salicylic acid and sulfur can help reduce inflammation and dry up excess oil.