I’m Not a Teenager. How Am I Still Getting Acne?
Most who experience acne do so in their teenage years. Acne is also most often associated with teenagers, but many do not know that it isn’t uncommon to experience acne in your 30s and 40s too! The dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute explain why you may still be getting acne and what kind of acne treatments to use.
What to Know About Adult Acne
Acne Causes
Acne is typically caused from rising hormone levels, which happens most often as a teenager because their body is going through hormonal changes. The glands become overstimulated, and they produce excess oil and skin cells that can cause blockage. When our oil glands become blocked, the result is pimples, or acne, in the form of whiteheads and blackheads. Adult acne is also caused by hormone changes, like menstruation and pregnancy. It can also be caused by physical and emotional stress or certain foods.
Acne can be embarrassing when you are a teenager, but it can feel even worse when you are an adult. You feel as if everyone else’s acne has cleared up, but yours is still lingering. Fortunately, our dermatologists have different treatment options for you to explore to help get rid of your acne.
Beneficial Acne Treatments
One of the first steps to treating acne as an adult is to try and change your diet. Foods high in carbohydrates and dairy are often a leading cause of acne. You don’t have to completely remove those items from your diet but try to consume less of them. Another option to try is prescription medications. Prescription medications such as birth control, antibiotics, or medications that contain salicylic acid can help treat adult acne.
If you have severe or chronic acne that has left scarring, a dermatologist can try Blu-U Light Therapy, microdermabrasion, or a chemical peel. Blu-U Light Therapy uses light-sensitive drugs and a high-intensity laser to help improve skin texture, remove acne and remove acne scarring. It is a quick treatment performed by a dermatologist, but four to six treatments will be needed to see complete results.
Microdermabrasion can help to dramatically improve acne. An abrasive instrument is used to sand away the outer layer of skin to help rejuvenate it. It smooths out impurities such as acne—the treatment results in glowing skin and an improvement in the skin’s texture and tone. Results will be noticed immediately, but treatments need to be continued to see complete results.
A chemical peel is similar to microdermabrasion but is performed with a chemical solution rather than a tool. The chemical solution results in the upper layer of skin peeling and flaking off. Bright, fresh, and clear skin is then revealed. It is best for those with mild acne scarring. Results are noticeable within one week of treatment. After treatment, your skin may appear red and flaky for up to one week.
It is recommended to try a combination of these treatments to see what works best for your skin. If you are still getting acne, the dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute want to help with a consultation and get you the best treatment options. If you are in Bloomington, Illinois, or surrounding areas, complete this form, and we will be in touch.