Acne - Isn't it annoying? Learn More About It!

Who Suffers from It

Adult acne is more common in women than men because women often experience more fluctuating hormone levels. But not every pimple can be blamed on menstruation. Poor diets and stress can also cause breakouts. Past research concluded chocolate was not associated with acne, but more recently, researchers found a connection between food and breakouts, especially foods with a high glycemic index. Junk food isn’t the sole culprit, but not eating a balanced meal can add fuel to the acne fire.

If you’re an adult with acne, you’re not alone. A 2012 study found acne affects nearly half of all women between 21 and 30, a quarter of women between 31 and 40, and 12 percent of women between 41 and 50. Even those who never experienced acne in their teen years can develop it later on. The causes of flare-ups can depend on your age range:

In Your 20s
Typically excess oil is to blame. In Your 30s Pores get clogged from dead skin cells as skin-cell turnover slows.

In Your 40s
Estrogen levels drop, causing testosterone to take over. Skin is thinner and more prone to bacteria.

Treatment

Switch up your products
Using the same acne products from your teenage years may do more harm than good. The majority of acne products are intended for young, durable skin and contain high percentages of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid—typically 10 percent and 2 percent. As we age, skin becomes thinner and these ingredients burn, sting, and cause dryness. (Most people in their 20s can handle the maximum strength.) Instead, look for products with 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide or .5 percent salicylic acid, which will be just as effective.

Less is more, so avoid layering products with irritating ingredients, such as a cleanser, lotion, and topical medication. Wash your face morning and night with a cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid but reduce to once daily if excessive dryness occurs. Remember to slather on SPF in the morning because zit-zapping ingredients can heighten skin’s sensitivity to the sun. If skin is irritated, apply tea tree oil, a natural ingredient that can fight mild to moderate breakouts by reducing bacteria. A lotion with retinoid will also combat acne by smoothing lines and preventing dead skin cells from blocking pores. And don’t forget to moisturize even if you have oily skin. Dry skin will produce more pore-clogging oil, so apply a light moisturizer morning and night to rehydrate.

Put on a mask
If oily skin is an issue, try a mask at night to unclog pores and soak up excess oil. Masks with charcoal or clay help absorb oil while salicylic acid exfoliates pores as it dries. (Just remember to rinse it off before it completely dries so the acid doesn’t pull out too much hydration.) If redness and inflammation is more of the problem, try a calming mask with chamomile to reduce irritation. Use a mask one to three times a week and take advantage of the drying time to relax and de-stress.

Stress Less
It doesn’t take a midlife crisis to cause a breakout. Small amounts of stress can trigger an increase in cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, which leads to more oil production. The first step to reducing stress is figuring out the root cause, whether it’s at home or at the office. Then tackle ways to relieve that stress. Along with the right skin regimen, keeping stress at bay will help reduce the occurrence of pimples.

Work toward getting more sleep (about eight hours) to reduce cortisol and allow skin to rejuvenate. Lastly, make time for daily exercise, which has a calming effect by boosting circulation and producing endorphins. Sweating at the gym doesn’t cause acne, although it can foster bacteria buildup, so make sure to shower within 30 minutes after a workout and wear cotton instead of Lycra or nylon to absorb sweat.

Watch the junk
You don’t have to give up chocolate and potato chips altogether, but reducing junk food and incorporating healthy foods can reduce breakouts. First, work to cut down on processed carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta. Starchy foods raise blood sugar and boost hormones, so swap them for whole grains and veggies. Those who eat more dairy products and unhealthy fats are also more likely to suffer from acne. While there’s little research indicating why, studies show more women are reporting adult acne. One possibility could be an influx of hormone-enhanced food (including dairy). When possible, eat organic produce and meat.


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