Doesn’t it seem like pimples have a knack for appearing when they’re least convenient? While unsightly acne may be more closely associated with puberty, adult acne is every bit as prevalent. By some estimates, adult-onset acne affects roughly 50% of women between 20 to 29 and around 25% of women 40 to 49.
Hormones: The Real Culprit
While many may associate acne with improper or ineffective hygiene, evidence suggests that the culprit behind your latest outbreak is internal rather than external.
Hormonal fluctuations are typically associated with adult onset acne. These changes in hormone balance can result from many factors, including menstruation, underlying health conditions, menopause, increased androgen levels, even stress. When these changes in hormone levels occur, they trigger skin inflammation and increase the skin’s production of sebum, an oil that keeps skin hydrated. This influx of unnecessary oil traps bacteria and dead skin cells within pores, creating pimples and blemishes that can be difficult to ignore.
Top Signs Your Acne is Hormonal
While clogged pores can be the result of an intense workout, there are several key signs that can suggest hormones are at fault. These symptoms include:
- Recurring breakouts that appear in the same place around the same time of the month
- Breakouts occur during high-stress times
- The pimples that develop are not small, distinctive whiteheads or blackheads but instead are cysts below the surface that are tender to the touch
- You’re well past puberty but still getting unsightly blemishes
- Other members of your family show similar signs of acne
Clear Away Hormonal Acne with These Tips
While hormonal acne affects all patients differently, there are certain steps all patients can take to refresh their appearance and reset their skin. Consider incorporating the following strategies into your routine to help reset your skin and reduce outbreaks.
Start fresh with professional treatments
Hormonal acne can be further exacerbated by unfriendly skin conditions, such as blocked pores and damaged skin cells. Resetting your skin’s health with professional treatments like Dermasweep and chemical peels can help exfoliate away acne-causing dead skin and reveal healthy new skin just below the surface.
Switch up your daily skincare routine
While dirty faces may not be the cause of adult acne, an improper skincare routine may be making your skin more prone to breakouts. Rather than just buying what looks new and promising off of the drugstore’s shelf, invest in skin cleansers, toners, and moisturizers designed for your skin type and environment. If you’re especially prone to pore blockage, try to avoid oily skin care products and switch to noncomedogenic ones and update your skin care routine with changes in the weather. Not sure where to start or which skincare products you should be using? Visiting an experienced dermatologist can ensure your skincare regimen is designed for success and tailored to your needs.
Talk to a Specialist
As hormonal fluctuations can occur in sync with increasing stress at work or monthly menstruation, imbalances can also suggest more serious health problems are at play. If your skin condition continues to worsen or is unresponsive to professional treatment, it may be worth talking to your general practitioner about medications or health issues that are affecting your skin.
Get Started at Aria Dermspa
We know that adult acne can be frustrating to deal with. That’s why our specialist is committed to creating tailored skincare plans that help each patient overcome their blemishes and tackle future outbreaks.
