Adult Acne – Everything You Need To Know

Adult acne is one of the most common skin complaints in the UK. Despite acne being often associated with the angst of teenagers, it’s a skin condition that affects a huge proportion of both men and women at some stage in their later life. 

If you’re suffering from severe acne you might find it can affect more than just your appearance – loss of confidence, painful skin, recurring infection and permanent scarring are just some of the issues that adult acne can lead to. So if you’re feeling frustrated you’re not alone.

But what causes adult acne and what can be done to treat it? Read on to find out…

What Is Acne?

The sebaceous gland is positioned right next to the hair follicle, which means the follicle is susceptible to getting clogged with a ‘plug’ of excess oil, dirt and trapped skin cells. Bacteria on the skin begins to grow and multiply, and as a result, produce metabolic byproducts. This kickstarts your body’s immune response which leads to redness and spots.

Adult acne can take different forms, with some easier to manage than others. Here’s a list of the common types of acne;

Whitehead

Whiteheads (also called closed comedones) appear are when there is a fine layer of skin that traps the oil, dirt and old skin. 

Blackhead

Blackheads (also called open comedones) look like black dots on the skin – they’re actually the same as a whitehead, except there’s no film of skin over the top. Air exposure causes a reaction to the plug that turns it black (not dirt, as is commonly thought!).

Papules

These are small red bumps that can feel tender, they don’t have a white centre.

Pustules/Pimples

Papules often turn into pustules, which are red, tender and pus-filled. They can indicate an infection in the pore cavity.

Nodules

Nodules present as hard lumps but that’s because the pore is blocked deep within the skin layers. These can be painful and prone to infection.

Cysts

Cystic acne is the most severe type of adult acne. They can be larger than pustules, and carry a greater risk of infection and scarring.

What Causes Acne?

Genetics

Studies have shown that your body’s response to acne is linked to genetics. This sets how your immune system responds to the bacteria that produce spots and if your pores clog easily. 

Hormones

Hormones play a huge role in the hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands – this is where there is an overproduction of sebum, which makes skin more oily and prone to clogged pores. Hormone shifts typically happen in adolescence, pregnancy, menopause and during a menstrual cycle.

Diet

Adult acne can be linked to a diet that includes a lot of sugary and fatty foods.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

One of the associated problems of PCOS is the increased production of testosterone. Since testosterone is key in the production of sebum, it can result in acne breakouts.

Stress

Although stress doesn’t directly cause adult acne, it can exacerbate existing skin conditions. Studies have shown that skin heals more slowly when you’re stressed, so any flare-ups will stick around for longer and increase the chances of becoming infected.

So, What Can You Do At Home?

Thankfully, there are lots of ways you can combat adult acne at home. Some are fairly easy to build into your daily routine, while others require you to speak to a pharmacist or GP.

Cleaning routine

Establishing a cleansing routine is the best way to prevent oily build-up on the skin. Choosing the right products is essential because you want to avoid drying the skin too much too! A gentle exfoliator can also help to remove any dead skin cells before they clog up pores.

Over the counter treatments

Pretty much everyone will have had experience of using over the counter spot treatments. From natural tea tree oil and witch hazel, to products that contain benzoyl peroxide – these all contain antiseptic agents that help to reduce bacteria on your skin.

Prescription treatments

There are stronger, more potent medications available on prescription for moderate to severe adult acne problems. These can be topical creams as well as antibiotics, and for women, some contraceptive pills can help decrease blemishes.

What Treatments Are Available?

But what if you have tried all of the available home remedies, and you still have adult acne? Don’t worry! At Elite Aesthetics we have many effective solutions to reduce the occurrence of adult acne and the appearance of acne scarring.

BHRT

BHRT or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is known for being a more natural approach to hormone replacement therapy. While it has an outstanding track record in helping women going through menopause, it has also seen success in treating adult acne. The rebalancing of hormones means that the triggers for acne are reduced.

HydraFacial

The HydraFacial is one of our most asked for treatments with a 97% ‘Worth It’ rating on realself. This medical-grade facial is regularly noted by celebrities such as Beyonce and Britney Spears as the reason for their dewy glow – and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular! 

In a nutshell, the HydraFacial combines exfoliation to remove dead skin cells with an extraction process that clears out pores. The effects are likened to a chemical peel but are suitable for all skin tones (peels aren’t recommended for dark skin shades). The HydraFacial can be tailored to your exact needs, so we can easily address your problem areas.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is an effective way to manage acne as it removes the top layers of skin. At Elite Aesthetics, we offer varying depths of peel to treat different skin concerns. Dr Shirin is highly experienced in dermatological medicine and can provide expert guidance in choosing the right chemical peel for your adult acne.

As well as active acne, we offer treatments that manage the appearance of acne scarring. One of the more permanent side effects of adult acne is the marking of the skin. Our acne scarring treatments are non-invasive and offer quick results.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a process of using a Dermapen to create micro-channels (holes) in the skin. These tiny holes activate the skin’s healing process, stimulating the natural production of collagen. Collagen is responsible for the plumpness of the skin, and by regenerating this you can heal even severe acne scars like ice pick scars, boxcar scars and rolling acne scars.

Plexr

Plexr works well for adult acne scars, as it uses a device to create plasma using the natural gases and electrical charges in the air. This creates a tiny charge that is directed at the scarred tissue, and once the area heals, scarring and pigmentation are vastly reduced.

So, as you can see, you don’t have to suffer in silence – there are plenty of effective treatments for adult acne or acne scars that can help you regain confidence and manage your acne concerns.

We’d be delighted to welcome you to our award-winning cosmetic medical clinic in Greenhithe, Kent. Our clinicians are highly trained and provide a reassuring and friendly experience for all of our clients.

We are located close to both Dartford and Gravesend stations (just 10 minutes away), Maidstone (just 15 minutes) and London (20 minutes). Get in touch to see how we can help you.