What is Behind Your Acne?

It is a common assumption that people have to deal with pimples and acne as teenagers, then worry about wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin as they get older.  But, the truth is that for many people, acne doesn’t magically go away once they hit adulthood. A substantial number of people are still dealing with blemishes and pimples, even in their 40s and 50s. If you still have the occasional (or frequent) breakout, one of a number of factors might behind it. You  also have a number of options when it comes to treating your adult acne.

Hormones

Fluctuating hormone levels can trigger a breakout in some people.  Certain conditions will affect hormone levels, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. A jump in your body’s testosterone levels, which often occurs just before your period or in women who are near menopause, can lead to an increase in the amount of oil your skin produces. The combination of excess oil and P. acne, the bacteria responsible for the irritation and inflammation that leads to pimples, can trigger a breakout.

In the case of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), high testosterone levels cause a range of symptoms, among them acne or pimples. The condition can also cause facial hair growth and irregular periods. It can be controlled with hormonal birth control pills or other methods of hormonal contraceptives.

Diet

What you eat may affect your breakouts. The idea that eating fatty or fried foods and chocolate will lead to acne is a myth.  However, other foods might make your skin more prone to breakouts. One of these foods being dairy. It’s thought that there might be a connection between the hormones given to some dairy cows, hence found in certain milk-based products, and acne.  If you think dairy might be to blame for your pimples, you can try reducing it from your diet for a month to see if there is any change in your acne. Another option is to switch to organic dairy products, to see if hormone-free items can make a difference.

Skin and Hair Products

The products you use to fight breakouts might, in some instances, make your acne worse. If you use the wrong products for your individual needs, you may end up with irritated or overly dry skin.  The overuse of products might actually make your clogged pores worse.  Instead of using a variety of products on your skin all at once, try one acne-fighting ingredient, such as salicylic acid or benoxyl peroxide, at a time. Gauge how your skin reacts to an ingredient before you decide to switch to a new product. Keep in mind that when it comes to treating pimple-prone skin, gentle products are often better than harsh ingrediants.

Although you don’t use hair products on your skin, they can also play a large part when it comes to your breakouts. Some products, such as gels and hairspray, can clog pores if they come in contact with the skin.  Choosing fragrance-free products, or limiting the use of certain shampoos and hair gels, is one way to reduce these pimples.

Ways to Cope with Adult Acne:

In some cases, working with a Board Certified facial plastic surgeon is the best option, when it comes to treating your adult acne. If over-the-counter products aren’t helping, you might want to try a in-office acne treatment to help clear up your pimples and blemishes.

A facial is one option for people who are dealing with acne. Aesthetic professionals offer a variety of facials, customized based on a person’s skin type.  These treatments may also include extractions, or manually removing dirt and dead skin cells from the pores to prevent further breakouts. A physician-strength facial might contain ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids or salicylic acid, which are known to help clear up skin.

More severe cases of acne may require a more intense treatment. If you have tried seemingly everything, but are still battling breakouts, a chemical peel may be a good option. SkinMedica’s Vitalize Peel is one of the most popular chemical peels performed today. It can dramatically rejuvenate the skin by improving texture and tone.  The Vitalize Peel will also decrease the appearance of acne scarring, as well as melisma (dark brown patches on the face).

While these treatments don’t cure acne, they can help control your breakouts, allowing you to feel more confident about your skin. If you are interested in learning more about the variety of facials and chemical peels available, or other acne-fighting treatments, contact Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique at 281-810-9083 to schedule an appointment.