By: Jack Smith
Did you know that acne is considered to be the most widespread skin condition in the world? While its occurrence is most common amongst adolescents, men and women in their thirties and forties have also been known to suffer from acne. Adult acne then refers to acne that begins or continues in one’s adult years. It is not different from the acne of adolescence – it can be in the form of acne vulgaris, cystic acne, acne rosacea etc.
Adult acne has become fairly common, especially in women. Acne is caused by hormonal imbalance in the body. The male hormones responsible for triggering off teen acne are also at work in adults. For instance, adult acne can be seen in women going through menopause, when hormonal changes come about. As the body limits the production of estrogen, androgens, the male hormones responsible for acne, cause an excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Acne in adults can be caused by hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiency, stress, drugs or more probably a combination of all these factors in varying degrees.
A severe form of acne called acne conglobata may result in permanent scarring of the skin. Other forms of acne such as chloracne, which is caused by chlorinated compounds, has also been seen in adults. Adults, especially women over the age of 30 can also get acne rosacea, in which the capillaries in the cheeks, forehead, and nose are swollen with blood, and the oil glands in the skin become infected. Underlying endocrine disorder in adults can reveal itself in the form of severe acne.
Like in teenagers, the bacteria that are present in the clogged pores, causes the skin to become red and inflamed and acne becomes visible in the form of papules, pustules and cysts. Adult acne can be found in people with combination or even dry and sensitive skins, as opposed to teenage acne, in which oily skin is fairly characteristic. Thus acne medications intended to treat teenage acne may not be that effective as they contain benzoyl peroxide, salicyclic acid and other ingredients that can be drying and cause irritation.
Care of skin inflicted with adult acne is similar to treating teen acne. One should gently clean the skin once or twice a day, as well as after heavy sweating, like after a workout to keep the pores clean and bacteria free. Make sure that the moisturizers, creams, sunscreens and lotions that you use are the oil free variety, that will not clog your pores. A balanced diet, a regular exercise routine and reduced levels of stress will all add to your physical well being and positively affect your acne.
