It’s happened to all of us. We drink a lot of water, wash our face religiously, take off every speck of makeup at night, look after our health, sleep for eight hours, take our vitamin and mineral supplements … basically, do everything to prevent acne.
Yet, those horrid zits keep cropping up over our faces, backs, and other assorted body parts. So, what causes adult acne? And what’s one to do about it? We got the experts to identify powerful hidden culprits that wreak havoc on our skin while seeming harmless.
Adult acne trigger: Skipping moisturizer!
People with acne often skip the moisturizer, thinking it will make skin greasy and break out even more. It’s the opposite: When skin becomes too thirsty, it kicks into oil-production overdrive to compensate for surface dryness. This excess oil production leads to clogged pores, which become the breeding ground for the propionibacterium acnes bacteria that leads to acne. And hello, zits!
What to do: Switch to an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer that will keep skin hydrated without greasiness (like Caudalie’s Vinopure Oil Control Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin, Clinique’s Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate, or Tatcha’s The Water Cream).
Adult acne trigger: Water (yes, water!)
Dehydration is bad for the skin, but in a Catch-22, so is the wrong kind of water. Hard water, which has a high concentration of minerals, doesn’t rinse away soap effectively. And the leftover residue can clog pores, leading to acne bumps.
What to Do: The good news? It’s easy to counter these acne flare-ups. Simply install a water-softening shower head at home. And when you are out and about, use pre-moistened cloths instead of a rinse-off cleanser.
Adult acne trigger: Your man
His stubble may look hot, but it causes serious friction that can inflame the skin, leading to a breakout. Is your partner smooth-faced? Then check for fragrance-heavy aftershaves or colognes, which can irritate your skin.
What to do: Gift him a nice razor and a fragrance-free aftershave — especially if you have sensitive skin, which is more likely to be triggered!
Adult acne trigger: Hair products
Do you use products to keep your hair frizz-free, voluminous and healthy? Most of these contain silicone-based polymers that are good for your strands but bad for your skin.
When you sweat, wash your hair, or have it brush against the skin, small amounts of these polymers can be transferred from strands to skin, acting like shrink wrap to block the pores.
Side effect? Breakouts — particularly on your forehead and back. An oily scalp makes matters worse. Oil glands feed acne-causing bacteria, which end up on your neck and forehead.
What to do: Rinse your hair and then put it up in a clip while you wash your back; on extra-warm days, keep hair up and out of your face with a headband; tie hair in a loose bun or pony while sleeping; and swipe skin near the hairline with salicylic acid twice a day to keep pores clear.
Adult acne trigger: Your cell phone
Think about it: your phones go everywhere with you. Literally, everywhere. Then, think about where you put them down and all the germs they accumulate. Add in the fact that you use your hands to operate them constantly. One big, nasty germ-fest, anyone?
Now think about how every time you talk on one of them, you’re pressing all this grime and germs against your skin. Basically, you’ve just transferred a film of filth to your face. Sigh!
What to do: Wiping your phone daily with a hand sanitizer or disinfectant will go a long way in tackling this type of acne.
What causes acne in adults: Your birth control pills
Uh, don’t oral contraceptives clear up the skin? Often, yes. But everyone’s estrogen and progesterone balance is unique, which means hormonal birth control affects different women in different ways. Unfortunately, for a fair proportion, it brings on some nasty hormonal acne instead.
What to do: Ask your gyno for a new pill. And since everyone’s different, you will have to experiment. But give it a few cycles: switching too soon puts your hormone levels back at square one.
What causes acne in adults: Your latte
While the medical community remains divided over the dairy-acne connection, research does suggest that the proteins and peptides in cow’s milk increase the production of an acne-promoting hormone called IGF-1. It also increases insulin production, which further works on androgens to increase oil and plug pores — contributing to adult-onset acne.
What to do: To find out if dairy products are the culprit, quit cold turkey for 3-6 months. Try an almond latte instead (it’s yummy!).
What causes acne in adults: Sun exposure
It’s generally believed that sun exposure dries up oil and makes zits less noticeable, but it’s a deal with the devil. According to the National Institute of Health, when skin tans, it also thickens to protect itself. Consequence? Blocked pores, which are the forerunners of acne.
What to Do: Switch to a physical sunscreen with ingredients like micronized zinc oxide, which helps lessen flare-ups.
What causes adult acne: The pollution connection
Invisible pollutants such as dirt, smoke, and chemicals are tiny particles that can infiltrate your skin, clogging pores and causing acne. These pollutants, combined with your skin’s natural oils and dead cells, create an ideal environment for breakouts.
Additionally, they generate free radicals, harmful molecules that damage skin cells and collagen, leading to inflammation and worsening acne issues. Constant exposure to these pollutants weakens your skin’s natural barrier, increasing sensitivity and the likelihood of persistent acne.
What to do: Gentle exfoliation should be your first step in the counter-attack on pollution — it’s your secret weapon to lift away the city’s grime and dead skin, keeping those pores clear and combat-ready. Follow this with skin care products rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. These ingredients bolster your skin’s defenses, providing a protective barrier against pollution and helping to prevent further skin issues.
What causes acne in adults: Your workout routine
It’s not just tight-fitting clothes and sweat that clog pores and bring on acne; your workout routine itself may be the problem. Dr. Nicholas Perricone, New York-based dermatologist and author of The Clear Skin Prescription, explains that lifting weights causes the body to release more testosterone, which can also contribute to breakouts.
What to do: Switch to yoga and other forms of moderate exercise to control acne breakouts. Plus, load up on an anti-inflammatory diet heavy on cold water fish, beans, and low glycemic fruits and vegetables.
Causes of adult acne: Stress
When we’re under stress, our bodies release a cascade of hormones, including cortisol. This so-called ‘stress hormone’ plays a central role in how our skin reacts.
Cortisol stimulates the sebaceous glands in our skin to produce more oil or sebum. This excess oil can clog pores, leading to the formation of acne. But that’s not all; cortisol also promotes inflammation, making any existing acne more red, swollen, and painful.
What to do: Unleash the power of mindfulness and watch your skin (and mental health) transform! Dive into meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, and you’ll not only knock stress down a notch but also gift your skin a radiant boost. And when the day winds down, don’t skimp on sleep. Quality zzzzzs are your secret weapon against stress’s sneaky skin attacks.
Causes of adult acne: Big, happy plans
Sometimes, your body can misread even excitement (vacation! graduation! promotion!) for stress, and it affects skin the same way: pores clog, your immune system freaks out, and you get a mammoth pimple.
What to do: First, try to relax (I know it’s easier said than done). And if an inflamed pimple does pop up, don’t let it ruin your big moment. Ask your dermatologist for a cortisone shot that can bring down even the most severe cases of cystic acne in a few hours. But remember, this should only be done by a professional board-certified dermatologist.
Causes of adult acne: Your makeup products
When you apply makeup on your face and dip your fingers or brushes back in the pot to pick up more product, bacteria are transferred to and fro. Over a few days, this makes your powders and paints a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.
What to do: You should honestly clean your brushes once a week, and if that is too much for you, at least once every two weeks. As for makeup, follow these steps to keep everything germ-free.
What causes acne in adults: Your pillowcase
Your pillowcase collects all kinds of grime — from conditioner residue and hair oils to sweat, body oils, and even dead skin cells that can travel to the surface of your skin and clog the pores over time.
What to do: Dermatologists recommend changing your pillowcase at least once a week. More, if you’re acne-prone.
FAQs: Unveiling the Mysteries of Adult Acne
These are the most frequently asked questions about adult acne. Have one of your own? Drop it in the comments below, and we will get back to you ASAP.
Can stress really cause acne?
Yes, stress can trigger severe acne by increasing cortisol levels, which in turn boost oil production and inflammation in the skin.
Are certain foods known to worsen acne?
Yes, foods high in sugar, dairy products, and unhealthy fats have been linked to increased acne due to hormonal fluctuations and inflammation.
Does lack of sleep affect acne?
Yes, poor sleep can exacerbate stress, which can increase the likelihood of acne flare-ups.
How does pollution affect my skin and acne?
Pollution can clog pores and increase inflammation, leading to acne. Using a cleanser to remove pollutants and an antioxidant serum can help.
Can hormonal changes cause adult acne?
Yes, hormonal fluctuations, especially in adult women, can trigger adult acne.
Is adult acne different from teenage acne?
Adult acne differs from teenage acne in its causes and treatment approaches. Teenage acne is mainly driven by puberty-related hormonal changes, leading to overproduction of sebum, and is often treated with over-the-counter products like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Adult acne, on the other hand, can be triggered by stress, hormones, and lifestyle factors, requiring a more comprehensive treatment strategy. This might include topical treatments like retinol, chemical peels, photodynamic therapy, diet, and lifestyle changes.
Leave a Reply