Adult acne: what you need to know to clear your skin| Dr Dray

Summary

In this informative video, the creator discusses adult acne, its causes, and how to effectively manage it. Unlike teenage acne, adult acne is often influenced by hormonal fluctuations, stress, and environmental factors. The video emphasizes the importance of a simple skincare routine with gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen, as well as introducing mild active ingredients like salicylic acid or adapalene. The creator also highlights the need for professional consultation if acne persists and stresses the importance of stress management and a balanced diet. The key takeaway is to keep things simple and consult a dermatologist when necessary.

Takeaways

• 😀 Adult acne is increasingly common, especially among women, and can persist from adolescence or appear de novo in adulthood.
• 😀 Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, are key contributors to adult acne.
• 😀 Stress plays a major role in exacerbating acne by increasing cortisol levels, which trigger oil production and skin inflammation.
• 😀 Environmental factors like pollutants, allergens, and makeup residues can irritate the skin, leading to acne flare-ups.
• 😀 Over-cleansing or harsh exfoliation can strip the skin, making acne worse by increasing dryness and inflammation.
• 😀 A basic skincare routine should include a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen to address adult acne effectively.
• 😀 Salicylic acid in face wash form is a gentle yet effective way to control acne by targeting excess oil and inflammation without causing dryness.
• 😀 Adapalene (Differin) is a non-irritating retinoid that can help treat adult acne, improve skin texture, and reduce hyperpigmentation.
• 😀 Sulfur is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin, helping to control acne without irritation.
• 😀 Avoid DIY remedies and aggressive skincare treatments; these can irritate the skin and worsen acne rather than improve it.
• 😀 Consulting a dermatologist is crucial for tailored treatment options like prescription medications, which may be necessary for persistent acne.

Q & A

What makes adult acne different from teenage acne?

Adult acne is often linked to hormonal fluctuations (e.g., during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause), stress, and external factors like pollutants. While teenage acne is typically caused by excess oil production and puberty-related hormone changes, adult acne often persists or appears later in life due to these additional factors.

Why is adult acne more common in women?

About 80% of adult acne cases are related to ongoing acne from adolescence, while 20% occur de novo (for the first time) in adulthood. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly those related to menstruation, pregnancy, birth control, and menopause, play a significant role in the increased prevalence of acne in women.

How does stress contribute to adult acne?

Stress can lower the immune system's ability to function properly, impair the skin's barrier, and increase inflammation, all of which can contribute to acne. Stress also increases cortisol levels, which can trigger more oil production in the skin, leading to breakouts.

Can environmental factors like pollution cause acne?

Yes, environmental factors such as pollutants, pollen, and other substances that come into contact with the skin can trigger inflammation and disrupt the skin barrier. This can lead to irritation and acne flare-ups. It's important to cleanse your skin thoroughly at the end of the day to remove these residues.

What role does diet play in adult acne?

There is no perfect diet for acne, but a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can support skin health. Certain foods and supplements, such as skim milk, whey protein, and high levels of biotin or iodine, can worsen acne by increasing oil production or inflammation.

What skincare ingredients should I avoid if I have acne-prone skin?

Ingredients like coconut oil, red and yellow dyes, and fragrances can irritate the skin and trigger acne. Essential oils, which are often marketed as natural, are also common irritants. It's best to choose products that are free from these ingredients to minimize inflammation and breakouts.

How can over-cleansing affect adult acne?

Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils and damage the skin barrier. This increases dryness, irritation, and inflammation, which can actually worsen acne. It's important to cleanse gently once a day without using harsh scrubbing or exfoliating products.

What are the three key skincare steps for managing adult acne?

The three basic steps for managing adult acne are: 1) using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to remove pollutants and makeup; 2) applying a fragrance-free moisturizer to help restore the skin's barrier; and 3) wearing sunscreen to protect the skin from UV damage, which can exacerbate acne and cause hyperpigmentation.

What active ingredients are recommended for treating adult acne?

Salicylic acid, adapalene (a retinoid), and sulfur are effective treatments for adult acne. Salicylic acid helps control oil production and gently exfoliates. Adapalene (Differin) is a mild retinoid that reduces acne and improves skin texture. Sulfur is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that's easy to tolerate for sensitive skin.

Is it safe to use multiple acne treatments at once?

It's not recommended to use multiple active acne treatments simultaneously, as this can lead to skin irritation and dryness. Start with a simple, gentle routine, and if you want to add active ingredients later, introduce them one at a time to avoid overwhelming your skin.