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Reasons for Adult Acne

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The plague of our teenage years can come back to haunt us as an adult. It may seem unnatural to you, but plenty of adults suffer from adult-onset acne every year. Here are some common reasons for acne:

Certain hair and skin products can clog pores and cause breakouts. Be sure your facial products include the words “oil-free,” “non-acnegenic,” “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”

Acne can be a side effect of various medications.

A change in hormone levels is one of the leading causes of acne in women. This primarily stems from changes in birth control, menstrual cycles and pregnancy.

Heightened levels of stress can also cause a hormonal flare-up. Our bodies produce androgen when we stress, which stimulates our oil glands and causes acne.

Acne may also be passed down through genetics.

You can avoid acne by keeping your face clean, being smart about make-up, and using an over-the-counter medication. If you see no progress treating the acne, see a dermatologist for other treatments and guidance. Acne may be frustrating, but can be controlled with a little patience.

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The Aftermath of a Sleeping in Makeup

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A night out with the girls or just a long day at work can result in a no-fuss b-line to the bed – no changing or cleansing, just a quick crash into recovery. Under normal circumstances, it’s easy to follow a skincare routine. But crazy schedules and late nights can tempt us to skip the very things that we know we should do – and cleansing the skin is often at the top of that list. So what does occasionally sleeping in your makeup cost your skin?

Your pores collect dirt and oil from the environment and your skin’s normal oil production, along with the foundation, blush, etc. you apply on your face. So when you forget to wash your face at night, your skin doesn’t get a chance to breathe and renew itself. Leaving makeup on your skin all day and night can premature your skin – both in appearance and performance.

Your skin may produce more oil than normal to try to get rid of the dirt. The leftover makeup can increase the look of lines and wrinkles and make you look tired or even splotchy. Eyelashes become dry and brittle, causing them to fall out more frequently. Your eyes may become puffy and red from the excess oil around them. Overall, day-old makeup is just not a good look.

Cleansing wipes are a simple and great alternative to the full nightly skin treatment. Before purchasing any, please consult with your dermatologist about the products best suited for your skin. With an easy alternative cleansing routine, no one has to know you were out late the night before!

The Angst of Adult Acne

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Some things aren’t outgrown with age, and acne is definitely one of those things. Just when you think you’ve made it through the hormonal roller coaster that is adolescence, adult acne rears its ugly head. So, what’s the deal?

Your pores can get clogged regardless of age. The buildup of dirt, excess oil and dead skin cells is no stranger to adulthood and unfortunately will still cause those troublesome bumps to appear. Even in adulthood, your jawline, chin and neck appear to be more affected than your forehead, cheeks and nose – just like in adolescence.

We can still experience the hormonal fluctuations that cause acne, but what triggers breakouts in adulthood look a little bit different. Instead of missed homework assignments and upcoming prom proposals, we have to stress about balancing work and life, getting food on the table, paying bills and larger life issues. Managing our hormone levels is one part of the balancing act, but we also need to follow the right skincare regimen. Call one of our certified dermatologists and schedule a consultation today! You’ve been through adolescence once already. It’s time to graduate to your best skin ever! We’ll help you get there.

If you have any questions about adult acne or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

The Deal with Adult Acne

With age comes more responsibility. We can sometimes expect clear skin to be our present for surviving our hormonal teenage years. Unfortunately for some of us, acne can remain and sometimes worsen in adulthood. Read below to understand why acne sometimes sticks around.

Adult acne is actually very common and results from a combination of two things: oils and hormones. Sebum is an oily substance produced by the skin that clogs pores which eventually become inflamed. If the pores stay open, the inflammation is called a blackhead. Closed pores are called whiteheads.

Breakouts occur if there is an imbalance in hormones. Sometimes males overproduce androgen to cause acne. Women see an increase in breakouts during pregnancy and menopause, when estrogen levels fluctuate.

For women especially, there are other factors that influence hormones and oil production. Stress and diet can have astounding effects on our skin. Balancing a career, a social life and a family is enough to trigger a breakout. Smoking can also spark a breakout. To keep skin clear, eat a balanced diet and keep stress levels low. A healthy mind is just as important as a good face wash!

If you have any questions about adult acne or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Key Ingredient,Key for You?

Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most commonly prescribed anti-acne ingredients. However, regular use of benzoyl peroxide may be the source of possible skin problems. Knoxville Dermatology Group encourages you to learn more about active ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, found in many skin care products.

What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
Benzoyl Peroxide is medication used to treat mild to moderate acne. When applied to the skin, benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria and by causing the skin to dry and peel.  There are many benzoyl peroxide products available; many can be purchased without a prescription. However, a dermatologist should recommend the appropriate products upon assessment of skin.

The Pros
Clears Acne Fast
Benzoyl peroxide clears blemishes fast by killing acne-causing bacteria.  Products that contain lower concentrations are as effective as those with higher concentrations.  Thus, skin does not have to endure dryness to achieve desired results.

 

Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent
According to a study published in Cosmetic Dermatology, benzoyl peroxide reduces oxygen in the skin and bacteria in the pore. Moreover, the ingredient works to reduce inflammation within the blemish.

The Cons
Causes Dehydration and Premature Aging
Benzoyl peroxide causes irritation, namely dryness, which in turn ages skin. Vigilant use of moisturizers can help this drawback.

 

 

Can Lead to Hyperpigmentation
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is characteristic of acne and benzoyl peroxide adds to its severity. Hyperpigmentation is especially severe for people of medium to dark skin tones.

 

Induces Sun Damage
Because benzoyl peroxide cleans the pore, it thins the skin increasing susceptibility to sun damage.

 

Common Side Effects
Dryness and peeling; skin that feels tight. Redness may occur.

How to Use It
Dermatologists agree the key with benzoyl peroxide is moderation. It was invented as a product for short-term use, thus users should take heed and scale back use.  If side effects are still an issue, there are many other agents, like salicylic acid and retinol that work just as well.

Facing Adult Onset Acne

For many adults, acne has become a growing pain that continues to grow with them. In fact, “…there appears to be an increase in post-adolescent acne, and that the disease is lasting longer and is requiring treatment well into the mid forties,” according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Regardless of what age you are coping with acne, the physicians of Knoxville Dermatology Group can help.

Adult acne affects 25% of adult men and half of all adult women at some time in their adult lives. These statistics may not be surprising, especially since dermatologists are seeing more patients in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond with this condition. Dermatologists call acne that does not clear by one’s mid-20s, persistent acne.  Most common in women, this acne tends to form on the lower face around the mouth and jaw line. Late-onset acne can occur when people who have not had acne for years. People can develop deep-seated, inflamed pimples and nodules, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Causes of Adult Acne
Acne develops when excess sebum (oil that our bodies produce naturally), skin cells, and bacteria build up. The triggers of adult acne are wide, but often relate to hormones, cosmetics, and stress.  Here are several causes:

  • Family history– Researchers have found that half of adults with acne share the condition with a first-degree relative. Some people have a genetic predisposition to acne.
  • Stress– The body responds to stress by producing more androgens, hormones that can cause flare-ups.
  • Hormones– Acne flares up any time hormones fluctuate. In particular, hormones related to premenstrual flares can cause skin problems for women. Moreover, acne becomes problematic during menopause.
  • Taking/ Discontinuing certain medications– Acne can occur as a side effect of medications.  These include anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, and sobriety drugs.  If you experience a flare-up as a result of a medication, discuss alternative medications with your doctor. Furthermore, birth control pills that contain estrogen and progestin often help control acne.
  • Hair and Skin Products– If a product used for hair and/or skin is heavy or greasy, then it can cause acne cosmetica. Dermatologists recommend products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic.”

Treatment of Adult Acne
There is a never ending list of acne-fighting products on the market, and it can be overwhelming. But the best solution for adult acne cannot be bought; it is the advice from your dermatologist. Upon visiting the dermatologist, he or she can assess your skin and design a customized routine, including recommended skin products to combat your condition.

Knoxville Dermatology Group understands that not all acne is the same; but the difficulty of treating them is common. Schedule a consultation today with one of our board certified physicians to learn more about your condition and continue your adulthood with healthy, clear skin!