Acne is not something that plagues only pre-teens and teens. Adult in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s can experience acne and, while the frustration of acne is the same regardless of one’s age, the treatment is different.
Teen acne often appears at puberty and is often due to fluctuating hormones which cause the sebaceous glands to go into overdrive and produce an excess of oil that clogs pores and results in eruptions or pimples. Teen acne is often treated with products that dry up excess oil on the face and body but these may actually worsen adult acne.
Hormones also play a role in the onset of adult acne which may be triggered by pregnancy, menstruation or menopause but there are other causes as well. Stress is a major contributor to adult acne. Researchers have found that stress causes our bodies to produce androgens. These hormones stimulate oil glands which, if they produce an excess of sebum, can lead to acne. Certain medications and oil-based hair and facial products can also cause or exacerbate adult acne. If you have adult acne, look for products that state right on the label that they are non-comedogenic, oil-free and/or non-acnegenic.
If acne is persistent, visit a dermatologist who may prescribe oral contraceptives to combat hormonal acne. Other oral medications that fight adult acne are spironolactone and isotretinoin for severe acne. A dermatologist can also prescribe retinoid creams and prescription topicals that contain an antimicrobial ingredient such as clindamycin or erythromycin. A dermatologist can also clear up an offending pimple quickly by injecting a corticosteroid directly into it.
Adults with acne should avoid popping pimples (leave that to the professionals) and should also avoid sunburns which may exacerbate the condition.
Cleansing the skin is paramount. Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t irritate the skin. Avoid scrubbing and rubbing the skin and avoid “teen” products that dry out the skin. Instead, look for over-the-counter topical products that contain sulfur and sodium sulfacetamide. Look for moisturizers and cosmetics with Salicylic Acid that are gentler and less drying than products aimed at teens.
One of my very favorite skincare brands, Murad, Inc., has recently introduced a line of products that address adult acne. They sent me complimentary samples but because I don’t suffer from adult acne, I haven’t tried them. I will, however, pass them along to a friend who’s battled adult acne for years and who has sought professional help for it.
Murad’s Anti-Aging Acne Care line is a three part system of products that work together to help clear and prevent blemishes while keeping skin moisturized.
The first component is Murad’s Time Release Acne Cleanser. It works gently and contains 0.5% Salicylic Acid as well as ingredients that moisturize skin without making it oily. According to the company website, it’s formulated to deliver up to eight hours of acne control even after you rinse it off and is proven to reduce acne while also diminishing fine lines and wrinkles due to an infusion of Hyaluronic and Amino Acids.
Murad’s Advanced Acne & Wrinkle Reducer is a topical treatment that’s been clinically proven to treat and prevent future breakouts while visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 0.5% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid helps to clear hormonal breakouts and reduce redness while Black Cohosh soothes skin inflammation.
Murad’s Anti-Aging Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA for Blemish-Prone Skin contains Oil Control Complex, extracts from Saw Palmetto, Sesame Seed and Argan Kernel to help keep pores clear. Kombucha Collagen Defense helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to produce a smoother complexion.
Murad’s Anti-Aging Acne Care Line launched this month. Products are priced from $32 – $48 dollars and you can get them by clicking on the links below.
In addition to the above, consider including the following Murad products in your adult acne-fighting arsenal.
Murad Acne Body Wash contains Glycolic and Salicylic Acids to control breakouts, Date Seed Powder to exfoliate skin and Green Tea and Licorice Root Extracts to protect and soothe irritation.
Murad Clarifying Body Spray also contains Salicylic Acid to reduce breakouts on contact and to help prevent further eruptions. Menthol cools skin on contact and Blue Lotus Extract helps purify pores.
Murad Clarifying Wipes for Blemish Prone Skin are pre-moistened, take-along wipes that cleanse, reduce shine and tone and balance skin’s natural oils.
Get them by clicking the links below.
You may also want to invest in a Clarisonic to gently but thoroughly cleanse your skin. I swear by mine. Get it here:
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