You spent the better part of your teen years struggling with pimples popping up out of the blue, but you got through it. Years later, however, it has resurfaced with a vengeance. You’re breaking out all over the place and have no idea what to do. It’s irritating, unattractive, and embarrassing, to say the least. Skincare products aren’t working and it’s driving you insane.
Whether you know it or not, you’re not alone. Lots of adults struggle with acne. There are effective solutions to treating this common skin condition, but identifying the cause of your breakouts is the first step to healing. Below is a look at some of the most common causes of adult acne and ways to treat it for good.
Hormones
Women who experience acne breakouts just before their periods are likely suffering from hormonal fluctuations brought on by menstruation. As testosterone levels increase, it stimulates the oil glands causing the skin to produce more oil (which leads to breakouts).
Stress
Stress is another factor that could play into your adult acne. If you work a stressful job, have a lot of responsibilities, or are going through a difficult circumstance that causes your body to remain in fight or flight mode, it will produce cortisol. This hormone aids the body in combating stress but also increases testosterone levels which again increases the production of oil.
Atmosphere
Where you live and the quality of air there can also cause acne. The number of toxins and pollutants floating into the air stick to your skin causing your pores to get clogged and pimples to form.
Certain Foods
The foods you eat can also play a role in your recent acne breakouts. Foods that are high in fat or grease content can trigger breakouts. If you are even mildly allergic to certain foods, this too can cause you to break out. Lastly, foods containing a lot of sugar raises insulin levels which produce more testosterone.
What Can You Do to Treat Adult Acne?
Now that you have a clearer understanding of what could be causing your adult acne, you can take the proper steps towards treating the cause which will reduce or eliminate breakouts altogether. Below are a few treatment options:
Up Your Vitamin A
Pimples form because your pores have become blocked with things like oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Increasing your vitamin A intake helps to slow the production of oil and is packed with antioxidants to help keep pores clear.
Keep Your Skin Clean
Your skin comes into contact with so much on a regular basis. To keep the pores clear it is essential that you clean your skin daily. This means showering and properly moisturizing your body and developing a skincare routine that includes exfoliating, cleansing, and moisturizing your face.
Watch What You Eat
Keep a food diary over the next month to get an idea of which foods cause you to breakout. Once you’ve recognized a pattern, remove those foods from your diet to reduce or eliminate acne.
Exercise
Exercising helps the body to get rid of built-up bacteria and toxins. Working up a sweat at least 3-5 times a week (and washing up afterward) can help you get rid of those things that trigger acne outbreaks.
See a Dermatologist
If your acne is painful, frequent, or doesn’t seem to clear up with a few lifestyle changes it is best to seek the help of certified experts like Metropolitan Dermatology. They have several options for you to treat acne including creams and serums, medications, and non-invasive procedures.
Work Out That Stress
As best you can try to eliminate the stress from your life. Get organized in the office by utilizing tools that streamline processes, simplify things at home by creating routines and getting household cooperation, and, if necessary, seek assistance from a therapist.
If you’re struggling with acne breakouts and have tried several products with no such luck, perhaps there’s an underlying issue you’re not aware of. As you can see from above, there are many factors that could contribute to your breakouts. Learning what they are first can give you an idea of what changes need to be made to see an improvement. If after trying these suggestions, you don’t see any improvement, reaching out to a dermatologist for expert advice is advised.
