Those old standby treatments probably won’t work now, at least not very well. But there are other weapons in the acne treatment arsenal that can effectively clear adult acne.
These 10 must-know facts will help you treat your adult acne.
There are several reasons why acne rears its head post-puberty. Certain medications can trigger breakouts, as well as conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
The most common reason for adult acne in women, though, is normal hormonal fluctuations (more about this later).
During adulthood, it’s a different story. Adult acne strikes one of the sexes with much greater frequency than the other. Can you guess which one?
Yes, ladies, you’re more likely than a man to get acne. It’s those hormones again.
Rosacea is a skin problem that also causes red, acne-like pimples on the face. It most commonly appears for the first time during adulthood, so it’s often given the misnomer “adult acne.”
Acne and rosacea aren’t the only skin conditions that cause pimples. A trip to the practitioner might be a good idea if you aren’t 100% positive that acne is what you’re seeing.
Any changes that cause major hormonal shifts in the body can trigger acne.
For some women, their skin never looks better than during pregnancy. Others break out like crazy.
And after you have your little one, you may not be in the clear, either. For some women, postpartum acne is also an issue.
If you do choose to treat your acne during your pregnancy, you have to take into account your growing baby. Ask your OB/GYN or your dermatologist for acne treatments that are safe for mommies-to-be.
There are many adult acne treatments available today. To treat it successfully, you will probably need a combination of treatments.
Options include:
Topical retinoids - Not only do they help by reducing breakouts, but some can also slow down signs of aging, too.
Birth control pills - If you need a contraceptive anyway, birth control pills may be a good addition to your acne treatment routine. They help regulate hormonal fluctuations that contribute to breakouts.
Spironolactone - An anti-androgen that’s used to treat hormonal acne. It’s not right for every woman, though, so your healthcare provider will work with you to decide if this is a good fit.
These are just a select few of the many treatments available. There are many more, at least one of which will be right for you.
Most people only need to take one or two courses of isotretinoin to get acne under control. Your dermatologist may suggest this medication if you have very severe acne, or you can’t get acne under control with other medications.
If your skin is oily, foaming cleansers and astringent products can help keep oily shine and blackheads under control.
But not all acne-prone skin is oily. In fact, your skin may be rather dry. So, instead choose non-foaming washes and toners versus astringents.
If you’re using prescription acne medications, forgo OTC acne products altogether. Instead, choose gentle, hydrating skin care products to keep acne medications from drying out your skin.
If you need help choosing your skin care products, employ the help of an esthetician or your dermatologist.
Think of it this way, no one ever regrets seeing a healthcare provider too soon, but many people regret waiting too long.
But in the midst of treating acne, and patiently waiting for it to clear, don’t forget to give yourself some much-needed attention and care. It will help you feel better and protect against the eroding of self-confidence that sometimes comes with acne. Remember, you deserve it!
A Word from Verywell
Adult acne is very common among women, so you’re definitely not alone. It can be treated, even if you’ve had it for a long time. The key is to get professional help in the form of a skilled dermatologist. With your healthcare provider’s help, you can get a treatment plan that will improve your skin.
