Acne is not for just teenagers, like some might think. Many people who have suffered from acne as a teenager still develop acne when they become an adult. Even people who have never had a single blemish in their adolescent years develop adult acne. Adult acne usually appears on the cheeks, jawline and chin, while teenage is most common on the t-zone, forehead, and nose. There are many different factors to consider when determining what is causing your adult acne and what treatments will work best for you. Factors like stress, hormones, medications, cleansers, and cosmetics are all often contributors in what is breaking your skin out. So, what can you do to treat your adult acne? The first step is to find out what is causing your skin to break out.
First off, it is very important that you have a daily skin care routine set in place. In order to clear up and prevent future acne it is a must to cleanse your skin everyday. It is recommended by Doris Day, MD, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, that you wash your face just twice per day. Wash with cool or lukewarm water and a mild facial cleanser. You may use your hands, a soft washcloth, or a facial brush while washing. When you are finished pat your face dry, do not rub. You would be surprised how many people solve their acne troubles just by knowing how to properly cleanse their skin. Myths like using scolding hot water, washing your face several times a day, and exfoliating several days out of the week can all contribute to inflamed acne, dry skin, and even more acne troubles. Make sure that you don’t squeeze or pop your acne. This can spread bacteria into existing acne and cause even more breakouts!
Now, there are products on the market that you can buy that specifically targeted to people with acne. If you suffer from acne the last thing you want to put on your face are more products that are going to clog your pores and irritate your skin. There are several phrases to look out for when you are purchasing a cleanser, makeup product, or moisturizer that can help treat your acne. Choose a cleanser that is AHA/BHA based. These products are formulated with both AHA, glycolic acid and lactic acid, or BHA (beta hydroxy acid, also known as salicylic acid. These cleansers have multiple benefits that help with breakouts, acne scarring, hyper pigmentation, as well as anti-aging. When looking for a moisturizer look for products that contain a retinoid. Retinoids have been proven to clear up breakout and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Benzoyl peroxide is another ingredient that is key in fighting adult acne. Benzoyl Peroxide will dry up your acne and your face, so use products that contain this ingredient occasionally. Makeup is one of the leading causes skin care products that causes acne, or clogs pores causing more acne. When purchasing makeup, look for the labels that read “noncomedgenic”. This will tell you that the product will not clog your pores. There also might be another word “non-acnegenic”, which means that the product will not cause acne.
Don’t struggle for years with your adult acne. Find skin care regiment that can help clear up your adult acne. If you don’t get the results you want, then find a dermatologist that can solve some under-lying problems that may be causing your breakouts. Don’t be embarrassed to seek help. A dermatologist can give you back your self-confidence, and put you on the right regiment for your skin type.