Understanding Acne : Part 3 - Adult Acne

Who would have guessed that actress Salma Hayek's flawless face was once plagued by acne. In a recent interview with Lucky magazine, she revealed that she had acne at 25 and the acne was so bad that it sent her into a depression - “I couldn’t leave the house. I’d wake up in the morning and lie there and touch my face before I got up, just to prepare myself to look in the mirror!”.

 Adult acne is a common problem. Actress Salma Hayek was once plagued by adult acne in her twenties.

We used to think that our “bad skin” days will be over once we hit adulthood. However, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, almost 50 per cent of adults suffer from acne at some point in their adult life. Currently, the average age of those being treated for adult acne is about 30 and females are more likely to develop adult acne compared to males.

What is the Difference Between Teenage and Adult Acne?

Teenage acne mostly involve blackheads and whiteheads on the T-zones and cheeks. Adult acne typically affects the lower face - jawline and neck, sometimes presenting in the form of painful cysts and nodules. Scarring is more likely as the lesions are larger in adult acne (cystic, nodular lesions) and the skin becoming less resilient with age.

 Adult acne mainly affects the lower half of the face

What Causes Adult Acne ?

Although the exact cause is not well documented, several factors are associated with adult-onset acne. Experts agree that hormonal fluctuations play a key role in adult acne. Pimples tend to flare up during menstruation and menopause. In addition, adult women are more likely to wear make-up and use richer anti-aging creams that may clog pores. Lastly, stress is also an aggravating factor for the modern adult working woman to develop acne. 

Treatment of Adult Acne

Adult acne can be treated with anti-acne skincare, topical and oral medication. Many over- the-counter acne products are formulated to treat teenage acne with underlying greasy skin. As adult skin is generally less oily, care should be taken to avoid harsh cleansers or topical acne lotions that may dry up or irritate the skin. Do consult a doctor for treatment of adult acne to avoid unwanted side effects such as scarring.