Adult Acne—How to Banish It Once and For All

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting 50 million people annually. While nearly all adolescents experience acne at least once, many adults have acne into their 30s and 40s. In fact, approximately 15 percent of adult women report suffering from acne. Dermatologists are aware that increasing numbers of adult women suffer from acne, making it one of the most common skin conditions in the United States. Acne in adults and teens, however, has different causes and different treatments. 

Different Causes

Acne in teenagers is caused by the dramatic hormonal changes that occur during puberty. During adolescence, the body produces large amounts of androgens, which stimulate sebaceous glands, causing them to produce more sebum (oil). Excess oil causes outbreaks of acne, normally focused on the face, chest, and back. Another major cause of teenage acne is family history. Oily skin, large pores, and a predisposition to develop acne can be passed down from parents to their children. Fortunately, teens have faster cell turnover and as a result recover more quickly from breakouts than adults. Acne often improves after adolescence because such hormonal changes lessen and no longer overproduce sebum.  

Adult acne, however, is caused by chronic high stress levels and different hormonal changes triggered by events such as pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal shifts cause adrenal glands to once again overproduce sebum. Adults also develop inflammatory acne focused primarily around the mouth, chin, and jaw line. 

Different Solutions

Some treatments are effective for both adult and teenage acne. Regularly cleansing the face or anywhere breakouts occur, using oil-free, comedogenic makeup, and avoiding picking at outbreaks can all help reduce the severity of acne across all ages. 

Nonetheless, adult acne must be treated differently. Skin loses its ability to retain moisture as it ages, meaning adults require gentler acne treatments to avoid over-drying their skin. One method of treating adult acne without dehydrating skin is to use nutritional supplements designed for skin rejuvenation. Skin Accumax is a nutritional supplement designed help clear acne and improve skin’s overall appearance. A combination of vitamins and diindolylmethane (DIM), Skin Accumax is suitable for all skin types and improves the skin’s appearance from the inside out. Used in Europe for four years, Skin Accumax has proven results to help skin look more rejuvenated and reduce the severity of acne. At four capsules a day for 14 weeks, Skin Accumax easily fits into busy schedules and yields dramatic results. 

Acne improvement can also be achieved with laser acne treatments. BroadBand Light (BBL) destroys the bacteria in the sebaceous glands, addressing the root cause of acne. Additionally, laser treatment reduces the production of sebum, helping reduce the severity of acne breakouts.

Facial procedures offer immediate relief for acne breakouts. The HydraFacial is a resurfacing procedure that cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates your skin and involves no discomfort or downtime. Using Vortex–Fusing antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, the HydraFacial serums target acne as well as blackheads and whiteheads, enlarged pores, brown spots, uneven skin tone, and early-aging fine lines and wrinkles. After an initial in-office procedure, patients can apply the serum on a regular basis at home.

Similarly, the Signature Facial at Urban Effect MedSpa is customized for each client and provides immediate results. Using vitamin C, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and gentle enzymes, the facial serum facilitates skin turnover. The result is tighter, clearer, and brighter skin for all skin types. Each facial is tailored to address each patient’s specific skin needs, such as acne, aging, dehydration, or sensitivity. 

The skin care professionals at Urban Effects MedSpa can determine the best combination of treatments to treat adult acne. Many treatments can be initiated the same day as the consultation. Contact Urban Effects in Urbandale, Iowa, for acne treatment, acne scar repair, and a wide variety of other medspa and skincare services.