It is rather funny when you wake up in your 30s or 40s with a breakout. Are we not supposed to get wrinkles instead of pimples? Well, if you are having problems with adult breakouts, you have plenty of company. Dermatologists note an increasing trend of adult acne, especially among women.

Whereas teenage acne occurs due to hormonal upheavals of the body during puberty and affects the “T-zone” (forehead, nose, and chin area), adult acne is quite different. It is more deep-seated and painful and tends to affect the “U-zone,” that is, the chin, jawline, and neck. Getting acquainted with why your skin has become mischievous is the key to solving your problem.

Why am I Breaking out now? The root causes

The hormonal rollercoaster

But hormones continue to be the major puppet master when it comes to acne at any age. As a woman, during your 30s and 40s, there is a very high probability of fluctuating hormones because of menstruation, pregnancy, cessation of or beginning birth control pills, and pre-menopause.

As estrogen decreases, androgens may have the upper hand. This shifts your sebaceous glands into overdrive, producing excess oil. Just like choosing a san antonio tx dermatologists gives you one less thing to worry about, balancing these internal hormonal shifts can take a massive weight off your skin’s health.

Chronic stress and cortisol

As a result of stress from work or familial stress, lack of sleep, or any other reason, the body makes the stress hormone called cortisol, which leads to stimulation of the sebaceous glands. This causes the pores to get blocked, thus creating an ideal environment for the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

Chronic inflammation and the skin barrier

With aging, there is a slow process of the turnover rate of skin cells, which leads to a decrease in the resilience of the skin barrier. Hence, the dead skin cells accumulate and clog the pores with excess of oil. Additionally, the combination of harsh anti-aging products with harsh exfoliating scrubs can cause inflammatory reactions.

How dermatologists treat adult acne

When dealing with adult skin, more caution should be taken compared to when one is treating teen skin. Adult skin is more likely to become dry and irritated; therefore, the regular “pimple creams” found at the local pharmacy might actually worsen the problem.

Topical treatments 

• Retinoids: It derived from vitamin A and play a role in exfoliation, unclogging pores, and production of collagen to reduce fine lines.
• Azelaic acid: Azelaic acid is an ideal ingredient for mature skin as it fights acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and fades dark spots caused by blemishes.
• Hormonal blockers (Clascoterone): Clascoterone is one of those new drugs that are being prescribed to block the action of androgens without causing systemic side effects.

Systemic treatments

When it comes to cystic or deeper acne on the chin, creams will usually not be able to address the problem at its source.

• Spironolactone: This pill was originally developed as a blood pressure drug but now acts as an inhibitor of androgen hormones. Spironolactone works great for women suffering from hormone-driven breakouts.
• Low dose antibiotics: Taken only in the short term, this medication helps reduce major inflammation in the skin while waiting for the other medications to work.
• Isotretinoin (Accutane): When it comes to stubborn and also scarring acne, isotretinoin still stands out as the most permanent cure and is available through reducing sebum production.

Get your clear skin back

It has already been made evident that adult acne is indeed a grave situation that cannot be considered due to poor hygiene practices. Scrubbing your skin using harsh scrubs will damage your skin barrier and make the whole process even more difficult. When you are looking for professional advice, you can consult with experienced san antonio tx dermatologists. The most essential thing regarding treatment of adult acne is patience, since the results usually start showing in 8–12 weeks.

With proper planning and a dermatologist’s advice, you will be able to control the inflammation, clear up your skin, and have glowing skin.

Zuella Montemayor, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.