It is not uncommon for adults to suffer from acne. Although it is generally the most common skin problem in the teenage years, its frequency has not decreased fully in adulthood. In fact, adult acne is often caused by various lifestyle factors, hormonal balance, and skin care product choices.
Here, everything about adult acne is thoroughly explained, from its main causes, characteristics by site, correct skin care, treatment and care products, and lifestyle for improvement. It also takes into account differences by season, climate, and skin type, explaining solutions from multiple perspectives.
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, National Kumamoto University. After serving as the director of major beauty clinics in Japan, etc., he opened Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic in 2023. He is a professional in aesthetic medicine with a doctorate in anti-aging research and many years of experience. With the motto of "Toward the realization of cosmetic medicine without lies," he aims to be the "Only One" together with his patients.
Main causes of adult acne
Acne is often perceived as a teenager's problem, but many adults still suffer from acne. There may be a general preconceived notion that adults can avoid acne by keeping clean, but this is incorrect knowledge. The following factors are behind adult acne.
Hormonal imbalance and adult acne
Hormonal balance has a very significant impact on skin health. Although it is often assumed that hormone production and secretion is relatively stable in adults, it actually fluctuates on a daily basis due to many external and internal factors.
(data) item | female | masculine gender |
---|---|---|
Hormonal effects | Hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause | Increased sebum secretion due to testosterone |
Main Symptoms | Increased acne before menstruation | High sebum secretion, easily clogged pores |
Related Hormones | Progesterone, estrogen | testosterone |
Women, in particular, experience periods of significant fluctuations in hormonal balance throughout their lives, including the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Related to the menstrual cycle, many women experience an increase in acne before menstruation.
This is due to an imbalance between the hormones called progesterone and estrogen, which causes the sebaceous glands to become more active and produce more sebum. In addition, the stress hormone cortisol also increases, which may further stimulate sebum secretion.
Hormonal balance can also cause acne in men. Testosterone, in particular, stimulates sebaceous glands and can increase sebum production. This sebum can block pores and lead to acne outbreaks. In general, men secrete more sebum than women, so care should be taken.
The relationship between skin care product selection and adult acne
Skin care is an important process that affects both beauty and health, but choosing the wrong products in this process can have a negative impact on the skin. Here we take a closer look at how choosing the right skin care products can affect adult acne.
point | Description. |
---|---|
Skin type and product selection | Select products appropriate for your skin type (dry, oily, combination, etc.). Avoid products that do not match your skin type. |
Effects of alcohol components | Products with high alcohol content may excessively remove sebum, causing dryness and acne. |
Too strong cleaning power | Products that are too strong in cleaning power destroy the skin's barrier function, making acne more likely to occur. |
patch test | Perform small-scale testing before using new products and avoid them if they cause allergies or irritation. |
Comprehensive Care | The effect is maximized when each step, such as cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen, is combined in a well-balanced manner. |
First of all, it is important to choose the right product for your skin type. The best ingredients vary depending on skin type, such as dry, oily, or combination skin. Using products that do not match your skin type may result in over-stimulation of the skin, resulting in improper sebum production and a reduction in the skin's barrier function.
Many skin care products contain alcohol, but products with high alcohol content require special attention. Alcohol helps to remove oil from the skin, but excessive oil removal can dry the skin and result in increased sebum production. This can lead to the development of acne.
Skin care products that are too aggressive in cleaning are also problematic. They can destroy the skin's natural barrier function and cause microscopic damage. This can leave the skin vulnerable to external irritants and bacteria, making it more prone to acne.
If you are concerned, it is always a good idea to do a patch test before trying a new skin care product. This is a way to test the product on a small scale to see if it works for your skin. If allergies or irritation develops, the product should be avoided.
Finally, skin care requires comprehensive care. The effectiveness of each of these products, including face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen, is maximized only when they are combined in a well-balanced manner. In addition to product selection, make sure you know the correct method and frequency of use.
Lifestyle and dietary influences
The busy lifestyles of modern people have many factors that affect the health of their skin. Irregular sleep and eating habits are known to disrupt the hormonal balance in the body.
Lack of sleep deprives the body of recovery time, and binge eating and drinking puts a strain on the internal organs, which manifests itself as skin problems. Excessive stress can also cause increased sebum production.
Causes and care of adult acne by site
The causes of adult acne vary depending on its location. Here we will introduce the characteristics and causes of acne in different parts of the face, as well as the countermeasures for each.
part | feature | cause |
---|---|---|
forehead | Hypersecretion of sebum, stress effects | Hormones, sebum |
area between the eyebrows | Digestive system, dietary influences | High fat and sugar, alcohol |
cheeks | Drying, environmental effects | Dryness, UV rays, dirt |
around one's lips | Hormonal and dietary influences | Hormones, specific ingredients |
nose | excessive sebum production | Sebum, clogged pores |
Acne on various parts of the face - forehead, between the eyebrows, cheeks, around the mouth, and nose - has different characteristics and causes depending on its location. This section describes the appropriate care for each area.
- Forehead
Acne on the forehead is often an area of high sebum production, stress, and lack of sleep. The main causes are hormonal imbalance and excessive sebum production. Countermeasures include using oil-free cosmetics, choosing cleansers with good cleansing power, and getting a good night's sleep and taking care of stress. - area between the eyebrows
Acne between the eyebrows is often affected mainly by digestive problems and diet. In particular, high-fat and high-sugar diets and alcohol can cause this problem. A well-balanced diet and moderate alcohol intake are effective countermeasures. - cheeks
Dryness and environmental factors play a major role in acne on the cheeks. Dryness, UV rays, and external contamination are the main causes. It is important to keep the skin well moisturized, use sunscreen, and avoid frequent facial washing. - around one's lips
Acne around the mouth is affected by hormonal balance and certain foods. Hormonal fluctuations and foods (spices, oils, etc.) are often the cause. Using hypoallergenic skin care products and eating a well-balanced diet are effective countermeasures. - nose
The nose is particularly prone to acne due to high sebum secretion. Overproduction of sebum and clogged pores are the main causes. Cleansing with cleansing power and adequate moisturizing are key.
Proper skin care for adult acne
Cleansing, as effective skin care for adult acne, is the basic and first step in acne care. It is important to gently massage away sebum and dirt. Rubbing too hard may damage the skin. Of course, it is also important to choose the right product for your skin.
Another example is the use of face packs. Clay-based packs are particularly effective in removing dirt from the pores. Use once or twice a week is considered appropriate, but the frequency can be adjusted depending on the condition of the skin.
Moisturizing is very important in acne care. The ideal moisturizing cream to choose is one with a non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) label. After washing your face, take an appropriate amount and gently apply it to your skin to prevent acne outbreaks from dryness.
Treatment and Care Product Selection
Antibiotics and retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) are often used for dermatological treatment. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are also the main ingredients in over-the-counter care products, which are also effective for acne.
Even after the acne has healed, the scars often remain, which is another problem. Cosmetic treatments that specialize in acne scars include laser therapy and peels, but these require consultation and treatment at a specialized medical institution.
Adult acne is a problem that can happen to anyone, but with the right skin care and proper treatment, its effects can be minimized. Find the right care for your skin and achieve beautiful skin.
Lifestyle changes to improve adult acne
Acne is not just a cosmetic problem; it can often affect your self-confidence and emotional health. Suffering from acne as an adult is not just a cosmetic problem. Sometimes it can even affect your self-confidence and emotional health.
Effects of stress, sleep, and alcohol/tobacco
The effects of stress, lack of sleep, alcohol and tobacco in daily life are factors that cannot be ignored by the skin. These factors adversely affect the hormonal balance, resulting in an environment conducive to the formation of acne.
Stress can be relieved through meditation and sports, and quality sleep is likewise necessary for skin repair. In addition, avoiding alcohol and tobacco as much as possible will improve overall health, especially the skin.
Acne Care for Men
Men produce more sebum and the damage to the skin caused by shaving must be considered. Moisturizing the skin after shaving is essential. Dryness stimulates sebum secretion, which worsens acne. It is also important to keep the razor blade used clean and to renew the blade regularly.
Women's Acne Care
Women frequently experience fluctuations in hormonal balance, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause, which affect the appearance of acne. It is important to maintain hormonal balance through careful skin care and a well-balanced diet, especially before and after menstruation.
Makeup products can also cause acne. Especially when applied thickly for high coverage, they can easily clog pores. A solution is to choose non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) or oil-free products. And when removing makeup, it is recommended to wash your face thoroughly and, if possible, wash twice.
Circumstances and care of adult acne as seen by various factors
Acne is not a straightforward problem. That is because it depends on the condition of the skin, the living environment, the season, and the climate. Taking care of your skin according to your skin type, lifestyle, season, and climate is the fastest way to beautiful skin. Let's focus on these diverse factors and take a comprehensive look at caring for adult acne.
Acne care according to season and climate
Summer is a particularly harsh season for people with oily or combination skin, which produces more sweat and sebum. Therefore, pore cleansing is especially important. In addition, oil-free cosmetics and solid UV protection are necessary during this season.
Winter, on the other hand, presents other problems for people with dry or normal skin. Moisturizing is extremely important because the skin becomes more vulnerable to dryness. Skin care products containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides are ideal for this season. Not only that, changes in temperature and humidity also affect the skin, so it is useful to change skin care products with each season.
Atopic dermatitis and sensitive skin and acne
People with sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis require special care as their skin is easily irritated by common products. Products containing skin-friendly ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and aloe vera, are recommended. Conversely, alcohol, fragrances, and synthetic colors that may irritate the skin should be avoided.
Sudden outbreak of massive acne and its countermeasures
Sudden outbreaks of massive acne can have a wide variety of causes. Stress, sudden temperature changes, and poor diet are the main factors.
Emergency care products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are effective as specific measures. The most important thing, however, is to see a specialist to firmly identify the cause of the outbreak. In addition, stress and lifestyle modifications should be made.
summary
Unlike teenage acne, adult acne is easily affected by many external factors and lifestyle habits. It is necessary to understand the causes of the problem, and to take appropriate skin care and lifestyle modifications to address them.
There are differences in acne care between men and women, and furthermore, their care methods vary depending on skin type, season, and climate. With the improvement methods and information presented here, find the best care for each individual and regain healthy skin.
At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.
Feel free to use our official LINE account for 24-hour counseling and reservations. Please feel free to contact us for free counseling for the first time or if you have any concerns.