How to deal with Adult Acne
Updated: Jul 26, 2021
Acne Vulgaris is an inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the face, back and chest.
Acne appears in many different forms, this includes;
Whiteheads (closed surface Comedones)
Blackheads (open surface Comedones)
Papules (inflamed red bumps)
Pustules (inflamed yellow pimples)
Cysts (puss-filled lumps)
EMOTIONAL STRUGGLES
Your teenage years are long behind you but you are still battling with annoying acne breakouts. Unfortunately, acne can stick around well into adulthood.
Adult acne can sometimes be the most frustrating of it all. You have meetings back-to-back all day, but you’re now having to worry whether everyone will notice you’ve had a new breakout.
Learning to deal with this insecurity and feeling of embarrassment is the hardest hurdle to overcome. However, thankfully in our current society skincare is one of the hottest topics around. People love to share their ‘new favourite cream’, or their ‘proven home remedy’.
In a world of social pressures towards maintaining a certain physical appearance, having Acne can seriously bring your mental health down. These anxious thoughts can feel incredibly unbearable at times.
The most ironic part of it all, stressing about your skin only makes your skin worse. What an annoying world we live in.
BIGGEST FACTORS IN MANAGING ACNE
SLEEP
Regular sleep is key for your bodies recovery. Studies have shown sleep deprivation is considered one of the biggest acne triggers.
A lack of sleep can have influential effects on your skin;
Lowered immune system
Skin inflammation/puffiness
Increased cortisol levels
After a long day of fighting off different chemicals and pollutants, your skin is desperate for a break. A good nights sleep is key for your skin to restore and regenerate itself. The regeneration process claims to be up to three times faster at night, than it is through the day.
STRESS
When we are stressed our body releases the ‘stress hormone’ known as Cortisol. Cortisol is thought to stimulate the release of oil from the glands around our hair follicles. Excessive oil production clogs your pores and can lead to the aggravation of acne.
Stress is known to trigger rashes or inflammation with your skin. Stress has the potential to weaken your immune system. This causes an imbalance of bacteria which further affects your skin.
HYGIENE
Our mobile phones are thought to carry around 10 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. We use our phone screens every day but yet we never think to regularly clean them. Believe it or not, the germs covering our phones do transfer to our skin when pressed up against our cheeks.
Don’t attack your pimples. It’s tempting but there are so many reasons why it’s a bad idea. By popping or even just touching your pimples, you are introducing more bacteria into your skin. You also run the risk of causing scarring.
FIND YOUR OWN REGIME
Use products you know you can trust.
Salicylic Acid based products are especially good for breakouts of Acne (specifically the Obagi Clenziderm range)
Face wash for Oily skin is perfect for controlling that excess oil production to your skin
Humectant moisturisers (non occlusive to stop pore blockage)
Retinol products at night time
MY ADVICE TO YOU
Take care of yourself. Dealing with the stress of having post-adolescent acne is completely understandable, but you will just create more hurdles for yourself if you don’t practice positive mental health.
You must try to manage the stress and keep your sleeping pattern in check. You will notice positive changes to your skin when you are well-rested and happy. Don’t let it play havoc with your life!
It’s so important to resist the urge to find a quick fix. The most dreading feeling when dealing with acne is knowing you’ve caused an advance in further aggravation. Focus on playing the long game; giving slower products a chance to work, being patient with achieving your skin goals. Trust me the outcome will be worth it.
Be proud of your progress, and always be patient with yourself!
Still need help?
Get in touch with us to book in a consultation appointment.
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