Adult acne
Acne doesn't just affect teenagers; sometimes women in their mid-20s, 30s or occasionally in their 40s, can have problems with acne. Most people expect to have grown out of acne by these ages and because it's such a visible condition, it can still affect self-confidence. Even mild acne can have a big impact on women in these age groups.
Adult acne is not the same as acne that affects teenagers - when you are younger your skin is oily and less sensitive, whereas as an adult it is drier and more fragile.
Causes
Poor skin care
Pore clogging skin care products (these can affect men too) can cause adult acne. If you're acne prone, products labeled non-comodegenic or oil free are your best bet, but avoid vitamin E cream or products with sorbolene on your face.
Go for a facial sunscreen with a lower SPF - 12 to 15 rather than 30 - preferably in a gel or spray formulation. Sunscreens containing Mexoryl X and Mexoryl FX are good UV blockers that won't clog pores.
Over the counter products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or an acne wash containing Montaline C40 may be enough to treat mild cases of acne.
If that doesn't work, a doctor can prescribe either a topical retinoid that keeps pores open and prevents inflammation, or a product that combines benzoyl peroxide with an antibiotic.
Severe acne usually improves with the prescription drug isotretinoin (Roaccutane, Oratane).
Hormones
Adult women who have excess body weight can be more prone to acne. Surplus fat can convert the female hormone oestrogen into hormones that behave like male hormones (androgens), promoting acne by increasing production of sebum (natural oil that prevents skin from drying out).
Extra sebum mixed with dead skin cells clog pores, causing white heads or blackheads that turn into pimples if they're inflamed by bacterial infection.
The pill
Some contraceptive pills including high dose progesterone pills, the 'mini' (progestogen only) pill and contraceptive implants can also cause acne by boosting sebum production, while other pills can help improve acne.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Acne can also be a symptom of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a common, treatable condition affecting up to one in ten women. See your doctor to rule out this as a cause.
Studies have shown that women who work in competitive environments can overproduce male hormones. High levels of these male hormones can trigger acne outbreaks in adult females.
Many women juggle jobs, friends, family, financial commitments and many other life stresses which make adrenal glands produce more cortisol hormones, which can set off acne.
Also, acne itself can cause stress!
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