Regardless of your age, acne is frustrating because it does not discriminate. It’s one thing to dismiss it in your teens as just an irritating part of becoming an adult; it’s quite another to find out that dealing with acne is sometimes part of being an adult. There doesn’t seem to be a pattern, either, as some adults who have acne never had it as a teen while others have endured it for years.
At Gold Skin Care Center, founder and director Dr. Michael H. Gold and the rest of his staff understand the social and professional anxieties that adult acne can cause. We offer a variety of treatment options, skin care tips, and preventative recommendations to cleanse and rejuvenate your skin.
What Causes Adult Acne?
In some ways, the reasons for it aren’t much different than those for adolescent acne, which includes genetics and hormones, though aging does have its own surprises:
Medication
For various reasons, as you age, medications can become a big part of your life. Unfortunately, adult acne is often an unwanted side effect, so if you are on a medication and you suspect that the medication is worsening your condition, discuss this with the staff – they can help determine if this is part of the problem.
Hormones
Even throughout adulthood, hormones can wreak havoc on your skin. For women, this can be especially problematic, as hormonal fluctuations regularly occur during or because of the following:
- Pregnancy
- Menstrual cycle
- Starting or stopping birth control
- Menopause
The medicines we use, for the most part, help even though some of the hormonal factors are not preventable. Again, your provider at Gold Skin Care Center can help with these concerns.
Stress
What does stress not affect? It causes your body to produce more of a specific hormone called androgen, which can cause more oil production and buildup in your pores. If this is not corrected, breakouts commonly result. But remember, everyone has stress so don’t blame all of your acne on this – but know that it may be a factor.
Skin Care Products
This is a source of frustration for many people, as anti-aging or wrinkle reduction creams and lotions can worsen – or even cause – your breakouts. Before you buy any skin care products, check that they won’t clog your pores. Look for “non-comedogenic” products and discuss your skin care routine with the providers at Gold Skin Care Center to determine if the products you are using are right for you and your skin.
Genetics
Unfortunately, as research has found, some people are genetically inclined to be more susceptible to breakouts than others. If you have a parent or grandparent with acne, you are more likely to have acne at some point in your life.
Body Acne
Adult acne commonly occurs on areas of the body besides the face, yet both types are caused by hyperactive sebaceous (oil) glands, too many dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria that feed on the excess oil. The face, chest, shoulders, and back generally have a higher concentration of sebaceous glands, which is why breakouts are more common in these areas.
While your clothing is not the culprit for causing back acne, certain materials in clothing can exacerbate an adult acne breakout as can clothes that are too snug. Sweat is another factor, so don’t let it dry and remain on your skin; always cleanse your skin of sweat and oils afterward. However, take care – don’t scrub your skin to clean it, as this can have the opposite effect that you’re looking for.
The Impact of Adult Acne
Both facial and body acne can have as much of an adverse effect on adults as on teens.
Those with a particularly severe or widespread condition often find social or professional settings uncomfortable. They may wear clothes or apply makeup and creams to cover up their affected skin. An outing to the beach or pool may cause them to keep covered up despite the hot sun.
But emotional scars are not all. Chest or back acne can cause deep physical scars, which can increase your stress and can worsen your condition, etc. You get the picture. The cycle of emotional and physical tolls can be painful and unending.
But don’t despair. Effective treatments are available.
Adult Acne Treatment and Management
Adult acne can be addressed in many ways and we, at Gold Skin Care Center, will individualize a treatment program that works for your skin and your lifestyle. We will work with you to find the appropriate cleanser and medicines that will combat the problem and address your unique concerns.
We pride ourselves on using appropriate and state-of-the-art medicines and technology to get the acne under control. Most of the newer topical prescription medicines have been studied specifically with adults in mind – and we will use the most appropriate one for you based on the kinds of acne you have – whiteheads, blackheads or inflammatory pimples.
When needed, we will recommend one of our technologically advanced treatments for your acne – these include lasers and light-based procedures. We have incredible new lasers for acne – the Aerolase Neo and the AdvanTX are just two of the devices that we might recommend.
Our practice has always been the leader in the Nashville when it comes to lasers and light sources that are used to treat adult acne. We only rely on technology that has demonstrated some remarkable efficacy in making skin clearer faster than when just using medicines alone.
The providers at Gold Skin Care Center, Advanced Aesthetics Medical Spa, and The Laser & Rejuvenation Center can all work with you to determine the best treatment course for your needs.
Contact Gold Skin Care Center about Effective Skincare Treatments
If you have adult acne, don’t let it influence your life. Contact Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville today to schedule a consultation about your acne condition. Contact us online or call (615) 645-2314 today.
