Adult acne is a common challenge, even among people who had clear skin as teenagers. Whether you’ve developed adult acne suddenly or it has stayed from your teenage years to persist into your 30s, 40s, and beyond, you aren’t alone in wondering what treatments will actually work to clear it up. Today we’re going to discover why you might suddenly find that you have acne as an adult and share with you the best treatment options for adult acne. Our team will be here to support you at any time with your skin, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you do have any concerns about adult acne.
Why Am I Suddenly Getting Acne as an Adult?
There are many reasons why you may suddenly get adult acne, even if you never had issues with acne as a teenager. These are some of the most common causes of adult acne flares that we notice within our clients:
- Hormonal changes and fluctuations
- Medical conditions, like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Genetics and family history
- Stress: high stress raises cortisol levels and leads to more sebum production
- Diet: eating high glycemic index foods and dairy can worsen acne
- Pore-clogging items: heavy or oil-based make-up, sunscreen, or hair products that block pores
- Medications
- Overwashing: overscrubbing the skin strips the skin barrier and leads to more oil production
No matter the reason that you have adult acne, the sooner you find an effective treatment solution, the more confident you will feel once again in your skin.
Does Nashville’s Climate Make Acne Worse?
For anyone living in Nashville, Tennessee’s heat and humidity can increase sweating and oil build-up. In the hot and humid summer months, we recommend making adjustments to your usual skin-care routine to reduce the chances of adult acne and protect your skin. During this time, switch out heavy creams or products containing oil for lighter options that are “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free”. This will ensure the products you use on a daily basis don’t block or clog your pores, which can increase the chances of blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads.
What Does Adult Acne Look Like?
Adult acne looks different on each person, with blackheads and whiteheads being the most common type of acne. Some individuals experience inflammatory acne, including red bumps or pus bumps or even more severe acne, including deep and painful cysts or nodules, which can cause a lot of discomfort. The location of your adult acne may also vary, with some people noticing hormonal acne that’s concentrated around the chin and jawline. In contrast, others experience acne on the chest, shoulders, and back.
When Should You See a Dermatologist for Adult Acne?
If you have suddenly developed adult acne, you might be wondering what support is available to you and when it’s time to see a dermatologist. Many people start by trying OTC products, but if you don’t see any improvement, or if your acne is deep or cystic, we recommend booking an appointment with a dermatologist. Painful or cystic breakouts and lingering red or dark spots or acne scarring are also key reasons to see a dermatologist for further support. Any sudden or significant changes in the skin suggest that a dermatology appointment is needed and will allow for further investigation into what caused these issues in the first place and the best ways to treat your adult acne.
What Adult Acne Treatments Actually Work?
The good news for anyone with adult acne is that there are a range of treatment options on offer that can help clear your skin. Prescription topical treatments are much stronger than OTC products. Oral medications can also be given when appropriate. Dermatologists can offer you their professional advice and skin-care recommendations. A combination treatment plan is often suggested to those with adult acne based on the type and severity of the acne.
Can Adult Acne Scars, Red Spots, and Dark Spots Be Treated?
Another concern that adults often come to us with is acne scars and dark spots. It’s important to note that there is a difference between post-inflammatory discoloration, which will clear up after a shorter period of time, versus true acne scars. Dermatologic and cosmetic treatment options that can be offered to you will be based on your unique skin type and the type of scarring you are facing. We highly recommend seeing a dermatologist if you are concerned about acne scars, red spots or dark spots to discuss your treatment options.
How Can You Help Prevent Future Breakouts?
While treatment is needed for many cases of adult acne to clear up, there are steps you should take following treatment to try to prevent future breakouts. Acne is often best treated with maintenance therapy, like many skin conditions. Always gently cleanse the skin twice daily and use non-comedogenic products to avoid clogging up your pores. Avoid excessive scrubbing or exfoliating when cleaning your face and never pick at acne lesions. If you spend time outside or working out, make sure you always wash your face and body after coming in from heavily sweating. You should also consistently use non-comedogenic sunscreen when spending time outdoors or in direct sunlight to avoid skin damage and acne scarring.
Find the Right Adult Acne Treatment in Nashville
If you are concerned about adult acne, we recommend booking an appointment with a dermatologist. Whether you aren’t seeing results from OTC treatments or just feel frustrated by this ongoing issue, the good news is that there are new and modern treatment options on offer that can help support patients with adult acne. Here at Curcio Dermatology, we can evaluate the type and potential causes of acne and develop an individualized treatment plan based on your skin type and the concerns you discuss with us. Are you looking for support with adult acne? Contact our team today to schedule an acne consultation or a consultation to address acne scarring at Curcio Dermatology in Nashville / Green Hills.
