Adult Acne: A Common Problem

Introduction:

Acne starts when oil and dead skin cells clog up your pores. Some people call it blackheads, blemishes, whiteheads, pimples, or cysts. However, acne breakout is usually considered to result from clogged pores, a buildup of sebum, and, most commonly, a bacterial infection.

What Are the Symptoms of Acne?

Blackheads will open at the surface of the skin, which gives it a black appearance due to the oxygen in the air. Whiteheads are closed just under the surface of the skin, which gives them a white appearance. Whiteheads and blackheads are the most common lesions seen in acne, but the other types can also occur. Inflammatory lesions can cause scarring of the skin. They include:

• Papules: Small, red, raised bumps caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.

• Pustules: Small red pimples that have pus at their tips.

• Nodules: Solid, often painful lumps beneath the surface of your skin.

• Cysts: Large lumps found beneath your skin that contain pus and are usually painful.

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  Adult Acne: A Common Problem

Acne is a common problem seen in teenagers. But, when it occurs in an adult, it is very frustrating. The Acne treatment, which worked in adolescence, can be useless or even worsen the condition. Many people may wonder, like do adults get acne?'. Yes, adults can get acne. Some continue to get acne in their 30s and 40s. Some may get acne for the first time in their 30s' or even during the menopausal age. Women are more prone to get adult acne than men.

Where Does Acne Usually Occur on the Face?

Adult acne commonly appears on the lower half of the face. But standard acne can occur anywhere on your face or body, whereas hormonal acne tends to show up in the same spots like pimples in your T-zone, plugged pores throughout your cheeks and forehead, and painful bumps that linger for weeks on your chin.

What Are the Various Reasons for Adult Acne?

• Hormonal Fluctuations: This is usually seen in women. This type of acne tends to flare up around menstruation, during pregnancy, perimenopausal, or after starting or discontinuing oral contraceptive pills. In addition, certain diseases like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can cause hormonal imbalance and can cause acne because your hormones will naturally fluctuate at certain points in life. The hormone-related acne is most likely to pop up:

1. At the time of the period.

2. During or after pregnancy.

3. During perimenopause and menopause.

4. While using hormonal birth control pills.

• Stress: Chronic stress can play a major role in skin issues like acne, and it is strongly suspected that the hormone cortisol may be responsible for it. Cortisol can cause problems with those bodily processes, along with messing with your skin, because it will contribute to acne by creating a favorable environment for bacteria-driven inflammatory acne. Stress can also produce androgens, which can stimulate the sebaceous glands.

• A Family History: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to acne. So, if they have close relatives with acne, they also can develop adult acne.

• Cosmetic Products: Most cosmetic products contain comedogenic ingredients like lanolin, petrolatum, and vegetable oils, which can cause clogging of pores and acne. If a person has acne-prone skin that is oily or a combination skin type, you are more prone to breakouts. Therefore, you should make sure that the daily cosmetic products you use are non-comedogenic skin-care products labeled as oil-free or water-based products.

• Medication: Topical medicine containing steroids can produce acne. In addition, certain oral medicines like antiepileptics and psychiatric medicines can also cause acne.

• Pollution: You may not have considered your environment's effect on your skin, especially the dirt and UV radiation outside. Excess dirt on your face can increase your possibilities of getting clogged pores. So removing it with a consistent cleansing routine is helpful. It is also essential to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF every day. It will help prevent adult acne and help protect your face in general.

• Cleansing Too Often or Intensely: Overwashing your face can make acne worse. Although some people with particularly dry or sensitive skin find that they only need to wash it once a day, most of us should be cleansing twice a day with a mild cleanser. Cleansing too much can dry out skin, which can cause it to produce more oil to overcompensate. Additionally, exfoliating too often with products that are too harsh can damage skin and exacerbate acne. Experts also recommend not to exfoliate more than three times per week for most people.

• Certain Food: Foods like chocolate, fried foods, pizza, caffeine, or dairy can cause acne. Some people do notice that their skin reacts badly after they eat certain foods.

How Is Adult Acne Managed?

A detailed clinical evaluation including history, medication, cosmetic products, menstrual history, and family history is important. Also, assess any evidence of cutaneous hyperandrogenism like hirsutism, acanthosis nigricans, androgenic alopecia, and for any signs of virilization like clitoromegaly.

The investigations include a hormonal profile - FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), testosterone, blood sugar, lipids, and abdomen ultrasound to rule out PCOS.

What Are the Treatment Options of Adult Acne?

1. Topical Therapy - Topical retinoid alone or combined with topical antibiotics.

2. Systemic Antibiotics - Second-generation Tetracycline, or Macrolides.

3. Oral Retinoids - Isotretinoin 0.25 mg/kg/day for six months, with adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy.

4. Hormonal Therapy: It includes oral contraceptive pills, androgen-blocking agents like Cyproterone acetate.

5. Blue Light Therapy: This is a good method to prevent bacterial colonization, especially in pregnant, lactating, or want to conceive.

Conclusion:

Maintaining good facial hygiene, eating healthy, exercising daily, and avoiding comedogenic cosmetics can help prevent the development of acne in adult life.