Acne is commonly associated with puberty. But if you are way past your teens and haven’t outgrown acne breakouts as yet, it can be a cause of concern. There is no need to worry though, as adult acne is a pretty common skin condition that affects more and more Australians every year. It is more common in women, but this doesn’t mean that men are immune. What is common is the fact that it can take a heavy emotional toll on almost everyone who experiences it, just like teen acne. Sometimes more, if we may add, as you are expected to have zit free skin by the time you are in your 20s and beyond.
Adult acne is not the same as adolescent acne
While both may look the same, there are big differences between the two.
One of the main differences is the cause of acne in both cases. Teenage acne is usually caused by excess sebum production as a result of hormonal changes during puberty. The release of androgen increases surface oil production on the skin, resulting in clogged pores and acne. Genetic causes and dietary choices are other contributing causes.
Adult acne, on the other hand is also rooted in hormonal imbalance but these are caused by different factors. Like in women, hormonal changes during menstruation and pregnancy tend to cause acne flare-ups. Conditions like PCOS can also cause acne in women. Not surprisingly, any type of physical or emotional stress can result in breakouts for both men and women. Certain medications like corticosteroids and antidepressants can also sometimes cause unexplained acne. Moreover, with increased age and reduced cell turnover, there is increased oil build-up which causes inflammation, cystic acne and pimples.
Another key point of difference is the areas of occurrence. Adolescent acne breakouts are usually observed on the face, shoulders, chest and back. Adult acne is more common on the lower part of the face, especially the chin and jaw line, and is characterized by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, papules and cystic acne.
Different triggers need different treatments
We must also remember that adult skin will not be the same as teenage skin. It is comparatively thinner and a lot more sensitive to products. Because of these differences, it is not surprising that adult acne treatment is very different from teenage acne.
If you are suffering from adult acne, this need not become your everyday normal, as it can be treated with great results. And with advances in skin care, there are many types of adult acne treatments you can choose from in Melbourne. Depending on the root cause and the severity, you can choose from any of the following treatments:
Before deciding on any treatment, it helps to evaluate the pros and cons within the context of your overall health as well. Consulting with an experienced practitioner can help you make the right choice. At the Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic, we offer advanced treatments for adult acne. Feel free to reach out to our closest branch in Melbourne for a no-obligation consultation.
