Acne is a skin condition that can occur at any age. Many people think of acne as a problem for teenagers, but it can affect people of all ages. Acne can occur when the pores of the skin get blocked, usually due to excess oil production. This can cause blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. The good news is that plenty of treatments are now available to help clear up acne.

Here, Visible Changes in Adelaide will discuss what you need to know about adult acne and how it is different from teen acne:

What Acne Is

Acne is a skin condition that most typically affects the face but can also occur in other areas of the body. Acne is often a result of the overproduction of oil and bacteria in the skin. Acne can be mild or severe and can cause disfiguring scars. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to curing acne, but there are many ways to manage the condition.

Different Kinds of Acne

There are different kinds of acne, and it’s important to note that each one can be treated differently. Here is a quick look at the most common types of acne:

Blackheads are small, dark-coloured bumps that appear on the skin. They are caused by clogged pores and can be treated with over-the-counter products.

Whiteheads are small, white bumps that appear on the skin. They are also caused by clogged pores and can be treated with over-the-counter products.

Cystic acne is a more severe form of acne that is characterised by large, red, and painful bumps. It is often treated with prescription medications.

Back acne or “bacne” is a common problem that can be difficult to treat. Over-the-counter products and home remedies can often help to clear up the problem.

Teen Acne

Puberty is a time when your body goes through a lot of changes, and one of those changes is an increase in hormones. These hormones can cause your skin to produce more oil, which can lead to breakouts.

During puberty, the levels of hormones known as androgens increase. The main androgen for boys is testosterone, and for girls, it’s progesterone. Androgens increase the size of oil-producing skin glands, and your skin consequently produces more oil. If the oil passes through large pores, it’s likely to clog them, and then you develop the hallmark blemishes at that spot.

Acne can cause low self-esteem in teenagers. This is because acne can be a time in their lives that can already be filled with social awkwardness.

Adult Acne

Acne can occur in adults due to an excess of skin oil. It is more likely to occur in adults whose parents also had acne during their adulthood.

In short, acne is caused by an influx of hormones during puberty, which stabilises after puberty. However, adult acne can still occur, mostly in women, due to hormonal fluctuations during adulthood, such as pregnancy and menstruation.

Treatments for Adult Acne

While there are many over-the-counter treatments available, there are also some simple home remedies that can help clear up acne.

Washing the affected area twice a day using a gentle cleanser is a good place to start. Avoid scrubbing the skin, as this can be irritating to the skin and make the acne worse.

There are also many topical treatments that can be applied to the skin. These include creams and gels with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These specific ingredients can help to kill the bacteria that cause acne and also help to reduce inflammation.

If home remedies and OTC treatments do not improve acne, it is important to see a skin specialist who can provide you with an effective treatment.

Conclusion

Adult acne can be very frustrating and can affect your quality of life. It is important to seek acne treatment in Adelaide and to find the right product for you. 

Visible Changes offers acne treatments in Adelaide that can help with teen or adult acne. Find out more about the services we offer at our clinic!