Most individuals anticipate and accept that acne is part of growing up. As adults, though, they expect to be free of this ailment and often revel coming out of puberty relatively unscathed by it. While pubescent acne affects more males than females, adult acne is more prevalent in females. Acne can hit adults in their 30s, 40s or even 50s, and as adults it is much more difficult to treat.

Here are some factors that may contribute to adult acne:

Hormonal Fluctuations

For many females, acne is due to changes in hormones and often occurs around the mouth area and on the chin. Hormonal fluctuations leading to breakouts occur around monthly menstrual cycles, during pregnancy, starting or ceasing the use of birth control pills and when going through peri-menopause and menopause.

Clogged Pores

Four basic skin changes contribute to acne, and they all involve the pilosebaceous unit or hair follicle: increased sebum production from the sebaceous gland, clogging of the duct, increased bacterial activity and inflammation. Since acne presents as different types of lesions (blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed lesions), then one or more of the factors may be involved depending on the resulting change in the skin. 

Sensitivity to Skin Care Products

Some skin products may also contribute to acne, because some ingredients have a greater potential to clog pores. Identifying products that have been tested for comedogenicity and/or acnegenecity may be helpful. Sometimes individuals are simply more sensitive to certain ingredients.

Stress 

Stress can instigate acne flare-ups¹ and trigger the production of corticoid hormones, causing an androgen response in the body. Sebaceous glands are stimulated by androgens, ultimately causing more production of oil or sebum. This provides an environment in the skin follicle that supports more bacterial activity, resulting in acne. Taking time to relax may help mitigate this underlying cause.

Diet

Historically, the belief that what we eat influences acne has fluctuated, but recent research has shown a correlation may exist between acne and high glycemic diets^{2 9} (diets of carbohydrate-containing foods). Thus, eating less sugar and more complex carbohydrates and fiber may help reduce acne breakouts.

To help you cope with the symptoms of acne and sensitive skin, we put together some smart acne skin care tips:

 

- Create a daily skin care routine with the right products for your skin type. Use an effective, yet gentle skin care system that is free of irritating ingredients and harsh chemicals.

 

- Use a gentle cleanser for your skin type and wash your face every night before bed and again in the morning. Ingredients capable of emulsifying oil soluble impurities are needed. Thus, cleansing the skin helps to keep pores clear, and daily washing helps the skin look refreshed.

 

ageLOC® LumiSpa® treats and cleanses the skin in one simple step. This dual-action skin care system helps to gently, yet effectively exfoliate skin while providing a deep cleansing. It leaves the skin invigorated through its proprietary Micro-pulse Oscillation technology while helping to draw dirt, oil, makeup, toxins and more from pores leaving them looking tight.

ageLOC® LumiSpa® Treatment Cleanser Acne, specially designed to use together with ageLOC® LumiSpa® device, is a mild formula that contains 0.5% salicylic acid to help clear pores and reduce most breakouts. It is low-foaming to prevent additional skin irritation. It also contains Carnosine to provide antioxidant protection and Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/ Leaf/Stem Extract that can help calm and support acne prone skin.

ageLOC® LumiSpa® Treatment Cleanser Sensitive, specially designed to use together with ageLOC® LumiSpa® device, is a gel cream formulated with a mild surfactant system. It is fragrance free to provide a gentle and mild cleansing experience.

Suitable for the most sensitive skin, Nu Skin® new ageLOC® LumiSpa® Gentle Treatment Head compliments ageLOC® LumiSpa® Treatment Cleanser Sensitive and Acne and gently lifts away loose cells while reducing the appearance of pores to promote dynamic, visible skin renewal.

- Keep your complexion calm and shine free. Nu Skin® Clear Action® Toner calms angry, red skin and manages oil levels with licorice extract (soothes irritated skin), zinc PCA (helps control sebum levels), and a special blend of vitamins C and E (replenishes the natural antioxidant supply that is lost when your skin is fighting breakouts).

 

- Protect and revitalise your complexion with Nu Skin® Clear Action® Day Treatment. Mandelic acid erases the signs of past breakouts as it quickly fades dark spots on the skin’s surface. Salicylic acid works to penetrate pores and dissolve the clogs that cause breakouts. Combined in a lightweight gel, these two clinically proven ingredients along with the powerful antioxidant, white tea extract, promote a clear, even complexion so you can face every day with confidence.

 

- Choose a hypoallergenic oil free moisturiser that also protects your skin from UVA and UVB radiation such as Moisture Restore Day Protective Mattefying Lotion Combination to Oily Skin or Advanced Tinted Moisturizer with Sunscreen.

 

- Minimise the visible signs of breakouts while you sleep. Nu Skin® Clear Action® Night Treatment features salicylic acid, retinol, and patented alpha lipoic acid to diminish the appearance of remnant marks associated with past breakouts.

Unfortunately, adult acne can be tough to treat. In this case, seeking the assistance of a dermatologist/medical professional would be needed.

References

1. A Chiu, SY Chon, AB Kimball. The Response of Skin Disease to Stress: Changes in the Severity of Acne Vulgaris as Affected by Examination Stress. Arch Dematol/Vol 139, July 2003; p 897-900.

2. J Burris, W Rietkerk, K Woolf.  Acne: The Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy.   Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 113/Issue 3 (March 2013); p 416-430.

3. DR Berk, SJ Bayliss. Cellular Phone and Cellular Phone Accessory Dermatitis Due to Nickel Allergy: Report of Five Cases. Pediatric Dermatology, Vol 28/Issue 3 (May/Jun 2011); p 327-331.

4. Bojar RA, Cunliffe WJ, Holland KT. The short-term treatment of acne vulgaris with benzyl peroxide: effects on the surface and follicular cutaneous microflora. Br. J. Dermatol. 132, 204–208 (1995).