How to Control Adult Acne
Adult acne can be caused in adulthood by the same contributing factors that cause it as teens. Hormonal changes, increased oil production and/or clogged pores all tend to cause acne to flare up. Treating acne can be very frustrating, but it's possible to control its severity and length of impact. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Non-comedogenic facial cleanser and moisturizer
- Epsom salts
- Cotton clothing
- Drinking water
Instructions
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Controlling Adult Acne
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Wash your face twice a day with a non-comedogenic cleanser. Non-comedogenic means that it will not cause "comedones," or blackheads. With one of these washes, preferably the evening wash, add 1 tsp. sugar to your facial cleanser to use as a light exfoliate. Exfoliating the skin helps to remove the excess oils or skin cells that can clog pores. Use gentle, circular motions when exfoliating, as unnecessary roughness with skin can actually inflame the skin and worsen an acne flareup. If you find skin in need of cleansing throughout the day, rinse it clean with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
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Moisturize. One of the differences between adult and teen acne is that adult acne is often accompanied by dry skin, while teen acne tends to be accompanied by oily skin. Dry skin can cause acne flareups as easily as oily skin, as the dead skin cells can clog the skin's pores. To moisurize adult acne skin, find a water-based moisturizer. If you are unsure if your moisturizer is water based, you can dilute it yourself. Put some of your moisturizer in the palm of your hand, and add some water to thin it. Stir with your finger and then apply it to your face. Water-based moisturizers are lighter and do not stay on the skin as long as oil based, so you may need to reapply more frequently.
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Limit your use of facial products such as powdered and liquid makeups. Try to let your skin breathe by cutting down on the use of cream foundations and makeup. These products can cause excess clogging of the pores and produce acne. If you wear makeup and foundations, be sure to wash them off every night.
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Keep your body clean. Adult acne is often found on other areas of the body, opposed to teen acne that often localizes itself to the face. Adult acne often is cystic that lies deeper under the skin, causing tender and painful nodules. If you have adult acne on your body, treat it with as much personal attention as you do your face. Take a daily bath in warm water with a cup of epsom salts added. The epsom salts help draw toxins from the skin and reduce the inflammation of the acne pustules. Use your bath time as a time to relax; too much stress can trigger acne flareups.
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Watch what you wear. Clothing that's too tight or made of fabric that is non-absorbent can aggravate body acne. If you're going to be out on a hot day, wear loose-fitting cotton fabric that won't trap excess oil or bacteria on the skin.
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Exercise. Adult acne is often a result of fluctuating hormone levels, whether it be from birth control pills, menopause or medications that are more commonly taken as adults. Also, with aging, hormone levels tend to drop. According to a report by Aeron Life Cycles Clinical Laboratory, exercise increases hormone levels and helps to regulate them. It also reduces acne-aggravating stress and increases circulation throughout your body. Proper circulation brings more oxygen and vital nutrients to your cells, including skin cells. Even walking down the street and back for a few minutes will improve your circulation and skin.
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Drink more water. Water is a vital nutrient for your entire body, and because your skin is the largest body organ, it needs water to remain healthy as well. According to a report from the American College of Sports Medicine on the affects of aging on dehydration, the ability to sense "thirst" decreases as we age. It is also stated that thirst is affected by hormonal changes and medications that are associated with aging. As we age, instead of responding to thirst, one needs to frequently drink water. Water keeps the skin hydrated, which prevents dead flaky skin from clogging pores. It also helps cleanse the body of toxins.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid over-touching your face. Your hands can have excess oil or bacteria on them, which can contribute to acne.
If your acne worsens, or the pustules become deeply infected, see a dermatologist. You may need specific medication.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit www.creativecommons.org/google
