Acne is a serious skin condition, affecting 25% of men and 50% of women at some point in their adult lives. Even though treatments today are advanced enough to control any case of acne, adult acne is still on the rise, with some dermatologists claiming the condition is at epidemic proportions.
What is Adult Acne?
Acne is a long-term skin disease, and while it’s not 100% certain what causes acne, like most diseases, it can be treated and controlled.
Genetics are thought to play a part in up to 80% of cases, but other factors such as hormones also contribute, which is why teenagers are mostly affected by acne.
Acne Vulgaris (to use its full name) is characterised by areas of skin with seborrhoea (increased oil production), i.e. face, chest and back. This in turn leads to comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules (red raised bumps), pustules (pimples), and possibly scarring.
Genetics are thought to play a part in up to 80% of cases, but other factors such as hormones also contribute, which is why teenagers are mostly affected by acne.
Acne Vulgaris (to use its full name) is characterised by areas of skin with seborrhoea (increased oil production), i.e. face, chest and back. This in turn leads to comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules (red raised bumps), pustules (pimples), and possibly scarring.
Adult Onset Acne
Unfortunately, just because you didn’t suffer from acne as a teenager, doesn’t mean you’re safe as an adult.
Adult Onset Acne is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s modern world, with research yet to come up with a definitive answer as to why. Possible factors include:
Adult Onset Acne is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s modern world, with research yet to come up with a definitive answer as to why. Possible factors include:
Diet
While there is no solid evidence of a relationship between diet and acne, many studies have hinted at a link between high-glycemic-loaded diets, ie a high carb diet, and acne. There are other studies which may suggest certain people should avoid milk and dairy products if they suffer from acne.
Hormones
Women tend to suffer from adult onset acne more than men, and this may be due to a change in hormones. Hormone levels can fluctuate either during pregnancy, starting birth control or going through the menopause.
Genes
It’s the one thing we can’t do much about, but if your family has a history of acne, chances are you may have a genetic predisposition for it.
Stress
Stress can cause our bodies to produce different levels of hormones, especially testosterone. This can stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles under our skin, leading to a breakout.
The effects of Adult Acne
Acne has the same effect on a person whether they are 15 or 45. Loss of confidence, social anxiety, and even depression are all common symptoms.
Adults with acne may find it hard to go out in public and be more social, often finding it difficult to form new relationships and meet members of the opposite sex.
Work is also affected and taking sick leave if an acne breakout is particularly bad, can often increase the risk of losing your job and livelihood. Career choices may be limited by non-appearance, and people with acne tend to be less successful in job interviews, with the lack of confidence compounding on any potential employer’s reaction to their condition.
Adults with acne may find it hard to go out in public and be more social, often finding it difficult to form new relationships and meet members of the opposite sex.
Work is also affected and taking sick leave if an acne breakout is particularly bad, can often increase the risk of losing your job and livelihood. Career choices may be limited by non-appearance, and people with acne tend to be less successful in job interviews, with the lack of confidence compounding on any potential employer’s reaction to their condition.
How we can help
With a recent study finding a 200% increase in the number of adults seeking specialist acne treatment, the problem of adult acne isn’t going away.
There are however many treatment options available.
The Vein and Skin Clinic offers modern, advanced treatments to control and treat most cases of acne. These treatments are an alternative to, or an adjunct to conventional antibiotic prescriptions.
There are however many treatment options available.
The Vein and Skin Clinic offers modern, advanced treatments to control and treat most cases of acne. These treatments are an alternative to, or an adjunct to conventional antibiotic prescriptions.
- Omnilux (LED light)
- IClear Blue Light
- Photodynamic Therapy (IPL & ALA)
- Microdermabrasion
- Pharmaceuticals (oral and topical medication)
- Acne scarring (Fraxel)
To find out more about these acne treatments, please don’t hesitate to contact the Vein and Skin Clinic today.
With our help, you can improve the appearance and even resolve adult acne, boosting your confidence and capturing a healthy complexion once again.
Our friendly and experienced staff of doctors and nurses will be happy to consult you and offer their expert advice.
With our help, you can improve the appearance and even resolve adult acne, boosting your confidence and capturing a healthy complexion once again.
Our friendly and experienced staff of doctors and nurses will be happy to consult you and offer their expert advice.
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