Meet Shilpa, a vibrant 35-year-old woman juggling her career and family. Lately, she’s been feeling down because of four persistent and painful bumps on her chin and jawline that have been lingering for three months. These unwelcome guests have caused her to withdraw from important events, like a presentation and a college reunion.
Can you relate to Shilpa’s struggles?
How many of you find yourselves constantly picking at these acne lesions, often leading to marks and even scars?
Even worse, how many of you have tried home remedies or followed your beautician’s advice, only to end up with more prominent bumps in new places?
Welcome to the world of adult acne.
While most people are familiar with acne during their teenage years, few are aware of adult acne or acne in mature skin.
According to research by the American Academy of Dermatology, 55% of women between the ages of 25 and 40 suffer from adult acne. Closer to home, the Indian Journal of Dermatology recently reported that 40% of Indian women have experienced acne in adulthood.
Adult acne can either be a continuation of teenage acne or develop anew in the late 20s to 40s. These stubborn blemishes tend to be larger and fewer in number, often leaving behind marks or scars. Blackheads are rarely observed. One must visit Dermatologist in Mumbai for Adults Acne Treatment.
Let’s debunk some common myths about adult acne:
Myth: It is caused by heat.
Truth: Heat only causes miliaria (prickly heat), not acne.
Myth: It is caused by oily skin.
Truth: In fact, most women in this age group have dry, sensitive skin with only an oily T-zone. Interestingly, adult acne most commonly appears on the chin, jawline, neck, and chest—not on the cheeks or T-zone as in teenage acne.
Myth: Its treatment is similar to teen acne.
Truth: Treatment for adult acne differs and tends to have a slower response.
So, what are the causes of adult acne? Let’s focus on the three “S”s:
1. Stress and Hormones:
They are both causes and effects of each other. For instance, stress can disrupt hormonal balance, while unstable hormones can lead to mood swings, hair loss, acne, and further stress.
2. Salons and Cosmetics:
A common mistake is squeezing out a pimple and then using cosmetics to cover up the resulting mark. This approach can trap you in a never-ending cycle of acne. Another common error is seeking acne treatments from salons and spas that offer “miracle” therapies through facials and clean-ups, which often do more harm than good.
3. Smoking:
A study conducted at the Dermatological Institute in Rome revealed that adult acne was three times more common in women who smoked compared to non-smokers. Nicotine was identified as the culprit.
Now that you’re aware of adult acne, here’s a list of common DON’Ts:
– DON’T touch your pimples.
– DON’T get facials or clean-ups when you have acne.
– DON’T scrub your skin aggressively, as it can cause irritation and worsen inflamed acne.
– DON’T use excessive cosmetics, and carefully check their ingredients. Avoid products containing acetone, aloe vera, or isopropyl myristate. Opt for liquid foundations and choose loose powders over compacts.
– DON’T rely on salons, spas, or beauty experts for acne advice.
– DON’T purchase over-the-counter products without professional guidance. Many people spend a fortune on products that ultimately don’t help, while a prescription from a qualified dermatologist can provide an early solution.
– DON’T use the same medication prescribed to your friend for acne. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Each case requires
