Adult acne differs from typical adolescent acne in its location on the face and in the way it appears, with fewer but deeper pimples or comedones. It is usually more than a cosmetic problem, except in very mild cases, and in order to be able to provide appropriate treatment, it is necessary to seek consultation with medical specialists.
In our medical centre in Calahonda, Mijas, our medical centre demartology unit specialises in the treatment of adult acne, both in cases where there is a hormonal cause and in those produced by other causes that we are going to see below.
Causes of adult acne
The acne in the population over 24 years of age has experienced a notable increase over the last couple of decades. In contrast to the myths that put the outbreaks of blackheads down to the consumption of certain foods, dermatology experts have studied the causes of acne in adults, without delving into possible changes in habits, and have found the following common culprits:
Excessive sebum or poor hygiene
Excess sebum production in the skin is more common in adolescence, but is not limited to adolescence. There are people with oily skin and others who neglect their basic hygiene or use products that are not suitable for their particular skin.
Genetic predisposition
If you belong to a family with several cases, once the most common causes of adult acne have been ruled out, it is likely that your skin problem has a genetic component.
Don't worry, at Clinica El Campanario we also work with this type of patient with treatments ranging from traditional treatments to laser sessions, even capable of erasing old marks.
Consumption of certain drugs
There are drugs on which your life may depend, such as corticosteroids. They are prescribed despite their many side effects out of necessity, and adverse effects are treated when they occur.
Hormonal disturbances
When hormonal adult acne occurs in men, there is usually an excess of androgens, so that acne is a symptom.
In women who have not reached menopause, gynaecological aspects (PMS, polycystic ovary syndrome) must be studied, with other dermatological aspects and every make-up product used by the patient must be analysed. But even in cases of hormonal acne in adult women where hormone therapy is contraindicated, we can find the causes and ensure that your skin appears clean and free of marks.
In both cases, one of the least cited causes of adult acne is stress. When we are stressed we release more cortisol and this hormone can bind to the receptor enzymes of similar androgenic molecules.
ÂżWhen to worry about acne if you are an adult?
- If your lesions are very deep and you have needed some bleeding to drain them.
- When acne is accompanied by a generalised infection in the affected skin area.
- When it interferes with your daily life or is a cause of distress.
ÂżWhat to do if you suffer from adult acne: tips to follow?
Gentle but gentle cleaning and bacterial control
Our dermatologists will offer you a range of hygiene and skin care products if you do not have a suitable routine, and will prescribe antibiotics as a shock treatment for the most severe cases.
Attention to cosmetics and make-up
We'll explain how to read the labels on your everyday products, but we'll tell you that much of the fixed make-up causes acne outbreaks in people with a tendency to acne.
Don't forget hydration
If we recommend some topical or oral treatments for the control of your severe acne, it may happen that your skin needs extra hydration. In our medical centre, this is already taken care of from the first consultation.
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Each patient is unique, so effective treatment for adult acne must be tailored to them. That's why we have so many therapies and options: not for you to choose one, but to go straight to the one that's right for you, forever.
We speak of adult acne when the patient is over 24 years of age. It is an increasingly common skin problem, with different causes and treatments. In order to achieve healthy, blemish-free skin, it is often necessary for different medical specialists to work together. In our medical centre we offer personalised solutions, even to patients with old marks or genetic predisposition.