At one point or another in our lives, most of us have had some kind of acne. It’s almost a rite of passage as we battle the awkward adolescent and teen years. But what happens when it doesn’t go away once you’ve entered your twenties? Worse, yet, what happens when you wake up at age thirty-something and still have a breakout? Frustrating, to say the least, adult acne is something many of us still deal with well into middle age. It happens for some of the same reasons as teen acne, but not always, nor is it treated the same way. Let’s talk about why it happens and what you can do to make it go away.
First off, what’s going on? Well, just as in our younger years, acne’s primary causes include clogged pores; clogged by bacteria, dirt, and debris, the sebaceous glands continue to produce oil that gets trapped in the pore. This can lead to pimples. Dr. Pimple Popper, Sandra Lee, talks about how pimples form and the many ways she helps her patients with everything from acne to major lipomas on her TLC show, as well as her well-known YouTube channel. She educates her viewers and subscribers on the different types of acne problems, common misconceptions, and treatments.
One thing that Dr. Pimple Popper warns against doing, however, is just what her name implies! Don’t pop your pimples! While she may be famous for her graphic extractions, keep in mind that she is a medical doctor, doing these extractions in a sterile environment, while wearing gloves. This is important because, when you pop a pimple, your fingernails damage your skin, can cause scarring, and actually can cause further infection to the pore. It might be fun to watch (for those of you who are into that sort of thing), but it is not something you should try at home.
Acne vulgaris, or common acne, is different than cystic acne, which is more severe and treated very differently. Acne vulgaris can strike for a number of reasons and is often brought on by hormones, stress, and bacteria on the skin. As adults, we are just as susceptible to these problems as adolescents. In fact, stress and hormones can be even more out of whack than in our younger years. Most of us also struggle with lack of sleep, in addition to those problems, which can all contribute to troubled skin issues.
Keeping your skin clear can start with things as simple as cleaning it properly, but not with chemicals or acids that may be too harsh for your skin (causing more breakouts). Treatments are also often prescribed for women as oral contraceptives, which help regulate imbalanced hormonal issues. Getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and caring for your skin are also extremely important.
Exercise, while great for our bodies, can cause pores to become clogged with dirt and bacteria from sweat that can be exacerbated by tight athletic clothing. If not cleansed properly, this skin will be more prone to breakouts, as that bacteria sits on the skin, and the oil from the sebaceous glands becomes trapped.
Blemfree™, a product line designed by Equibal Labs, works to keep the skin’s pores clear of bacteria and debris without over cleansing the skin and causing further irritation. Blemfree™ effectively cleanses, exfoliates, and moisturizes the skin, to treat adult and teen acne alike. Adding a product line, such as Blemfree™, to your skincare routine, in conjunction with attention to your overall health and well-being, can help you achieve clearer skin.
In summary, acne knows no age limit. It does not discriminate. Keep your skin healthy and clear, at any age, by remembering the basics of treating your skin right from the inside, out. Dermatologists and aestheticians alike will agree, managing your whole health is important to achieving healthy, clear skin. Should it be more stubborn, see your dermatologist for prescription treatments. You are not alone in this battle! Dr. Pimple Popper has a small army of followers that will vouch for that!
By: Sara E. Goodwin
Sources:
Dr. Pimple Popper YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgrsF4TYwmrV0QsXb8AoeHQ
“Overview of the Types and Stages of Acne”
https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-acne-15762