Most of us will experience acne at some point in our life. Contrary to popular belief, this skin condition doesn’t exclusively affect teenagers, and approximately 80% of women experience it in adulthood.
Hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, genetics and use of unsuitable skincare products can all cause us to develop acne well beyond our teenage years. Adult acne is much more common in women than men, and can affect people who did not experience it during adolescence.
For many people, acne affects much more than just their skin. Acne can cause sufferers to lose confidence, feel self conscious, and ultimately withdraw from social activities or work. Fortunately, adult acne can be treated, and clear skin can be maintained through a healthy lifestyle and a good skincare regime. Here are my tips to reduce the appearance of acne and reveal clear, healthy skin.
Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle
Like many other health conditions, acne can be controlled and prevented by following a healthy lifestyle. With so many of us leading hectic lifestyles, stress can be difficult to avoid, but high levels of stress and poor diet can worsen acne and lead to new breakouts. When we are stressed, our bodies release hormones which stimulate production of oil which can block pores and lead to breakouts. Minimising stress can reduce the appearance of acne and help your skin look and feel healthier.
For years the links between diet and acne was disputed. However, recent studies support the theory that frequent consumption of high sugar foods can cause the skin to produce more oil, blocking the pores and leading to acne breakouts. A balanced diet which includes lots of fruit and vegetables can support the skin’s natural regeneration process, helping to delay the ageing process and reducing the likelihood of acne breakouts.
Choose Skincare Products Carefully
As those first lines and wrinkles begin to appear, our first response is to stock up on anti-ageing moisturisers and serums. These types of products are often heavy, rich creams which cause the skin to produce more oil, blocking pores and leading to acne breakouts. Moisturisers offer temporary relief from dry skin, but applying moisturisers on skin which is already overproducing its natural oils will only result in an increase in acne breakouts. Many people also choose to cover acne-prone skin with heavy make up, which can also exacerbate the problem.
There are skincare products, make up and sunscreens available which do not cause acne. Look out for products labelled ‘oil free’, ‘non comedogenic’, ‘non acnegenic’ or ‘won’t clog pores’. These terms all mean that the product is unlikely to block pores and result in acne breakouts. You could also seek advice from a dermatologist or aesthetic practitioner about prescription only skincare to help treat acne and maintain healthy skin.
Medical Aesthetic Treatments For Acne
Making positive lifestyle changes and paying attention to your skincare regime can help to reduce the appearance of acne, but sometimes getting medical help is necessary to achieve your desired results. I stock the ZO Skincare range in my clinic, which is a collection of premium products designed to achieve and maintain good skin health. Seema Malhotra, star of the Real Housewives of Cheshire, reported a huge difference in her skin’s tone, texture and health after using the ZO range to treat acne.
There are many other treatment options available, so it is important to pop in for a consultation first so we can discuss the best treatment routes for your unique skin. If you are suffering from adult acne and would like help from a highly experienced aesthetic nurse and prescriber, call Khatra on 0161 980 3372 to book a free consultation.
