For many people, their teen years were marked by acne, but when you reach your 20s, you are usually free of it; that is, if you are a guy. For women, the situation is a bit different. They are more likely to get “adult acne”, and here is why.
Women get adult acne because of certain hormonal changes in their bodies, which can occur before their period or during stress-related events. Basically, what happens is, when the hormone estrogen levels drop, another hormone, androgen, starts to stimulate sebaceous glands. These produce more oils and in turn cause breakouts and acne.
How to Deal with Adult Acne – Tips
If you have adult acne, there are a couple of things you can do so you don’t repeat your teen years. The first thing you need to know, however, is that your only concern is not breakouts, but also wrinkles and the fact that your skin is showing signs of aging.
So here is how to address breakouts if you’re an adult:
- Don’t Scrub Away Acne
You shouldn’t do this when you’re a teenager and you shouldn’t do it when you’re an adult. Scrubbing away acne only makes the bacteria go deeper into your skin and causes more inflammation – not something you need in this situation. Furthermore, it’s never a good idea to pick at your skin. Remember that a breakout typically lasts for about 3 to 5 days, while any marks you get when scratching can linger for a month or more!
- Glycolic Acid Products
According to studies, glycolic acid can prevent breakouts by unclogging the pores and making sure the skin cells are healthy. In addition, it also helps soften and smooth the skin.
- Use a Good Moisturizer
Don’t forget to use a skin moisturizer, even if you have naturally oily skin. The thing is, your skin still needs to be hydrated and a moisturizer is the best way to do that. And, if you’re worried about the oil, pick an oil-free lotion. At Ooh La La we carry a variety of facial cleansers so we can help you choose the best solution for your skin. Come in for a consultation if you want to find out what’s best for you.
- Stay Away from Dairy Products
If you’re prone to breakouts, then you’ll do well to stay clear of dairy products like milk, cheese or yogurt. This is especially important if you have breakouts around the jaw and the chin.
