From a few annoying pimples to a full-on breakout of red spots, acne is frustrating, embarrassing and nearly impossible to hide. And while it might appear to be only a nuisance, those who suffer from persistent breakouts know of the emotional and physical toll they take. If you’ve passed your teenage years but can’t seem to outgrow your breakouts, don’t think that you’re on your own. About half of all adults still experience acne, and the majority of those adults are women. Since the state of our skin reflects the internal workings of our bodies, whiteheads and blackheads (comedones), red bumps (papules) or painful lumps (nodules or cysts), signal that it’s time to take a look inside.
Blackheads Aren’t Caused By Dirt
Perhaps the biggest myth about acne is that breakout-sufferers have dirty skin and poor hygiene. Dirt does not create blackheads. Oil does. Types of bacteria aren’t the culprits either. They are always present as part of our skin’s natural barrier and only become problematic when trapped inside clogged pores. Even so, many acne sufferers exacerbate their condition and sensitize their skin using countless washes, scrubs and toners in an effort to deep clean and disinfect the skin. The result? Skin stripped of its natural oils, damaged from scrubbing and not a step closer to clear.
The Real Culprits
So what’s causing pimples to pop up uninvited? Hormones are most likely to blame. Androgens, present in both males and females, stimulate oil production by the sebaceous glands and often overproduce, clogging hair follicles (along with dead skin cells) as hormone levels fluctuate. This fluctuation occurs in times of stress and, for women, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause. Diet can also be a factor, as an abundance of sugar and processed foods can cause inflammation that aggravates skin conditions. And while dirt itself won’t cause acne, makeup residue, smoke, dust and dried sweat will build up and form a sticky film on skin, contributing to clogged pores. Be sure to remove makeup and wash your face before you sleep - there’s truth to that advice! Non-comedogenic cosmetics and skin products are still fine to use, even as a cover-up for current blemishes.
How To Get Clear
At home, switch to a gentle cleanser (soap-free works well) and swap your scrub for an exfoliator with alpha/beta hydroxy acids that will gently increase cell turnover. A blemish treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may be helpful once a day, but skip formulas marketed to teens, as they are often too strong and drying for adult skin.
A dermatologist may recommend retinoids (to increase cell turnover and even help with fine lines), a topical or oral antibiotic, birth control (to balance androgens with estrogens), or even a more advanced pulsed light treatment (to destroy bacteria and shrinks sebaceous glands). Sensitivity to sun accompanies many of these professional treatments, so be sure to wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Regardless of how you treat your blemishes, whether you opt for over-the-counter products or a visit to a professional, eating more antioxidant-rich (skin-healing) fresh foods and drinking plenty of water will also lessen the toxic load on your body and have a visible effect on your skin. Start right away, and over time you’ll see your skin change!
