Like most people, you may have thought that when you left your teen years behind, you were also leaving acne behind. Maybe in your twenties, you were annoyed to find that wasn’t the case. Certainly, by your thirties, you’d be done with it? No? Seriously, it can’t persist into your forties, right? It can. And it does.
It turns out, no one is immune to breakouts at any age. Your hormones start to level out in your twenties, and that should mean acne levels out too, but that’s not always the case. For many, adult acne continues well into mid-life and even beyond. Let’s look at some of the reasons you’re breaking out.
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Hormones: Why Women Experience More Adult Acne
If you're female, you are more likely to experience adult acne than men your age, and it's mostly about hormones. Periods, pregnancy, and starting or stopping birth control all cause hormone fluctuations that can trigger breakouts. And if you think you're safe by the time you reach menopause, think again. Women in menopause account for a large share of adult acne cases. Beginning with perimenopause, estrogen levels drop, but androgen levels remain the same. The net effect is more androgen hormones. Without the estrogen to balance out the equation, sebum production increases. At the same time, cell metabolism is slowing. Increased sebum plus sluggish cell turnover creates ideal conditions for clogged pores and acne.
Stress is another trigger for acne, and let's face it, adult life can get pretty stressful. Initially, the connection between stress and acne was anecdotal, but in recent years, studies have borne out the correlation. Sebum glands have a receptor for the stress hormone cortisol, and studies have shown that when stress ramps up, so do sebum and inflammation, which trigger flare-ups. It's also thought that the psychological response to stress slows the skin's recovery.
Consider it one more reason to build recovery time into your routine. Algae Soft Mask delivers a cooling, hydrating reset for the look and feel of stressed skin.
Genetics and Adult Acne
Genetics also plays a significant role in adult acne. In one study involving women over 25 experiencing acne, 67% reported a familial history of acne.
It could be cosmetic or skin care products that you’re using. A lot of products contain ingredients that clog pores, which could be triggering breakouts. Then, you may inadvertently make it worse by attempting to cover the breakout with more makeup.
Check your labels for common comedogenic culprits like D & C pigments, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sulfated oils, coconut oil, cottonseed oil, isocetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, cetearyl alcohol, stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, acetylated lanolin, squalene, dimethicone, and octyl palmitate. Even some acne products contain these ingredients, so look closely at the labels. Look for water-based or mineral products and cleanse thoroughly to remove all traces of makeup every night. Or better yet, try going makeup-free.
Your adult acne regimen:
Cleanse thoroughly with Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash, a mandelic acid cleanser that gently exfoliates and supports a brighter, more even-looking skin tone.
Refine and clarify with Daily Repair Pads, formulated with a blend of clarifying and skin-conditioning ingredients that help improve the look of texture and tone while prepping skin for better absorption of Vivant's targeted serums.
Renew and retexturize with REt (RP)™ Retinoid (Retinyl Propionate) to support the look of fresh surface renewal and help skin look clear and refined. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and supports the look of firmer, smoother skin. If you've never used a retinoid before, start with Derm-A-Gel®, a blend of retexturizing REt (RP)™ Retinoid, brightening kojic acid, gently exfoliating lactic acid, and barrier-supporting niacinamide.
Use SPF daily. The inflammation caused by UV exposure can worsen acne and contribute to scarring. Day Lotion Sunscreen SPF 15 provides daily sun protection in a non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula (see the Drug Facts label for directions). Wear it alone, under makeup, or mix with mineral powder to create a light foundation.
Comments
I absolutely love your products… I just need to be better about using them more regularly! I shared this article on Facebook today. It’s a wonderful article…especially for people my age (48) with adult acne. Thank you!