Acne can strike at any age and doesn’t just show up on the face. The back, chest and shoulders can all be affected and for adults it can be difficult to determine the exact cause. While treating the problem is obviously essential, knowing the reasons that cause acne and blemishes can help prevent it from occurring in the first place. Here are 4 of the most common causes of adult acne with some tips on how to treat it.
Health Conditions
Underlying health conditions and other medical issues cause our immune system to become compromised, making us susceptible to infections, toxic overload and just generally feeling run down. When this happens, our skin becomes vulnerable and for those with oily skin, it’s the time when a breakout or acne flare-up is most likely to occur.
For women, medical conditions that affect the hormones are particularly likely to be the culprits of acne and if you suspect you have a hormonal imbalance, it’s vital to see a doctor. Apart from receiving medical care, there may be little you can do to treat your health condition, but you can help your skin heal by using a specially-formulated product such as Solvaderm's Zeroblem which will provide targeted care and help clear up breakouts fast and effectively.
Hormonal Imbalances
As mentioned above, any imbalance or fluctuation in the hormones can lead to skin breakouts and are likely to happen at certain times in a woman’s life. Menstruation, perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause and pregnancy – these are all times when the hormones are disrupted and more apt to have an effect on oil production in the skin.
If hormonal imbalance is a problem, your doctor can prescribe medications to help, although it should be noted that some prescribed products can also be the cause. For a more natural solution, a naturopath may be able to suggest certain beneficial herbs, vitamins and minerals that can help restore hormonal balance.
Your Daily Diet
For many years we used to think that eating fatty foods will cause pimples and, while that’s not necessarily the case, there is a definite link between a poor diet and pimple-prone skin. What we put in our body will show on the skin so it follows that a diet high in bad fats, chemically-treated and processed foods is not going to result in a clear complexion.
Even foods that we may think of as harmless can trigger an acne outbreak due to added hormones and additives and can have a detrimental effect on our skin. Examining the source of your food and trying to only opt for ingredients you recognize (and can pronounce!) is key to clear, healthy skin.
And don’t skip the water either! While using a highly hydrating product such as Excelagene is effective, thanks to its ability to attract and lock moisture in the skin, drinking fresh water throughout the day prevents dehydration and the overproduction of pore-clogging oil.
Stressful Situations
Stress and the inability to relax can cause a myriad of health problems including some that can be life-threatening. While acne isn’t quite in this category, it can be extremely distressing and lead to a lack of confidence and low self-esteem. Unfortunately, we can’t go through life completely avoiding stress but, when it does make an appearance, knowing how to handle it is vital.
Stress and acne are linked due to the higher levels of Cortisol our body produces when under pressure which, in turn, increases oil production. Combine this with a lower immune system and it’s the perfect scenario for breakouts and skin flare-ups. If you do find that you’ve been experiencing a lot of stress in your life, consider learning some simple relaxation techniques such as deep-breathing exercises and yoga stretches which can be done anytime and anywhere.
During these times, it’s also a good idea to give your skin a little extra attention such as treating it with an exfoliating formula like Solvaderm's Glowpeel. This gentle exfoliating product encourages skin cell renewal, helps to resurface the skin using natural acids and even reduces the appearance of blemishes and acne scarring. A little pampering can go a long way in stress-relief!
