Expert Guide: Understanding and Treating Adult Acne

Dealing with Adult Acne: Advice from an Expert

Even as you move past adolescence and braces, the battle of the skin doesn't have to there. Many women find themselves battling acne well into adulthoodan issue that is quite common among adults compared to men according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dr. Mary Sheu, Medical Director of the Johns Hopkins Dermatology and Cosmetic Center at Green Spring Station, shares her insight on what causes adult acne and strategies for treating it.

Is Adult Acne Different from Teenage Acne?

Though often linked with adolescent years, adult acne is not necessarily distinct from the skin issues we typically associate with our teens. Acne encompasses a wide range of skin conditions including pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and severe forms like nodulocystic acne.

What Causes Acne?

Hormonal changes play a significant role in adult acne, particularly for women. As we mature, our estrogen levels typically decline while male hormones such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone increase. This hormonal imbalance can lead to an uptick in oil production causing pores to appear larger or clogged with oil. Symptoms might include thickened sebum secretion, enlarged pores, and skin inflammation.

Stress is Another Trigger

Increased stress levels can also exacerbate acne by boosting cortisol productiona hormone that triggers and intensifies the inflammatory response.

How to Treat Acne?

Mntning regular cleansing habits twice dly helps remove layers of old oil and makeup. For effective treatment, Dr. Sheu often recompical retinoids which unclog pores and exfoliate skin while also reducing inflammation. Over-the-counter treatments contning retinoids are readily avlable.

Topical anti-inflammatory agents like dapsone gel or oral prescriptions such as spironolactone can help mitigate the effects of male hormones, while chemical peels and blue light therapies can provide faster results if acne is severe enough to warrant more urgent action.

Choosing a Cleanser

When selecting a cleanser, it's important not to use overly harsh products especially when using prescription topical ingredients. Dry or sensitive skin may benefit from creamy cleansers while oily skin might respond well to gentle foaming cleansers. Salicylic acid is beneficial for those prone to blackheads as it targets oil and unclogs pores, whereas benzoyl peroxide offers antibacterial properties that help remove dead cells.

Modifying Your Diet

Avoid excessive sugar and desserts. Foods rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene like leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables can be beneficial because of their anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies suggest that certn dry products may contribute to acne development in individuals.

When is Medication Needed?

If acne persists beyond a few months or leads to scarring without effective topical treatments, it might be time to consider systemic treatments like antibiotics as your next step.

Seeking Expert Advice

For personalized advice and professional treatment options tlored to your specific skin condition, consulting with a dermatologist would provide the most accurate guidance.

To schedule an appointment:

• In Maryland: 410-955-5000

• Outside of Maryland: +1-410-502-7683

• International: Please contact us for assistance

Explore Further

• Dermabrasion and Dermaplaninghttps:www.johns-hopkins-medicine.orgwellness-and-preventiondermabrasion-and-dermaplning

• Acne in Childrenhttps:www.johns-hopkins-medicine.orgwellness-and-preventionacne-in-children

• Anatomy of the Skinhttps:www.johns-hopkins-medicine.orgconditions-and-diseasesanatomy-of-the-skin

: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment regimen.

Language Assistance Avlable:

• Spanish ????

• Traditional Chinese ?????

• French Fran??s

• Tagalog ?as????-wu?u-po-ny??

• Russian ??????

• Italian ???????

• Korean ???????

• Arabic ???????

• Greek ????????

• Japanese ???

• Htian Creole ???????

• Turkish ??????

• Polish Polski

• Greek ???????

• Swahili ede Yoruba

• Igbo asusu

• Yoruba ??????

• Mandarin Chinese ??????

• Japanese ??

• Indonesian ?????

Contact Privacy Information:

• Notice of Privacy Practiceshttps:www.johns-hopkins-medicine.orgprivacy

• Terms Conditions of Use Non-Discrimination Notice: Click Herehttps:www.johns-hopkins-medicine.orgterms
  This article is reproduced from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/got-adult-acne-get-answers-from-an-expert

Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.zy47.com/Acne_Hospital/Adult_Acne_Treatment_Advice_Education.html