How To Fight Adult Acne

We're way past our teens already and we think haywire hormones and oiliness that causes pimples have already bid adieu in our lives. However, spots sometimes appear here and there and I admit, these pimples can be annoying and a confidence breaker that we hide with layers of makeup if we can't bury our faces under our pillows. Isn't it weird? How come we get pimples when we're no longer teens?

get clear skin from teens to adulthood

Turns out, there is such a condition as adult acne. It occurs in adults, either when we hit our 30s or menopause. "Though acne is seen primarily in teenagers, it can also occur in adults. There is no age limit," says dermatologist Dr. Lot Uyehara-Scher. There are various causes and aggravating factors of acne such as medications, the food you're taking, the ingredients in your cosmetics, etc. "Acne in general is genetics, " adds Dr. Uyehara-Scher. "There are people who are more susceptible to it."

If you find the occasional annoying and painful bumps are ruining your day, try out these solutions so you can enjoy your prime with clear, beautiful skin even without makeup.

Assess your diet

Your skin reflects your overall condition. If you feed yourself bad food, it also shows in your skin, so be sure to get good nutrition as much as possible and eat real, good food instead of fake food. Some may try to avoid dairy and refined carbs, especially if you are lactose intolerant or are allergic to refined sugars.

Proper skin care

Pond's Acne Clear, Pond's newest line is formulated to attack the cause of pimples. Use the facial foam with the leave-on expert clearing gel to combat pimples together for fast results.

You may come from a two-hour commute with crazy Manila traffic. You may have to check your kid's homework or catching up on your favorite television series to wind down after a long day. Whatever reason you may have, please do not forget to remove your makeup and wash your face with the cleanser suited for your skin type. Choose a cleanser that's gentle on your skin and doesn't strip away the natural oils, which actually serve as protection from your skin. If your skin is super sensitive, opt for fragrance-free or non-comedogenic formulas as well as organic formulas with no added chemicals that your skin reacts to.

Change the other products you use.

care for the other parts of your body without sacrificing your skin with products that do not irritate such as Sensodyne toothpaste

It may not just be the products you use on your face. Your  other personal care products (shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc)  may also be the cause of your flare-ups. If you find the pimples being concentrated on your chin and mouth area, it may be your toothpaste. Pimples on the forehead and around the hairline may be due to hair products and/or shampoo. Try switching to products for sensitive skin such as Sensodyne for sensitive teeth. If the pimples stop, you will know the culprit.

Reduce Salt

We all know too much sodium in our diet causes high blood pressure, obesity, and PMS bloating.  Too much salt in our diet can also lead to breakouts as well. Check if you're consuming too much canned and processed food or junk food. Choose low-sodium alternatives of your favorite seasonings and avoid soup mixes or instant anything.

Stress Less

All these adulting can stress and overwhelm us. What causes these flareups is cortisol, which is that same stress hormone which causes belly fat buildup, Aside from making you fluffier, it can also increase  inflammation. Remember our college acne from like exam week or hell week? Same cause. Manage stress with meditation, exercise, or just simply avoiding negative things and negative people and surround yourself with things that make you feel happy.

Use gentle detergent on pillowcases and towels

Messy Bessy Liquid Detergent is safe for your delicates and your skin. Smells awesome too!

The detergent or fabric softener in your pillowcase might also be the culprit. Rinse your pillowcases really well to remove all traces of detergent or fabric softener that can irritate your skin. You can also use gentler or mild detergent such as Ivory or Human Nature for your pillowcases and towels, which contain ingredients that are gentler for the skin. Try also sleeping on your back instead of sideways or belly down so your face doesn't get in too much contact with the pillow.

Change your hairstyle

a change in haircut or a sleek ponytail can keep hair and pimples away from the face

"The layers of hair can sometimes come in constant contact with the chin and the sides of the face," says Dr. Uyehara-Scher. Opt for longer layers when you visit your stylist so that you always have the option to pull back the hair so it doesn't touch your face all the time. If you love your bangs and layers, have a headband with you so that  you have an option to pull your hair back when you're exercising or at home so your hair isn't always touching your face.

See A Doctor

Acne flare-ups may be due to certain medications or hormonal imbalances. Consult your doctor for meds that are better for your skin or change the brand of pill that you are using. Doctors may also prescribe medications for acne as well as treatment for scarring or pigmentation.

Hope this helps everyone in their acne dilemma. Just a few adjustments and hopefully our skin can stay smooth and clear for the rest of our lives.

Image Sources:
Author's photos by Alfred Mendoza
Messy Bessy Detergent Photo facebook.com/messybessycleaners
Sensodyne Photo:  facebook.com/SensodynePH


Directory:

Messy Bessy
click here for a list of branches; messybessy.com; facebook.com/messybessycleaners

Pond's
available at all leading department stores and supermarkets

Sensodyne
available at all leading department stores and supermarkets; facebook.com/SensodynePH

Dr. Lot Uyehara-Scher
SKINHEALTH - 3rd Level Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall
63-2 6816245