Dealing with adult and hormonal acne can be frustrating, but the good news is that acne is always treatable. If you’re over 20 and still struggling with breakouts, there are some effective steps you can take. Here, we’ll cover factors that may worsen adult acne and the best treatment approaches to manage it.
Factors That Can Worsen Adult Acne
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Picking at Your Skin: Touching or picking acne can worsen inflammation, spread bacteria, and lead to scarring. Avoid popping or squeezing to prevent further breakouts and slow healing.
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Using Heavy Hair Products: Certain hair products, especially those with oils and heavy conditioners, can clog pores. Choose non-comedogenic and oil-free products instead.
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Diet: Some foods, particularly dairy and high-glycemic foods, have been linked to worsening acne. Pay attention to how your skin responds to these and consider reducing them if they seem to trigger breakouts.
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Makeup Choices: Makeup containing oils or comedogenic ingredients can clog pores. Opt for non-comedogenic, oil-free products and clean your makeup brushes regularly to avoid bacterial buildup.
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Over-exfoliating and Harsh Cleansers: Excessive exfoliation can damage the skin’s barrier and lead to irritation. Stick to gentle cleansers and limit exfoliation to prevent dryness and inflammation.
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Salon Treatments: Over-extraction and aggressive treatments can irritate acne-prone skin. Be mindful to avoid overly intense treatments that may lead to further breakouts.
Best Treatment Options for Adult Acne
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Establish a Gentle Skincare Routine: Start with a gentle cleanser, followed by an acne-fighting treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, and finish with an oil-free moisturizer. Consistency in your routine is key.
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Consider Birth Control Pills or Spironolactone: For women, these treatments can help balance hormone levels and reduce acne. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to see if they’re right for you.
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Topical Retinoids: Retinoids promote cell turnover, reduce clogged pores, and target inflammation. Start with a low concentration and build up gradually to minimize irritation.
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Daily Sunscreen: Protect your skin from UV rays with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Use oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas to avoid clogging pores.
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Lifestyle and Stress Management: Stress can trigger acne, so incorporate stress-reducing activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and good sleep.
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Stick with Your Treatment: Acne treatments can take time. Initial results often appear within 4-6 weeks, with more significant results at 12 weeks. Consistency and patience are essential.
MDacne Products for Adult and Hormonal Acne
Retinol + Niacinamide Cream: This cream helps unclog pores, improve skin texture, and reduce inflammation with the added benefit of niacinamide to hydrate and fade dark spots. It’s formulated for sensitive, acne-prone skin without causing irritation.
DIM Skin Clearing Supplements: Specially formulated for women with hormonal acne, these supplements contain DIM (Diindolylmethane), which helps balance hormone levels and regulate acne. They also support menstrual cycle balance, making them ideal for managing hormonal acne.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can diet affect adult acne?
Yes, high-glycemic foods and dairy products may worsen acne. Many find that reducing these foods helps their skin. -
How long does it take for acne treatments to work?
Results can vary, but most see improvements within 4-6 weeks and optimal results by 12 weeks with consistent use. -
Are MDacne products good for hormonal acne?
Yes, MDacne’s DIM Supplements and Retinol + Niacinamide Cream target hormonal imbalances and clogged pores, effectively managing adult and hormonal acne.
Conclusion
Managing adult acne takes patience and consistency. By following a tailored skincare routine, making lifestyle adjustments, and considering treatments like MDacne’s specialized products, you can achieve clearer, healthier skin. If you’re facing persistent acne, consulting a dermatologist can provide additional personalized treatment options.
Shop:
DIM Skin Clearing Supplements
Retinol Treatment System
MDacne's Retinol 0.25% (Amazon)
MDacne's Retinol 0.5% (Amazon)
MDacne's Retinol + Niacinamide
More info on:
Adult acne
Food and acne
Makeup and acne
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