Adult Acne
Adult Acne is on the rise, adults are enduring the challenges of oily congested skin, with clinical studies indicating that between 40-55% of 20-40 year olds are being diagnosed with low grade, persistent problem skin. Research from the International Dermal Institute suggests ” acne arising in adulthood is more likely to be inflammatory with fewer comedones than teenage acne and lesions predominantly located around the mouth, chin and jawline. Likewise, adults often have sensitised skin or a combination of skin conditions in addition to their acne which makes treatment more challenging than the treatment of teens who generally have more resilient, uniform and oily skin”
So why is adult acne on the rise? With todays high pressured lifestyles, the aggravating factor is chronic stress, not acute stress that we experience from time to time which causes an occasional break out, but continual beatings of the adrenal system which leads to an increase in oil production. The individual is then placed under additional emotional stress as frustration with their problematic skin fuels yet more excess oil production.
What does adult acne look like?
Adult acne isnt necessarily the aggressive lumps and bumps associated with our teenage years. Adult acne can be classified as:
- Grade 1: Micro blackheads, blackheads and white heads
- Grade 2: Micro blackheads, closed balckheads, some inflammatory papules (red pimples)
- Grade 3: Blackheads, papules, pustules (yellow headed pimples)
- Garde 4: Blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules (boils) cysts (large, deep lumps)
It is also fair to say that adult acne behaves very differently from the teenage skin condition:
- Associated with combination skin
- Redness persists – skin remaining red for weeks at the site of a break out
- Increased sensitivity
- Heals more slowly and skin is more prone to scarring
- Jaw line, chin and neck are the most commonly affected areas
- Stress induced
Managing Adult Acne Triggers
It is possible to manage and control adult acne through a better awareness of the triggers
Heredity: Some of us are predisposed to having acne. It is a genetic condition therefore it is important to understand that whilst we may never completely resolve congestion, we can learn about acne and understand methods of control. For those who are predisposed, the skin will always react to hormonal imbalances, cosmetics, diet and so forth. Whereas those without the heredity condition, will rarely suffer break outs from these factors. Reasons for this are the differences in follicle (pore) structure and skin cell production. Those with genetically acne prone skin have larger oil glands, meaning the pore is filled with 3x more oil than a normal skin type. Predisposed acne skins produce 4-5 times more skin cells than normal skin types, so combined with the excess oil in the follicle, it is easy to see why the skin becomes so congested with blackheads.
Cosmetics: Artificial fragrance, colour, mineral oils, lanolin, plastics found in long-wear make up, Isoprpyl Myristate – the chemical used in most foundations to give slip and glide. This chemical is called a ‘creeper’ as it moves around on the skin and creeps into the pores, hairsprays, mousses, shampoos. Read cosmetics labels, look at the ingredients and go as natural as possible. Look for mineral make-up, avoid the face when spraying hair sprays and cleanse the face after shampooing the hair.
Environment: Pollution, humidity, smoking, heated environments, air conditioning, UV light – thickens the skin creating more blockages in the pores
Friction: Hats, phones, sleeping on certain sides, fringes, long hair on the back….can all aggravate the follicles and create congestion
Diet: Be aware of your sugar intake, high GI foods, dairy and yeast. It is now a proven fact that diet is a direct aggravating factor of adult acne
But is observation of these triggers enough? what more can be done?
Medi-Bac Dermalogica Facials
Dermalogicas Medi-Bac clearing products are a 24 hour system formulated specifically to treat adult acne. Many products prescribed for adults with acne or oily skin are often created for teens and are too harsh for daily use on adult skin. Medi-Bac products and professional treatments focus on soothing irritation, stimulating the skins own anti bacterial action, reduction of cell build up and regulation of oil production . With a bespoke facial designed to focus on individual acne needs, a better personal awareness of contributing triggers, adult acne no longer needs to be a frustrating, unwanted chapter of your life.
Medi-Bac Skin Clearing Facials include:
- Double Cleanse
- Salicylic Acid Power Foliant
- Hot Towel Steam
- Extraction of Comedones
- Pressure Point Clearing Massage
- Sebum Clearing Mask
- Clearing Complex, Booster and Mattifying Oil Free Mosituriser
Contact Glam Ibiza today for more information and prices, laura@glam-ibiza.com. We recommend a Medi-Bac facial every 2-3 weeks until acne is regulated and controlled.
