Why Am I Breaking Out in Adult Acne So Much More Now And How Can I Treat It?
Remember when we thought breakouts were reserved for the years during middle and high school? Post-puberty days are supposed to mean clear, radiant skin, right? Think again. Adult acne is on the rise—here some possible reasons.
Why You Might be Breaking Out in Adult Acne
Maskne
It’s become part of our vocabulary at this point. The acne and irritation caused by wearing a cloth face mask can be really frustrating. Sure, you can cover it up with your mask when you’re out in public, but it’s still not ideal. Maskne is caused by a buildup of bacteria and sweat under your mask that clogs your pores. It is also a side effect of the friction and heat caused by the fabric rubbing against your skin, breaking down your skin barrier, and allowing conditions like rosacea, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis to flare up.
Stress
If you’ve noticed a pimple or two pop up during the difficult, overwhelming times in your life, you’re not alone. Stress is a direct cause of acne. When you are feeling overwhelmed and your body goes into fight or flight mode, you produce more of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol releases sugar into your bloodstream and increases inflammation, which causes skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne to rear thier ugly heads. Plus, stress actually makes your skin produce more oil and sweat, simultaneously clogging your pores and dehydrating your skin.
Hormones
Not only does the hormone cortisol cause acne, hormone fluctuations around your menstrual cycle can also make your skin break out. Right before you get your period, your estrogen and progesterone levels drop and testosterone rises. This change can trigger your skin to produce extra oil and clog your pores, especially on the lower half of your face, along your jaw and around your mouth. Hormone fluctuations around menopause and pregnancy can also cause acne to flare up.
What You Can Do About It
Well, you can’t stop wearing a face mask and you can’t stop your hormones from doing what they need to do. But you can take some steps to treat and prevent pimples.
When it comes to maskne, be sure to always wear a clean mask. Whether you opt for a disposable version or wash yours daily, it’s important to keep them clean so the bacteria doesn’t linger and transfer to your skin. Be sure to use a fragrance-free detergent formulated for sensitive skin to avoid any extra irritation. And cleanse your face thoroughly every day and night to clear away sweat, dirt, and oil.
The simple solution to stress? Relax. But let’s be honest, that’s always not an option. Thankfully, topical products can help. Keep oil production under control with a purifying treatment that draws dirt and oil or of your pores. And fight free radicals caused by stress with antioxidants like vitamin C—the same goes for acne caused by hormones. Treating your skin to a clarifying mask in the days leading up to your period, or even just once a week, can also prevent pimples.
Your Clear Skin Regimen
Clearing and preventing breakouts isn’t just about using heavy duty products designed to soak up oil and leave your skin squeaky clean. In fact, using gentle products thoughtfully will help clear your skin more effectively and keep it healthy.
Start your evening routine off with a double cleanse. While cleanser is great for clearing away bacteria and debris, it’s helpful to start with a cleansing water or balm to wash away makeup, sunscreen, and sweat. Then, follow up with a cleanser designed to fight acne with ingredients like salicylic acid and willow bark.
Try:
BEAUTY WATER Makeup Removing Cleanser
$22.00
Micellar cleanser for combo - normal skin types that helps detoxify skin of surface-layer impurities and makeup. Product Details: 174 ml / 5.9 fl. oz. Get in the H2Glow this proprietary micellar water offers a fuss-free way to powerfully… read more
REBALANCE Gentle Purifying Cleanser
$44.00
Ultra-gentle foaming cleanser removes impurities for intensely clean and fresh skin Product Details: 104 ml / 3.5 fl. oz For OILY, COMBINATION, BLEMISH-PRONE skin This ultra-gentle foaming gel cleanser with salicylic acid, removes impurities while helping to reduce the appearance… read more
Next, treat your skin to a superpowered serum that not only prevents and clears acne, but hydrates your skin and fades uneven tone. Look for ingredients like wintergreen leaf extract, niacinamide, retinol, and hyaluronic acid.
Try:
Give your skin a deep clean one to two times a week with a clay mask that unclogs pores and rebalances your skin. Keep your skin calm and hydrated with added calendula.
Try:
PURIFY Deep Clean Detox Mask
$49.00
A daily skin detox. This clay mask lifts away surface impurities for visibly smoother, clearer, healthy-looking skin. Product Details: 59mL / 2 fl. oz. Get results, pure and simple. This detoxifying mask works wonders to gently, yet effectively remove impurities… read more
