If you fought acne as a teenager, you remember how devastating it was. And if you find that you are fighting the same acne-battle as an adult, you are not alone. Acne is the most common skin disease in the U.S., affecting approximately 17 million Americans. A growing number of women in their 40’s and 50’s are battling acne. It’s true that acne, at any age, can be frustrating.
Here’s why letting acne runs its course may not be the best advice:
- Many effective treatments are available.
- Without treatment, dark spots and scars can appear on your skin as acne clears.
- Treating acne can boosts your confidence and self-esteem.
There are steps you can take to turn your skin around at any age, but first, here are three things that may cause adult breakouts:
- Changes in your hormone levels during menopause or when stopping birth control pills
- Prescription medications
- Stress
What helps?
- Clean your skin every day, morning and night, using a gentle, facial cleanser to wash away pollution, grime and makeup.
- Use cool or warm water, never hot.
- Use your hands, a baby washcloth or a soft cleansing brush.
- Pat your skin dry; don’t rub. Resist the temptation to squeeze your pimples.
- Use a retinoid cream or lotion after your face is clean. They can help clear your skin and, as a side benefit, they reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Choose cosmetics that are non-comedogenic – which means they won’t clog your pores, or non-acnegenic – which means they don’t cause breakouts.
- Some prescription medications like birth control pills as well as Accutane, antibiotics and prescription retinoids can help control acne.
We offer microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatments which can be partnered with topical and prescription acne treatments. Call us for a consultation appointment and let us help get you on your way to clearer, smoother skin.