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Acne’s commonly seen as a teenage problem.

Oily skin, clogged pores, and inflamed facial breakouts are never ideal.

However, the struggles cease as those troublesome teenage years are left behind and you enter adulthood…Right?

Wrong.

In reality, acne is the bane of many adult lives too. Indeed, up to 55% of people between 20 and 40 years old suffer from at least low-level adult acne.

The common belief that acne’s a teenage ailment causes further complications. Adults who suffer from it can experience even greater levels of stress and shame.

Are you struggling with an adult resurgence of long-forgotten acne? Do you want to know the reasons behind it in order to find a solution to the problem?

Let us help.

Read on to learn 7 primary causes of acne in adulthood.

1. Clogged Pores

Any discussion about the etiology of acne is incomplete without mentioning pores.

You’ve almost certainly heard of them before. These tiny openings around the hair follicles on your skin can cause all sorts of problems when they get clogged.

Now, the glands you find in each pore naturally release oil (sometimes referred to as sebum).

In theory, the oil actually helps protect your skin and keeps it feeling nice and soft!

The trouble is that it can also cause pimples when too much of it is created. Throw dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells into the mix and you’ve got a recipe for trouble. These all end up clogging your pores, which leads to skin problems such as acne.

In some instances, then, the solution to adult acne is basic skin-cleansing processes. Keeping your skin clean and exfoliated should unclog pores and reduce the chance of breakouts.

2. Rising Stress Levels

Nobody in the world would struggle with acne if clearing it was as simple as exfoliating!

For many people, there’s usually more going on behind the scenes.

Stress, for example, might be the true cause of the problem.

Now, we all get stressed at various times in life. But excess stress levels can have a host of negative repercussions. Acne is one instance of an ailment that worsens with stress.

Cortisol is at the heart of the problem. This so-called stress hormone interacts with your bodily processes and can cause skin conditions to get worse.

Limiting your exposure to stress, then, might represent the solution to your adult acne.

3. Hormonal Changes

Hormones are another common complicating factor behind acne.

Indeed, they’re the root cause of many a problem in life! It just so happens that they can also be behind any recent influx of acne.

Progesterone, in particular, can be the culprit.

Why?

Because increases in progesterone are known to increase the production of sebum.

For instance, people often notice worsening symptoms of acne on their period, when pregnant, taking hormonal birth control, or going through menopause. The (possible) reason? Because progesterone production is known to increase at these times.

4. Oily Products

Think about all of the healthcare lotions, potions and products you use each day.

There’s a chance they might be responsible for your flare-up of acne.

Many people fail to realize that their skin and hair-care products, for instance, contain oil.

The addition of oil to skin that’s predisposed to excess sebum production is understandably problematic. For teens and adults alike, then, avoiding these products is a sure-fire way to see acne improvements.

Pores are more likely to remain unclogged, which should improve the situation.

Noncomedogenic is the technical term for oil-free products. Stick to lotions, creams, moisturizers, face-washes, and so on, of this nature and you’ll reap the rewards.

5. Over-Washing

As we’ve seen, clogged pores are at the heart of any acne flare-ups.

For this reason, many people assume (correctly) that staying clean is key to fighting it. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to ‘over-clean’.

Desperate to get rid of their acne, some people cleanse and exfoliate as often as possible.

They might scrub their faces vigorously, use powerful skin-care products, and do so multiple times a day. Sadly, this approach can actually backfire.

Skin gets too dry and starts creating extra oil in order to compensate for what it’s lost. Pores end up more clogged; pre-existing inflammation can become even more aggravated by the harsh treatment.

Now, everybody’s skin is different, which means you need to find what works for you. In general, though, washing once a day with a gentle chemical exfoliant should suffice.

6. The Environment

We’re always hearing about the negative impact of humans on the environment.

In terms of adult acne, though, it’s the environment that can potentially impact us. That’s right, pollution in the atmosphere is another possible cause of acne (especially in cities).

Dirt, fumes, smog, and exposure to the sun all combine to clog your pores. You essentially end up with a layer of pollution on your face! Make sure you get rid of that grime build-up to allay the onset of acne.

Think about wearing sunscreen whenever possible too. Why? Because harmful UV rays are another possible contributor to acne. Better still, you protect the skin of your face more generally as well.

7. Your Diet

In scientific terms, the jury’s out on the impact of diet on acne.

Yet many people swear that the food they eat has an effect on it.

It’s common to hear that oily foods such as pizzas, burgers, and fries are to blame for outbreaks. However, everything from chocolate to caffeine is also held accountable on occasion.

The key is to track the food and drink that seem to trigger your acne. Monitor their effects and consider cutting them out if the evidence is compelling. Of course, speak with your GP first before making any significant dietary changes.

Time to Tackle Adult Acne

Contrary to popular opinion, acne isn’t the reserve of teenagers.

In reality, adult acne is incredibly common too. This oft-distressing ailment affects millions of people around the world. Are you one of them?

Hopefully, this article will help you identify its cause(s) and take steps to address the problem. Are you in Miami and looking for professional skin support?

Contact us today to see how we can be of service.

We all want healthy, glowing skin, that is free of sun damage, many of us also love the sun. The warm feeling on your skin combined with the energy it gives us. It’s no surprise that people love being outdoors, enjoying a warm, sunny day.

Unfortunately, the sun can also cause harmful skin damage and even skin cancer if we aren’t careful.

While it isn’t always possible to prevent cancer, there are certain sun precautions we can take and prevention methods that can keep damage to a minimum while soaking up the sun.

This guide has eight ways to prevent skin cancer and still be able to enjoy the outdoors.

Apply Sunscreen

While no one can say for certain how to prevent skin cancer completely, doctors can say with certainty that applying sunscreen is a must when you are spending time in the sun,

Applying sunscreen doesn’t just mean putting a little on in the morning before going out into the sun either.

In order to keep your skin safe from harmful sun damage and sunburn, you need to apply at least one ounce of sunscreen to fully cover yourself about 15 minutes before going outside to be properly protected according to the American Academy of Dermatology. 

You also need to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Don’t forget to put it on again after sweating or getting out of the water as well.

Always try and use a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher as well. Remember to apply sunscreen to the top of your feet, your head, neck, and your ears. The back of your hands tends to get forgotten as well.

Wear Protective Clothing

When you’re outdoors and in the sun, wearing protective clothing is a must. Wearing protective clothing can help you keep the sun off of your arms, legs, and face. Protective clothing includes rash guards with UV protection, hats, long sleeves, pants, and sunglasses.

If you will be outdoors walking, hiking, or running, even if it is hot out, you’ll want to cover your skin in a breathable material that will protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.

Wear sunglasses as well to protect your eyes. If your feet will be exposed, cover those with closed-toed shoes when hiking to avoid a painful sunburn on your feet.

Stick to the Shade

When you’re planning on being outdoors and in the sun, try and seek some shelter from the sun when you can. If shade is available, take it at least part of the time.

If you’re looking to hit the pool or the beach, try and bring an umbrella or use one if they are available.

Being in the shade means you’re covered from being directly in the sun and the shade will keep you better protected.

Wear a Hat

Hats can do wonders to protect you from the sun. Not only will a hat protect your eyes but it will also protect your scalp and your face.

Men especially are prone to sunburn on the top of their heads and back of their necks if they don’t have hair to protect them.

When you’re out in the sun, wear a protective hat that has a wide enough brim to keep your face and neck covered.

Avoid Tanning Beds

Tanning beds are just asking for trouble. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, there is absolutely nothing safe about tanning. 

In fact, just one visit to a tanning bed increases your risk for melanoma by 75% before the age of 35. No tan is worth that percentage. Stick to lotions, sprays, and make-up for a sun-kissed look without the risk for cancer.

Don’t Get a Sunburn

Getting sunburn is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. To avoid getting a sunburn, make sure you wear sunscreen and always reapply. Wear a hat, try and get some shade and wear protective clothing when you can.

Once you are sunburnt the damage is already done and it will be too late. You'll want to see a doctor if you're suffering from a serious sunburn. 

Remember to Protect Your Lips

Skin cancer can also start to form on your mouth and lips. To protect yourself from getting skin cancer on your lips, apply chapstick, lip balm, or lipstick that has sunscreen.

Look for a lip product that has an SPF of 15 or higher for the best protection. Make sure you always reply as well and carry it with you on days at the pool or hiking in the sun.

Keep Newborns and Kids out of the Sun

Kids, babies, and especially newborns should be kept out of direct sunlight. While you’re not going to keep your five-year-old out of the sun, your five-day-old should never be exposed to direct sunlight.

To help keep your little ones protected, make sure you cover them in sunscreen and reply often. Every time your kiddo gets out of the water, lather them up again.

If possible, keep your kids under an umbrella or in the shade. Make sure your kids and babies wear hats in the sun and protective clothing whenever possible.

Swimsuits with built-in rash guards are extremely helpful in protecting your kids. There are also rash guard shirts that can be worn over swimsuits.

Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

Knowing how to prevent skin cancer is the first step to reducing your risk. While the sun is a vital mood and energy booster, spending too much time out in the sun without protection can be dangerous.

Make sure to get your annual skin cancer screening to test for damage and signs of skin cancer each year. 

Knowing how to avoid skin cancer and how to prevent melanoma starts with sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen and making sure you reapply is key.

From there, staying in the shade and wearing a hat, protective clothing, and lip protection can go a long way to helping protect your body, eyes, and lips.

If you’d like to speak with a professional board-certified dermatologist about skin damage, or any concerning skin condition, book an appointment online to help keep you and your skin healthy and protected.