It is well know that acne is a disease of teens but this is not 100 percent true. A lot of adults have persistent acne breakouts or even experience new onset of acne after the age of 25. Usually this type of acne is more common among women than it is among men. We spoke to Dr. Chadan Naji, dermatologist and aesthetic medicine doctor at Obagi MediSpa, about what causes adult acne, and how to prevent and treat it.

What causes adult acne?

There are several factors that can play a role in causing adult acne such as stress or change in hormone levels. Also some medications can cause adult acne; switching or starting birth control pills can also trigger adult acne.

Why do you get adult acne?

In a patient who has the tendency towards adult acne the daily routine care can play a role in increasing the breakouts. Make up is also a reason as it can play a role in blocking the follicles. Increased oil production on the skin and not controlling this factor has a major role in increasing the breakouts as well.

Who gets adult acne?

Women and men can have adult acne but usually it is more common among women. It is more common among people in their 20’s and decreases towards older ages.

How can you fight it?

Following a proper skin care routine can help a lot in eliminating the problem and reducing the breakouts. Also there are several medications that can help if topical treatment cannot control the acne such as antibiotics or isotritinoin.

What daily skin routine do you recommend those who have adult acne to follow?

• A suitable cleanser that contains ingredients to reduce the oil on the skin and reduce its production is mandatory and needs to be used twice daily.

• A solution that contains salicylic acid can also be very helpful in controlling oil on the skin.

• Daily exfoliating cream that contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids help to encourage continuous exfoliation of the outer layers of the skin and avoiding blockage of the follicles which is the primary cause of acne.

• Daily use of a Retinoid derivative at bedtime is also very beneficial.

What products do you recommend them to use?

• Exfoliating cleanser from 360 range /OMP

• Pore therapy serum from Clenziderm/ OMP

• Exfoderm forte exfoliating cream from Nuderm System /OMP

Complex Forte

All of the above are suggestions but should be only used after a consultation with a dermatologist to evaluate the case and determine its severity, and evaluate the need for each product.

What clinic treatments would they need to try?

Chemical peels are one of the most suitable treatments for such patients. However some kinds of lasers such as PDL or superficial resurfacing lasers are treatment options.

After acne is gone, how can one get rid of the scars?

Several options are available for treating acne scars. Usually these treatments include fractional radiofrequency, resurfacing lasers or even deep chemical peels. The aim of all these treatments is to remove the outer layer and enhance new collagen production in the skin.

Tell us about pregnancy acne?

In pregnancy the woman can either have improvement or flare-up of their acne. The woman should continue with daily skin care including the cleanser and oil control. Also exfoliating creams that contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids can be used according to the need.

Is women’s adult acne different from men’s adult acne?

There is no big difference in adult acne between men and women. The use of makeup in woman plays a role, and as we mentioned before, adult acne is more common among women.

What about makeup? Are you for or against women with acne using makeup to cover it up and why?

Makeup can play a role in exacerbating the breakouts. It is preferable to use only mineral make up that covers the skin without penetrating the skin so it covers and protects at the same time.

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