ACNE IN ADULTS: CAUSES AND TREATMENTS
Acne is everywhere.It is the most common skin disorder in North America, with 40 to 50 million Americans – including millions of adults – currently affected.Almost 85% of people will have acne at least once in their life.
However, some people are clearly more prone to acne than others, and treatments differ from person to person.This article aims to inform and clarify the causes and treatments of acne.
WHAT CAUSES ACNE?
The main cause of acne is a skin oil called sebum.While healthy skin produces the right amount of sebum, occasional triggers can cause excessive sebum secretion.The skin then becomes oily and the excess sebum clogs the pores.The bacteria get trapped in the clogged pores and begin to swell, causing the redness and rashes known as acne.
Besides genetics, a few factors can determine how much sebum a person's skin produces.Periods of high stress are known to cause excess oil and breakouts.Other factors such as hormones, such as during puberty, and medications, such as birth control, can cause the body to produce excess oil and cause breakouts.
Physical contact also plays a role.During the COVID pandemic, we have seen widespread cases of "maskne" - acne that forms due to face masks.Masks, especially when used multiple times without washing off, can trap excess oils in the skin and clog pores.We have discovered that it is imperative for skin health to use a clean mask every day.
HOW TO TREAT ACNE?
Acne can be reduced, treated and prevented in many ways.Some involve the direct application of products to the skin; however, the best long-term solution is to adopt a healthy lifestyle.People who are less stressed, who eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and who exercise regularly have been shown to have less acne.
For a more short-term fix, however, products can be a big help.The primary purpose of acne products is to unclog and clean pores.To do this, we recommend beta hydroxy acids (BHA) in particular, such as salicylic acid, the main active ingredient in our NSalicylic Face and Body Cleanser and our Sacne solution.BHAs are excellent for penetrating pores and dissolving excess oil, cleaning them and leaving skin feeling refreshed.These products will surprise you with how quickly they work to lessen and clear breakouts.
We also recommend alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) for exfoliation.Like sebum, dead skin cells can clog pores and cause acne.AHAs can dissolve dead skin and eliminate acne.Glycolic acid, an AHA, is found in our Glycolic Gel and our Glycolic Acid Swabs in freeze.This product can provide good and quick treatment for acne.
Lastly, and most importantly, fortifying the skin with nourishing and antioxidant serums can help repair the skin barrier and prevent irritation.We recommend our Green Tea Antioxidant Serum, light and hydrating, and our L Vita soothing otion, rejuvenating, to keep the skin nourished, soft, smooth and healthy.
We highly recommend our Acne Treatment Set routine for fast, long-lasting results .
