“Acne is one of the most common skin conditions,” notes Dr Nokubonga Khoza, a specialist dermatologist based in Durban. According to the Dermatology Society of South Africa, up to 80% of the population suffers from acne at some stage in their lives. While acne is most common in the teen age group, acne can occur in patients all the way up to the age of 60. Due to the role that hormones and cosmetics play in adult acne, you tend to see more female sufferers than male, Dr Khoza notes.
What causes adult acne?
While there are many factors at play in adult acne, the more common causes include genetics, hormones and cosmetics. According to the South African Dermatology Physician Assistants Society (SADPAS) these are the commonest causes of adult acne:
- An increase in oil (sebum)
- Increased numbers of acne bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) in the oil glands
- Blockage of the pilosebaceous duct because of increased skin cells and inflammation.
Stress and diet can also be a factor, says Dr Khoza. “Stress can contribute to any medical condition,” she says. Diet’s role in acne is a hotly disputed topic among professionals, but evidence has been found that any diet high on the glycemic index does contribute towards the skin condition, says Dr Khoza.
As compared to teen acne, adult acne often presents with fewer lesions, but is prone to worse scarring.
How to treat adult acne
Your treatment will depend on the kind of acne that you have, says Dr Khoza, noting that there’s seldom a quick fix. According to SADPAS, treatment for adult acne is the same as for teen acne. A combination of both topical and oral therapies is used. Oral contraceptive or hormone blocking agents such as spironolactone or cyproterone actetate are often prescribed for hormonal acne, and for severe acne or treatment-resistant cases, specialist dermatologists have used long-term oral isotretinoin.
Your skincare routine will also play an important role. It’s important to use a gentle cleanser, and to exfoliate once a week, advises Dr Khoza. She cautions to treat the skin tenderly, and not to rub too hard or use anything too abrasive, as this can cause scarring. Moisturising is a very important step, as many acne treatments are drying to the skin. Dr Khoza recommends a lotion over a cream, and always using one with a SPF to protect the skin from sun damage.
What can you do to prevent getting acne?
Because of the role genetics play in acne, preventing it can be very difficult. Dr Khoza recommends choosing your cosmetics wisely. “Look for cosmetics that are non-comedogenic, meaning that they don’t block your pores, as well as hypoallergenic,” she says. She also advises against wearing make-up for extended periods, and recommends washing your skin before and after exercise. Finally, if you do see the beginning stages of acne, be sure to treat it at the first signs, before it becomes inflamed.
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