Why Do I Still Get Acne?
We all know the feeling — a big day at work or a first date, and a zit pops up in your face. As an adult, you probably thought acne was a thing of the past — but you’re mistaken.
Unfortunately, you can get acne at about any point in your life. There are various reasons behind this, including your hormones.
When you’re sick of annoying breakouts, Dr. Michael Rains and the team at Beacon Dermatology in Asheville, North Carolina, can help. Dr. Rains is an experienced dermatologist who gets to the bottom of your acne problem. He customizes a treatment regimen to give you clear and healthy skin.
What is acne?
Acne is a common skin problem that pops up when your pores become clogged with bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells. When the pores are clogged, bumps appear in the form of whiteheads, pimples, and blackheads.
Teenagers going through puberty are most likely to suffer from acne. Hormone-related changes at this point in life trigger breakouts on your face, chest, and back.
However, you can also get pimples and acne breakouts as an adult. It’s more common in women than men but happens in your 30s, 40s, and even 50s in some cases.
Severe acne leads to low self-esteem and emotional distress, which only fuels the problem. If you pick at your acne or try to pop your pimples, you could have permanent scars on your skin.
Adult causes of acne
After puberty, you probably think you’re in the clear regarding blemishes. However, this isn’t the case. If you notice acne breakouts happening as an adult, it’s likely due to one of the following causes:
Hormones
Women’s hormones fluctuate throughout the month, especially around their period. You may notice more pimples pop up right before your menstrual cycle. Your hormones also change during pregnancy and menopause, which also causes breakouts.
Genetics
Unfortunately, you’re likely to suffer from acne if one of your close relatives has had acne issues. A family history of acne predisposes you to the condition, even in adulthood.
Stress
Stress does many terrible things to your body, including bringing out acne. When stressed, your body produces androgens, which trigger your oil glands and hair follicles. During periods of chronic stress, you’ll notice significant acne breakouts.
Medications
Many medications have side effects — and sometimes acne is one of them. If you can’t change medications, Dr. Rains helps you find another treatment to help control your breakouts.
Medical problems
Undiagnosed medical problems sometimes lead to acne flare-ups. You can get acne from conditions like rosacea, Cushing’s syndrome, and PCOS. Usually, your acne diminishes after you receive treatment for these issues.
Treatments that may help
Suppose you’ve tried home care without success. In that case, Dr. Rains and the team at Beacon Dermatology offer expert diagnosis and treatment for acne. Depending on the severity and frequency of your acne, Dr. Rains recommends the following therapies:
- Topical creams
- Oral antibiotics
- Spironolactone
- Isotretinoin
- Laser skin treatment
- Facial peels
- Oral birth control
- Salicylic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
Finding the perfect resolution for your acne may take a few tries. Dr. Rains may recommend several treatments before finding the one that works best for your skin.