Adult Acne Women Treatment: What is the Best Remedy?
Acne isn’t just a teenage problem. Many women continue to struggle with acne well into adulthood.
In fact, adult acne is a common issue for women more often than men largely due to hormonal fluctuations. To find the best adult acne treatment in Singapore, your best first step would be to understand what could be triggering your acne.
This is important because unlike teenage acne, adult acne may have different triggers. It demands a tailored approach to treatment for the best results.
This article explains the causes of adult acne in women. It also explains the best remedies to help you manage it.
What Causes Adult Acne in Women?
To begin with, adult acne refers to the occurrence of acne in individuals aged 25 and older. It can manifest in various forms, including pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and nodulocystic acne (large, painful cysts or nodules beneath the skin). Here are some of the potential causes of adult acne in women;
· Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations are one of the primary causes of adult acne in women. These changes can occur due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
A decline in estrogen and an increase in male hormones, such as testosterone, can trigger acne by increasing oil production and making the oil thicker. This excess oil can clog pores and create an environment conducive to acne-causing bacteria, leading to breakouts.
· Stress
Stress is a major factor that can worsen acne. When you’re stressed, your body reacts by producing more cortisol.
This hormone can increase inflammation and exacerbate acne. Stress also encourages the production of oil, which can clog pores and lead to more frequent and severe breakouts.
· Diet and Lifestyle Factors
The diet also plays a role in acne development. High sugar intake and consumption of certain dairy products have been linked to acne flare-ups.
Sugary foods can spike insulin levels, which in turn can increase oil production. What’s more, lifestyle factors like lack of sleep, poor skincare routines, and the use of heavy makeup that clogs pores can contribute to acne.
Read Also: Gynecologist Singapore: What Organs do they treat?
Which is the Best Cleanser for Adult Acne?
Cleansing is a key step in managing adult acne. Proper cleansing removes excess oil, makeup, and impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. It’s recommended to cleanse the skin at least twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed—to maintain clear skin.
Now, the best cleanser for adult acne depends on your skin type. For example, if you have dry or sensitive skin you will want to choose a creamy, gentle cleanser to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. For oily or acne-prone skin, a gentle foaming cleanser can help remove excess oil without over-drying.
Ingredients like salicylic acid are key when it comes to treating blackheads as they exfoliate the skin and clear out pores. Benzoyl peroxide, on the other hand, has antibacterial properties that help reduce acne-causing bacteria.
How can Adult Acne be treated?
First things first, adult acne may not pose a serious threat to your health. However, you may want to seek treatment for this skin condition if you find it upsetting. You may also wish to seek treatment to prevent permanent scarring. Here are some of the best options for adult acne treatment in Singapore;
· Retinoids
Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, work by unclogging pores, exfoliating the skin, and providing anti-inflammatory effects. They promote cell turnover, which helps prevent the formation of new acne lesions.
This action also helps reduce the appearance of existing ones. Over-the-counter options like retinol are suitable for mild acne, while prescription-strength retinoids such as tretinoin or adapalene may be needed for more severe cases.
· Topical Anti-Inflammatories
Dapsone gel is a relatively new topical anti-inflammatory that has shown promise in reducing acne lesions, particularly in adult women. It works by reducing inflammation and is particularly effective for inflammatory acne types, such as pustules and nodulocystic acne.
· Other Topical Options
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid remain popular and effective topical treatments for adult acne. Benzoyl peroxide helps to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation which makes it an effective treatment for inflammatory acne.
Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, helps exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. It is ideal for treating blackheads and whiteheads. These treatments can be used alone or in combination, depending on the severity and type of acne.
· Oral Medications
For more persistent cases of adult acne, oral medications like spironolactone may be prescribed. In adult acne treatment, spironolactone blocks androgen receptors.
So, it can be effective in reducing the effects of male hormones that contribute to acne. It is particularly effective for women experiencing hormonal acne.
· Chemical Peels and Light Therapy
Chemical peels, using agents like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, can help exfoliate the skin and reduce acne lesions. Their action involves controlled removal of the outer layer of skin.
This action promotes cell turnover and can reduce clogged pores. Blue light therapy is another advanced treatment that targets acne-causing bacteria to reduce inflammation and prevent future breakouts.
Antibiotics, either topical or oral, may be prescribed for cases of severe, persistent acne that do not respond to other treatments. They help reduce bacteria and inflammation but should be used under the guidance of a dermatologist due to potential side effects and the risk of antibiotic resistance.
· Dietary Changes and Lifestyle Adjustments
Reducing sugar intake and avoiding high-glycemic foods like desserts and soda can help manage acne. It may help to add more leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene to your diet to get anti-inflammatory benefits and improve your skin health.
You may also want to seek help in managing stress to effectively manage adult acne. Importantly, avoid harsh skincare routines, heavy makeup, and skincare products with comedogenic ingredients to prevent breakouts.
Closing Thoughts
You should consult a skin doctor for adult acne if your acne persists for more than a few months despite using over-the-counter treatments. Professional help is also warranted if acne causes you significant physical or emotional distress, leads to scarring or pigmentation issues, or if home remedies prove ineffective.
A skilled cosmetic or skin doctor can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend a personalized treatment plan that may include advanced therapies and prescription medications to effectively manage and treat your adult acne. To learn more about adult acne and treatment personalization, call or visit us at;
One Face Clinic – Pigmentation | Melasma Treatment | Acne Singapore
1 Tras Link, #02-01 Orchid Hotel Singapore,
Singapore 078867
+65 6222 2262
onefaceskincare.com.sg
