Acne can, and often does, continue long into our adult years. This can be hard to accept since many people believe that they should have “grown out of” pimples by their twenties, never mind their thirties, forties and beyond!
Post acne scars are notoriously difficult to treat. Certain in-office treatments can help such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser and microneedling. Ideally, post acne scars should be prevented from forming in the first place with suitable medications such as antibiotics or isotretinoin. Ask also your pharmasists about an expert daily skincare such as the EFFACLAR range.
Mild acne can be managed with the right dermocosmetic solutions. Gently cleanse skin twice daily with a micellar water or foaming cleansing gel. Follow with daily skincare with active ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide and piroctone olamine. If these measures are not enough, see your dermatologist to ask about medical treatments such as retinoids, antibiotics and isotretinoin.
In acne, an inbalance in hormones called androgens cause the sebaceous gland to produce lots of oil. The same hormones cause increased production of skin cells lining pores. Pores then get clogged with a mixture of cells and sebum, becoming a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. This results in several types of pimple ranging from red spots to pustules or deep, painful cysts.
Mild acne on the body can be managed with the right dermocosmetic solutions. Gently cleanse skin twice daily with a foaming cleansing gel. Follow with daily skincare with active ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide and piroctone olamine. If these measures are not enough, see your dermatologist to ask about medical treatments such as retinoids, antibiotics and isotretinoin.
A range of studies has indicated that acne breakouts are on the rise in adults, with one US study reporting spot problems in up to 55% of adult women. It’s official: Adult acne is now the norm, rather than the exception.
In this section you will find the information you need to understand adult acne (in both men and women), as well as expert solutions to help you calm and clear blemishes.
Over the last ten years or so, a significant increase has been observed in the number of adult women with acne. Adult acne is quite different from adolescent acne. Adolescents suffer from fairly characteristic lesions: on the T-zone, with lesions on the forehead, nose and chin. In the case of adult women acne is located on the lower part of the face and the lesions are highly inflammatory and indurated. In contrast to adolescents, these highly indurated acne lesions cause minimal scarring. Despite the observed increase in acne there are no serious hypotheses as to the reasons for this increase. So when a woman comes to see us and is suffering from acne we will initially inquire about what products she uses on her skin because quite often, the cosmetic products she uses for her acne are not really suitable.
If this is the case, we will treat the acne in the same way as adolescent acne. However, we will be much more concerned about the cosmetic products used in conjunction with the medical treatment. Fortunately, with adult patients we know that they will always follow their treatment to the letter.
EFFACLAR DUO(+) has been shown to prevent premenstrual acne relapses in a clinical study versus placebo.
Source: Clinical study by Prof. Dréno (Nantes, France) on 32 women, average age 25, twice daily application of Effaclar Duo (+) to the right hemi-face vs. placebo on the left hemi-face. Lesion counts over 2 successive cycles.
