Darrick Robles Acne is one of the most common skin diseases worldwide. Almost 85% of all people have had to deal with pimples, pustules and blackheads – especially during puberty. When acne occurs after the age of 25, we speak of adult acne, late acne or acne tarda. Every fourth woman between 25 and 45 knows them. You can treat mild acne yourself : we reveal where skin blemishes come from in adulthood and which skin care mistakes you should avoid.
How do pimples form?
Acne occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged – by sebum, dead skin cells or bacteria. During puberty, sex and growth hormones cause the sebaceous glands to become overactive . The cells in the sebum duct produce more horny material, which clogs the duct. This means that the sebum can no longer drain off and blackheads develop. If bacteria settle there, the area can become inflamed and a pimple can develop. Juvenile acne occurs mainly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin).
It’s different in adulthood: Late acne appears mainly around the mouth, on the cheeks and on the neck. The skin is now drier, it forms more pimples and inflammation than blackheads . Sometimes acne doesn’t get better on its own and can even leave scars.
Acne in adults: the causes
- Hormones: Not only puberty, but also adulthood can bring hormonal changes. For example when weaning off the pill or with the menopause.
- Stress: Mental stress affects our body. They can promote the development of acne.
- Diet: In some people, certain foods can affect the appearance of their skin (eg, short-chain carbohydrates in cereal and candy bars, high-saturated fats in french fries and mayonnaise).
- Medications: Some medicines can cause acne. These include antibiotics, antidepressants, cortisone, B vitamins and neuroleptics.
7 typical mistakes in late acne
1. Mistake: Squeezing or nudging
Granted, it’s tempting. However, dermatologists advise against squeezing out pimples and blackheads yourself. This allows sebum to penetrate into the adjacent tissue. Bacteria can get deeper into the skin. The result: it takes even longer to heal.
2nd fault: hands on face
Every time you touch your face with your fingers, there are many stowaways with you – bacteria, dirt or grease. If you need to scratch your chin or brush a strand of hair out of your face, that’s totally okay. But don’t forget to wash your hands regularly.
3. Mistake: Unclean mask
Mouth and nose masks help curb the spread of the coronavirus . Unfortunately, your mask can also cause pimples if there is insufficient hygiene. Sweat and make-up residue accumulate in the fabric of the mask: a paradise for bacteria. It is best to soak your fabric mask in boiling water for 10 minutes after wearing it for a long time. To prevent skin blemishes, you should also wash your towels and bed linen more frequently.
4th mistake: treat with toothpaste
A persistent rumor is that toothpaste dries up pimples. While some toothpastes contain anti-inflammatory zinc, fluoride is more likely to stimulate inflammation. Toothpaste also removes too much oil from the skin – and this can worsen the symptoms.
Mistake 5: Too much makeup
Simply conceal pimples with plenty of concealer: At first glance, this seems to be the best solution. But it’s not, because make-up can clog the pores. Use products that are as light and fat-free as possible – for example, a mineral powder or a water-based day cream.
6. Mistake: Too aggressive cleaning
Wash your face every morning and evening – that’s enough. Washing more frequently can make acne worse as it irritates sensitive problem skin. Use a mild cleaning product without alcohol:
- Wet your face with lukewarm water.
- Apply the cleansing product in circular motions with your fingers.
- Wash off the product thoroughly and pat your face dry instead of rubbing.
7. Mistake: Skipping moisturizer
Impure skin also needs moisture – especially if you have adult combination skin with dry patches and use cleansing products to combat acne. Make sure the skincare product is oil and fragrance free . Oils and fragrances can irritate your skin and stimulate sebum production.
For stubborn acne: seek medical advice
If you have severe acne and conventional remedies don’t help, you should seek medical advice. Especially with skin problems, our video consultations are the ideal way to get help quickly and safely. Our doctors can view the affected skin areas via video or photo and classify your symptoms. They can then recommend a treatment, issue prescriptions or, if necessary, a referral. With Med-Healths you will definitely get one step further.
