Let’s Talk About Adult Acne

Saturday, January 30th, 2016

The days of teenage pimples and acne may be in your past, but these days, the face of acne is changing and it may look more like the adult you. In fact, many women in their thirties, forties and fifties regularly battle acne breakouts. This can be annoying, stressful and just one other thing to deal with as you age.

The causes can and do differ with each woman, but here are four common adult acne triggers:

• Stress – It’s difficult not to be stressed, but some experts say stress can lead to
  acne by signaling the release of cortisol, a hormone that tells your body to produce more pore-clogging oil.
• Your Hormones – When your body experiences a spike in “male” hormones such as testosterone, oil production increases, and that can cause clogged pores where acne bacteria grows. This leads to inflammation and pimples. This male hormone spike may occur more frequently during peri-menopause, but it also happens just before your period.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an often-overlooked cause of acne. PCOS affects 5% to 10% of women – many suffer for years without realizing they have it. If your acne is accompanied by excessive hair growth or irregular periods, let us know. PCOS and other types of hormone imbalances can often be treated with medications such as an oral contraceptive or anti-androgen.
• Your Diet – Oily foods don’t cause oily skin, but other foods can contribute to acne:
  • Carbs and sugar: Any food that leads to a spike in your blood sugar, such as pasta, bread, and sweets, can trigger skin’s inflammatory response and provoke a breakout.
  • Dairy: Several studies have shown a link between dairy products and pimples, perhaps because of the hormones that are present in these foods. Buying organic dairy products may help.

At The Center For Plastic Surgery, we can discuss your acne or other skin concerns with you. We also offer several treatments for acne scars, such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels and lasers.

Call our office to book a consultation with Dr. Buchanan and let us help you get control of your acne and it’s scars: (828) 526-3783.