There are very few advantages to getting older but one of them, you might have surmised, is the absence of teenage-style breakouts. Wrong. Turns out that one of the side effects of menopausal hormones in general and HRT is adult acne.
Even if you were one of those genetically blessed youngsters who went through life nary a spot, you can still fall victim to adult acne, or more specifically menopausal acne. In fact, getting breakouts at this phase in your life is so baffling for some women that many may be concerned it is indicative of a more serious underlying problem.
That’s why we spoke to some experts who had vast amounts of experience treating this problematic issue. Expert opinions are mixed when it comes to hormonal acne. Most concur that hormonal imbalances may contribute to acne in adults with underlying medical conditions.
In terms of how they look is also pretty distinctive. Hormonal adult acne typically forms on the lower part of the face such as bottom of the cheeks and around the jawline. This is in contrast to pubertal acne which often appears in the T-zone—- forehead, nose, and chin.
Menopausal acne may hang around for some time and is more stubborn to treat than other forms of acne. Fear not, however as we have enlisted expert help on how to get your skin in the clear asap. Follow these steps if you want to say goodbye to your pimples.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil works by decreasing inflammation that can contribute to acne. One study found that 5 percent topical tea tree oil relieved symptoms in participants with mild to moderate acne. Tea tree oil is available in many of skin care products, such as cleansers and toners. You can also use tea tree essential oil as a spot treatment.
You should always dilute tea tree essential oil with a carrier oil before use. Popular carrier oils include coconut, jojoba, and olive. The general rule is to add about 12 drops of carrier oil to every one to two drops of essential oil.
It’s also important to do a skin patch test before using diluted tea tree essential oil. To do this, apply the diluted oil to the inside of your forearm. If you don’t experience any irritation or inflammation within 24 hours, it should be safe to apply elsewhere.
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Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels use fruit acids to remove excess dead skin cells which are the culprits behind clogged pores. As a bonus, fruit acids can help minimize the appearance of acne scars. The best combination of acids to use is a combination of Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA).
In general, AHA are great for minimizing appearance of marks and brightening skin while BHA excels in unclogging proes and preventing acne. In tandem, they can help your skin regain a clearer complexion.
One word of caution is that chemical peels may not be suitable for those with sensitive skins or individuals who are constantly exposed to the sun. The use of sun protection is mandatory when undergoing chemical peels. Speak to your health professional for the best type of chemical peels suitable for your skin type.
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Green tea
A staple of the Japanese people, green tea is known for decreasing inflammation in the body. For a more holistic approach, consider drinking a few cups per day besides practicing your topical skin care regimen. Rich in anti-oxidants, green tea can confer several health benefits that will extend to your skin. Nowadays, skincare containing green tea extracts are also available, though we still prefer the idea of sipping matcha from a delicate porcelain cup.
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Retinol & Retinoids
Topical retinol & retinoids can prove to be a godsend in some cases as they do double duty, preventing pimples as well as help with anti-aging of the skin. Many retinoid creams, gels, and lotions are available over the counter. But it is not always a case of ‘stronger is better’ here, as retinoids do have a habit of inflicting redness and flaking on sensitive skins. It is best to tailor your retinoid dose to your skin type, and some patients can benefit from milder retinoids applied daily rather than an overzealous once-off application. When used regularly, retinoids can be the solution to acneic skin.
If you add a topical retinoid to your regimen, it’s important to apply sunscreen daily. Retinoids can increase your risk of sunburn.
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Lasers
Vbeam laser, well-known for its ability to make redness and inflammation disappear has been used in adult acne to reduce pimples and lighten red marks. It’s a comfortable no downtime procedure, hence explaining its popularity with women who want instant results.
Another useful therapy for adult acne is Forever Clear BBL, this is a broad band light that targets the bacteria behind acne while soothing skin to a calmer and clearer state. Some women who combine both modalities have seen improved outcomes in a shorter time.
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