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Acne in Adults: Causes, Treatment, and Self-Care Tips

Adult acne is a skin condition that can be frustrating and persistent, affecting many individuals well beyond their teenage years. While often overlooked, adult acne is a serious concern that requires targeted treatment and a personalized skincare regimen.

To manage this skin issue effectively, understanding its underlying causes is the first step. Next, treatments like AviClear™ offer a tailored approach to acne reduction and proper self-care can help manage further breakouts. Based in Houston, TX, we at Bellaire Dermatology deliver dermatological care with a compassionate touch, focusing on offering you an experience grounded in medical expertise and integrity.

What Is Acne?

Acne is a very common skin condition that is characterized by the appearance of various types of skin blemishes. These can range from blackheads and whiteheads to more severe forms like nodules and cysts. The condition can happen when pores get clogged with a mixture of oil and dead skin cells, leading to inflammation.

Types of Acne

Adult cystic acne is a particularly severe type, marked by deep, inflamed breakouts that can be quite painful. Other types of acne you may encounter include comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads), papular (small, raised bumps), and pustular (pus-filled lesions). Adult acne can either be inflammatory or non-inflammatory in nature and can sometimes cause scarring.

Acne vs. Adult Acne

While acne is commonly associated with adolescence, it’s crucial to note that it doesn’t magically disappear once you reach adulthood. Adult acne can manifest for many different reasons, including hormonal changes, stress, and environmental factors. Unlike adolescent acne, which often concentrates on the forehead and cheeks, adult acne tends to be more prevalent on the lower face, jawline, and neck. Treatments can differ between the two age groups, and adult acne often requires a more targeted approach for effective management.

Causes of Adult Acne

  • Hormonal Fluctuations: Adult hormonal acne often emerges due to changes in hormone levels. This is especially common in women during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of sleep, and stress can contribute to adult acne. These adult acne causes often exacerbate the condition, making it persistent and harder to treat.
  • Environmental Factors: Exposure to high levels of pollution or using skincare products that are not compatible with your skin type can aggravate adult acne.
  • Medical Conditions and Medications: Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can contribute to adult cystic acne. Additionally, medications such as corticosteroids or lithium can exacerbate acne symptoms.

AviClear™ Acne Treatment 

What Is AviClear?

AviClear is an acne treatment that has been cleared for its unique method of targeting and eliminating the root causes of both mild and severe acne. Harnessing the precision of laser technology, AviClear aims to shift the paradigm in skincare, offering an alternative that operates at the cellular level to make blemishes a thing of the past.

How Can AviClear Work for Adult Acne?

Adult acne can be particularly challenging to manage, often resisting traditional creams and oral medications. AviClear is specifically engineered to treat acne from its origins by focusing on shrinking the sebaceous glands, which are key players in adult acne formation. This innovative approach minimizes the overproduction of sebum, a common issue for adults that leads to acne breakouts. AviClear offers not just a band-aid solution, but a targeted strategy that addresses the unique challenges of adult acne, reducing not only current breakouts but also future recurrences.

Who Is the Right Candidate for AviClear?

The right candidate for AviClear is anyone grappling with mild to severe adult acne who has found little to no relief from traditional treatment methods. If you’re someone who has tried numerous over-the-counter creams and perhaps even prescription medications without success, AviClear could be right for you. It’s particularly well-suited for those who are looking for a non-invasive, drug-free option that zeroes in on the underlying causes of acne rather than merely treating surface-level symptoms.

What Are Some of the Benefits of AviClear?

AviClear can reduce the need for topical treatments and oral medications. Sessions are also quick and comfortable, thanks to the device’s built-in cooling technology, meaning you can get back to your daily routine with minimal disruption. The effects of the treatment can continue to improve over time, making it a long-term investment in your skin health. In addition to treating current blemishes, it may also prevent future breakouts, potentially offering a long-lasting solution to chronic acne issues.

Treatments for Acne Scars

Occasionally, adult acne can result in scarring, leaving behind marks that serve as a lingering reminder of past flare-ups. Fortunately, there are several cutting-edge treatments available to address acne scars and improve the appearance of your skin.

  • Morpheus8: This treatment uses micro-needling combined with radiofrequency to stimulate collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
  • Fraxel® DUAL: A non-ablative fractional laser treatment that targets both the surface and deeper layers of the skin to promote healing and diminish scars.
  • MiXto Fractional CO2: This uses a CO2 laser to resurface the skin, targeting deeper layers to encourage new cell growth and reduce scarring.

Self-Care Tips for Clearer Skin

Develop a Targeted Skincare Routine

When considering how to get rid of adult acne, a targeted skincare routine is an essential first step. Opt for non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores and incorporate treatments that target specific acne triggers. A consistent regimen is key to seeing improvements.

Rethink Your Diet

Dietary changes can be an effective part of your adult acne treatment plan. Foods high in sugar or dairy have been linked to acne for some individuals. Focusing on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein may help mitigate symptoms.

Manage Stress

Elevated stress levels can exacerbate adult acne by triggering hormonal imbalances and causing inflammation. Implement stress management and get adequate sleep to help regulate your acne symptoms.

Consult a Dermatologist

If over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle changes haven’t improved your acne, consulting a dermatologist for specialized acne treatment options is advisable. We offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific type and severity of acne, helping you achieve the best possible results.

Tackle Your Adult Acne With AviClear

Managing adult acne can be a solvable issue with the right resources. With a variety of acne treatment options available, there’s no need to navigate this alone. At Bellaire Dermatology in Houston, TX, we’re committed to providing expert advice and targeted treatments to help you take control of your skin’s health.

Ready to get started? Reach out to us at (713) 661-4383 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation.

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