Is There a Remedy for Adult Acne?

When it comes to adult acne, in many cases, you really are what you eat. A study noted by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) involving 2,258 patients who were placed on a low-glycemic diet reported that 87% of patients experienced less acne.

Joshua M. Berlin, MD, and our caring team treat adult acne and other medical and cosmetic dermatological issues through a variety of means at Premier Dermatology Partners® in Boynton Beach, Florida.

What causes adult acne?

There’s little difference between teen and adult acne. When our body’s oil production increases due to fluctuating hormones from puberty through menopause, bacteria flourish, irritating clogged pores. 

Many things may increase your body’s sebum production in adulthood, including:

Stress

Stress increases cortisol production, which can lead to inflammation and potentially trigger breakouts.

Hormones

As you age, estrogen hormones decline, while testosterone and dihydrotestosterone climb. This often increases oil production, leading to clogged pores and an increased risk of acne.

Menstrual cycle

During a woman’s menstrual cycle, progesterone levels rise, which can make the skin more prone to acne due to increased oil production.

Medications

Certain medications may also encourage acne, such as steroids, corticosteroids, and lithium.

Dr. Berlin also recommends avoiding hair and skincare products containing oil, which can clog your pores. 

Acne and your health

Adult acne may signal underlying health issues, such as:

• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Insulin resistance

Discuss any potential issues with your doctor.

In-office acne treatments

While curtailing acne may begin at home, in-office procedures go deeper. These include:

Laser treatments

Dr. Berlin uses pulse-based light technology to resurface your skin. As the skin’s top layer sheds, it reveals fresh, unblemished skin.

During photodynamic therapy (PDT), we apply a solution to your skin to increase its light sensitivity prior to using a laser. This works well for severe acne in removing deeper cysts.

Photopneumatic therapy uses an intense pulsed light (IPL) laser with a gentle vacuum to remove excess oil and dead skin cells from your clogged pores.

Chemical peels

Various chemicals, such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), help clear both acne and deep acne scars, as well as wrinkles and pigmentation issues.

Corticosteroid injection

This reduces your risk of scarring as it diminishes your acne. It’s especially helpful during more intense breakouts.

Dr. Berlin may also recommend treating your acne with oral medications, antibiotics, birth control pills, and/or topical treatments.

A diet to diminish acne

High-glycemic foods, prevalent in Western diets, such as white bread, rice, potatoes, pastries, and sugary drinks, can elevate blood sugar levels. Even milk has been shown to increase breakouts in several studies, due in part to an insulin spike that triggers inflammation and sebum production, the oily substance found in the skin.

Dr. Berlin suggests adding more fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, and steel-cut oats to your diet to lessen blood sugar spikes.

Other potential remedies

In addition to in-office treatments, you may want to try topical treatments at home containing anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as:

• Aloe vera
• Vitamin A
• Green tea extract
• Tea tree oil
• Zinc

We also suggest you:

• Remove makeup each night
• Cleanse your face gently twice a day with a mild, non-oily cleanser
• Keep your beard clean
• Avoid smoking, which may increase acne
• Don’t pick at your pimples
• Use oil-free sunscreens

Dr. Berlin determines whether your acne is caused by bacteria or hormones and treats you accordingly.

How we can help

Dr. Berlin evaluates your skin to better understand your specific issues and triggers. He then devises a plan incorporating the latest treatments in laser therapy, along with other options to curtail your acne.

If you’d like to discuss ways to resolve your acne or other dermatological issues, schedule a consultation with Dr. Berlin and our knowledgeable team today.