Adolescence is over but acne problem has not gone? Experts – about the causes of acne after 30 and methods to combat it.

Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin caused by excessive secretion of sebum, which results in blockage of the sebaceous glands and rashes. This is the most common disease of the sebaceous glands, which occurs from infancy to old age.

Why acne does not disappear with age and what is the cause 

As a result of many years of experience, the specialists of the Aesthetic Medicine Clinic Myroslava Novosilska have collected and presented in this article the main causes of long-term acne and methods of treatment that really work and return a healthy appearance to the skin. 

At the beginning we will talk about the causes of rashes, namely as a result of pathogenic influences or hormonal disorders there are changes in the chemical composition in the upper layers of the epidermis. The secretion of sebaceous glands increases and the composition of sebum changes. There is a bacterial imbalance – the reproduction of some bacteria and the suppression of the reproduction of others. As a result of these processes, an inflammatory reaction is launched. In some patients, acne is a hereditary disease (due to the structure of the sebaceous glands and genetic sensitivity to pathogens). 

We will consider the two main causes of acne.

Internal causes (endogenous) are primarily changes in the hormonal background

• before menstruation 
• pregnancy 
• teenage years

Also, rashes can occur due to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gallbladder dysfunction, gastritis, pancreatitis). 

Acne is quite common in adrenal diseases and ovarian dysfunction. In many patients, frequent stress is accompanied by acne, because stress is accompanied by the release of large amounts of hormones and thus affects all systems of our body. 

But for now, let’s focus on the skin. When we are exposed to stress, our body responds by releasing large amounts of the hormone cortisol. Over time, cortisol affects the sebaceous glands, which begin to produce more sebum. This in turn leads to acne. Prolonged stress also impairs the skin’s ability to produce elastin and collagen, which affects the appearance of facial and deep wrinkles.

External causes of inflammatory elements on the skin 

Improper home care is the main external cause of acne. If skin care products and make-up are chosen incorrectly, it can lead to clogging of the pores and further inflammation. When choosing care products, you should give preference to products marked «non-comedogenic»

Quality skin cleansing and its constant hydration are necessary. Procedures such as medical masks, peels, preventive cleansing will help to significantly and quickly improve the condition of the skin. Our cosmetologists will help you choose the right care, which is an integral part in the treatment and prevention of acne. 

However, you should keep in mind that aggressive chemical peels and mechanical cleansing can exacerbate the rash, so be sure to consult a specialist before the procedure to decide which procedure is suitable for your skin type and will help fight your problem.

Another provoking factor is excessive sun exposure and dry skin. 

Compensatory this leads to increased secretion of sebum, clogged pores and exacerbation of acne. 

Consumption of fatty, fried foods, dairy products and products with a high glycemic index can affect the composition of sebum and the activity of the sebaceous glands, which in turn leads to exacerbation of acne. 

We will explain some defects that occur on the skin during acne: 

Closed comedones – a bump of body color, which protrudes slightly above the level of the skin, inside which contains sebum. 

Open comedones occur as a result of blockage of the sebaceous glands by sebum, they are also called «black spots».

Papules are small, inflammatory nodules 2-3 mm in diameter that do not have a purulent head. They protrude above the level of the skin and contain sebum. Often accompanied by painful feelings.

Pustules are pimples filled with sebum, have on top of a purulent head.

Miliums is a superficial cyst of the sebaceous gland. Non-inflammatory, painless nodule. Pigmentation and scarring often remain on the skin as a result of healed rashes.

Acne in adolescents 

Against the background of hormonal age adjustment, testosterone levels may rise, resulting in activation of the sebaceous glands, which overproduce sebum. It is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. 

That is why oily skin is quite common in adolescents, as well a open and closed comedones, which in turn leads to acne.

Effective acne treatments – laser, peels and home care

Acne treatment includes both internal and external therapy, which is prescribed depending on the degree of the disease and certain clinical indicators. 

The first step to healthy skin is the right care products. For example, the active ingredients are salicylic, glycolic and azelaic acid. 

Exfoliation is an important stage of the care ritual. Which scrub to choose – this question is best discussed with a dermatologist to ensure the most delicate cleansing. It will clean the pores and prevent inflammation.

It is important to remember that too aggressive scrubs, as well as their frequent use can severely injure the skin. For home use, it is better to choose soft scrubs based on acids, enzymes or delicate abrasive particles. 

An important role is played by external therapy, which uses topical retinoid (such as adapalene, tazarotene and tretinoin), antibacterial agents. Acupuncture helps to neutralize harmful bacteria that cause rashes. An excellent option are skin care products that contain benzoyl peroxide. You should bear in mind that such drugs are prescribed ONLY by a doctor, after a face-to-face consultation.

It often happens that adolescence is long gone, care products are chosen correctly, but rashes continue to bother. 

Let’s see what to do in this case.

Depending on the severity of acne, you may find that topical drugs do not give the desired result, and then it makes sense to consult a specialist, take the necessary tests and receive treatment with special drugs. 

Antibiotics or isotretinoin-based drugs are often used to treat acne.

One of the most modern and effective procedures on the way to healthy skin is laser treatment. 

With the help of a laser, you can not only treat active forms of acne, but also carry out procedures aimed at treating complications, which usually manifest themselves in the form of scarring.  

During the procedure, short-term impulses affect the foci of acne by killing the bacteria that cause inflammation, so treatment is aimed directly at the source of the disease, not the external symptoms. The result you will get from laser acne treatment: 

– normalization of the sebaceous glands, as a consequence, cleansing the skin of acne 

– disappearance of foci of inflammation

– prevention of new rashes 

– smoothing the skin relief