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7 Myths About Adult Acne

If you thought fretting over breakouts and pimples were left behind in your teen years, you may not be able to say goodbye to acne and skin problems just yet.  

According to the American Dermatology Association, over 17 million adults are diagnosed with acne every year, and adult acne affects more women than men. Hormonal shifts and toxin overload during the late 20s, 30s and even 40s can all have a negative effect on the skin, leaving you with acne breakouts that can be very difficult to manage.  

The root causes of acne may be traced to a number of factors including genetics, stress, and pollutants in the environment. However, factors such as diet or poor hygiene are rarely the reason for the condition; here are just seven myths about adult acne:  

Myth #1:Adult acne is caused by an unhealthy diet. Researchers have dispelled the myth that acne is triggered by greasy food, and the American Academy of Dermatology insists that chocolate, pizza, and other foods are not the culprit. Still, the AAD does suggest that acne sufferers watch their diets. A balanced diet can keep hormones in balance and prevent flare ups that are a result of hormonal imbalances.  

Myth #2: Adult acne is caused by too much caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic and helps to remove water from the body. Although it does not trigger an acne breakout, it may weaken skin cells and reduce their ability to regenerate and remain healthy. This can put many people at risk for acne, but caffeine has not been proven to be the direct reason behind a breakout.  

Myth #3:Adult acne is caused by too much moisture in the air. Humidity and warm air can increase natural oil production, but this is rarely the sole cause of an acne breakout. Keeping the skin well-moisturized and clean are an important part of general skincare management, and a healthy regiment may help reduce the risk of an acne breakout.  

Myth #4: Adult acne will get better on its own. Most acne sufferers need to pursue treatment for their skin condition, and adult acne may not necessarily be a ‘phase.’ Aggressive acne treatment and skin rejuvenation procedures such as chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing can help keep acne under control. Still, each person will react differently to different types of treatment.  

Myth #5: Adult acne is caused by stress. Stress is often considered to be the reason behind acne breakouts, but is usually not the direct cause. Stress and emotional unrest can take their toll on hormones, however, and this process may lead to skin imbalances. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping stress levels low may help reduce the risk of flare-ups. Any medication taken to manage stress may also trigger a breakout.  

Myth #6: Adult acne is caused by makeup. Almost all brands of makeup are non-comedogenic (will not clog pores), and rarely are the sole cause of acne breakouts. Mineral makeup and water-based formulas are usually a ‘healthier’ choice for all skin types, and can reduce the risk of blemishes and skin problems overall.  

Myth #7: Adult acne is caused by oily skin. If you have generally oily skin and larger pores, you may have difficulty keeping it fresh and clear. However, oily skin and sweat do not cause acne, but excess oil production can be exacerbated by too much washing or using the wrong topical acne treatments.  

Keeping adult acne under control can be challenging, but there many cosmetic treatments available to manage skin regardless of age and skin type. A cosmetic dermatologist in your area can help you get started on an acne management program that provides skin relief and even improves skin tone and texture.  

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