Acne, often seen as a teenage struggle , can be a frustrating reality even for adults. It goes well beyond simple pimples, often affecting self-confidence and quality of life. But what exactly is this skin problem? And why does it continue to torment us even after adolescence? What to do to overcome it? If you are ready to say goodbye to spots and regain radiant skin, then dive with us into this fascinating article which will provide you with all the keys to regaining your baby skin.
1. Acne, what exactly is it?
1.1. Definition of acne and its different types
It is a common skin condition characterized by the appearance of pimples , blackheads , whiteheads, and sometimes even cysts on the skin. This skin problem usually occurs when the hair follicles in the skin become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells , creating an environment for bacteria to thrive .
1.2. The different types of acne
There are several types of acne, each with its own characteristics:
1. Vulgar : This is the most common type , characterized by the presence of open comedones (blackheads) , closed comedones (whiteheads) , papules (red spots) and pustules (pimples filled with pus ). Acne vulgaris can appear on the face , back , chest and shoulders .
2. Cystic : Cystic acne is a more severe form , characterized by deep nodules , painful cysts and significant inflammatory lesions . This type of acne can lead to permanent scarring and often requires specialized dermatological treatment .
3. Cosmetics : It develops following the use of comedogenic cosmetics which clog the pores of the skin . It generally manifests itself by the appearance of pimples on the areas where the treatments have been applied , such as the face or neck .
4. Hormonal : It is often seen in women and is linked to hormonal fluctuations , such as those that occur during menstruation , pregnancy or menopause . It usually manifests itself as painful pimples on the chin , jaw and cheeks .
5. Retentional : It is characterized by an accumulation of sebum and dead skin cells in the hair follicles, leading to the formation of open and closed comedones .
6. Inflammatory : It takes place when inflamed hair follicles become red , swollen and painful . It can result from infection of the follicles by bacteria , such as Propionibacterium acnes .
It is essential to recognize the type of acne you have in order to implement appropriate and effective treatment.
1.3. How does acne manifest in adults?
Contrary to the popular belief that acne is reserved for adolescence, it can persist after the age of 30 , sometimes even into old age. In adulthood, it generally manifests itself in a similar way to that of adolescents, but it can present some particularities.
1. Persistent Acne : For some adults, this skin problem can persist since adolescence , with sporadic breakouts throughout their lives . These breakouts may be less frequent but still bothersome, mainly affecting the face , back, and chest .
2. Late Acne : In others, this imperfection may appear for the first time in old age , often after 30 years. This form of late-onset acne can be triggered by hormonal changes , anxiety , poor diet , or other environmental factors.
3. Location : In people over 30 , this skin problem tends to appear mainly on the T zone of the face, including the forehead, nose and chin . However, it can also appear on other parts of the face, as well as the back, chest, and shoulders .
4. Skin Sensitivity : Mature skin can be more sensitive and prone to irritation, which makes treating this imperfection sometimes more difficult. Some topical treatments may be too harsh for mature skin, causing redness , itching , or excessive dryness .
5. Risk of Scarring : People over the age of 30 are more likely to develop acne scars following inflammatory outbreaks, due to the decline in the skin's ability to regenerate with age. It is therefore essential to treat late-onset or persistent acne early and effectively to avoid permanent damage.
6. Psychological Impact : Acne at age 30 can have a significant impact on self-confidence and quality of life, affecting social and professional interactions. It is therefore important to take into account the psychological aspect of adult acne when developing a treatment plan.
By understanding how acne manifests in adulthood, it is possible to tailor treatment strategies to meet the specific needs of this population.
1.4. Differences between acne in adolescence and adults
Acne is a common skin condition that can affect people of all ages, but there are significant differences in how it manifests during puberty versus adulthood.
1. Frequency and Severity: In young people, acne is often more common and can be more severe due to the rapid hormonal changes that occur during puberty. Pubescent acne breakouts can be more sporadic and unpredictable , while in adults they can be more persistent and less prone to extreme hormonal fluctuations .
2. Location of Lesions: In young people, this imperfection tends to appear mainly on the face , particularly on the forehead, nose and chin, often called the T zone . In adults , it can also affect the T zone , but it can also appear on other parts of the face , as well as the back , chest and shoulders .
3. Types of Lesions: Adolescents often have a predominance of open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads) , with fewer inflammatory manifestations such as papules and pustules. In adults , on the other hand, acne breakouts can include a wider variety of inflammatory marks , such as red spots and deep cysts .
4. Underlying Causes: In young people, acne is usually attributed to hormonal changes related to puberty , excessive sebum production , and bacterial overgrowth in hair follicles. In adults , the causes can be more diverse , including hormonal factors (such as hormonal fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle in women), stress , an unbalanced diet , comedogenic cosmetics , and other environmental factors .
5. Skin Sensitivity: Younger skin may be more resilient and able to recover from damage more quickly , while adult skin may be more sensitive and prone to scarring and permanent damage . Therefore, adults may require a gentler, more targeted approach in treating their acne to avoid unwanted side effects.
By understanding the differences between adolescent and adult acne, it is possible to tailor treatment strategies to meet the specific needs of each demographic.
2. Causes of acne in adults:
Understanding the underlying causes of adult acne is essential to developing effective treatment strategies. Although it is often associated with adolescence, it can persist after age 30 due to various factors:
2.1. Hormonal Factors
Hormonal fluctuations can play a major role in triggering acne in women over 25. In women, hormonal fluctuations linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause or taking contraceptives can lead to breakouts. In men, hormonal imbalances can also contribute to its occurrence.
2.2. Stress
Chronic stress can trigger inflammatory reactions in the body, which can worsen existing acne or cause new ones . This state of pressure can also disrupt hormonal balance, which can contribute to the appearance of acne spots in adults.
2.3. Food
Certain foods, such as foods high in refined carbohydrates (sugars) , dairy products , and foods high in saturated fat , have been linked to increased inflammation and worsening of this dermatological disorder after age 30. years. Diets high in sugar and processed foods can also contribute to hormonal fluctuations that promote acne breakouts.
2.4. Comedogenic Cosmetic Products
The use of cosmetic products can clog skin pores and contribute to the appearance of adult acne. Some skin care products, such as moisturizers or foundations, may contain ingredients that exacerbate breakouts.
2.5. Environmental factors
Air pollution and fine particles in the air can clog skin pores and contribute to skin inflammation , which can worsen late-onset acne. In addition, excessive exposure to the sun can lead to thickening of the skin and increased production of sebum , which can promote its appearance.
2.6. Genetic Predispositions
Some people may be genetically predisposed to acne , meaning they have an increased susceptibility to developing inflammatory skin lesions in response to certain environmental or hormonal stimuli.
By understanding its various causes in adults, it becomes possible to adopt personalized and targeted treatment approaches to help control this blemish and improve skin health.
3. Treatments to be implemented:
3.1. Acne Treatments:
Topical Treatments : Topical treatments are used to treat existing acne breakouts. They include creams , gels or lotions containing active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide , salicylic acid , glycolic acid or retinol . These products help reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and eliminate acne-causing bacteria.
Oral Medications : Certain medications taken orally, such as antibiotics , hormonal contraceptives , or isotretinoins , may be prescribed by a dermatologist to treat severe acne. They work by regulating sebum production, reducing inflammation or eliminating acne-causing bacteria.
Complementary Therapies : Complementary therapies such as light therapy , microdermabrasion , chemical peels or laser therapies can be used in addition to traditional treatments to improve the appearance of the skin and reduce acne marks.
Food supplements : Food supplements are an excellent solution to overcome acne naturally. For example, atReborn Paris , we offer 3 products that can act on acne:
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Absolu Pure : crunchy pear flavors that help maintain clear, healthy and balanced skin and eliminate all skin problems by unclogging pores and soothing the inflammatory condition while strengthening the skin's natural defenses.
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Gold & Glow : protective apricot flavored gummies thanks to a powerful cocktail of antioxidants which notably prevent excessive secretion of sebum due to environmental stress.
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Absolu+ White : frosted mint flavored chewable tablets to strengthen the skin microbiota, soothe inflammation and accelerate the healing of lesions.
3.2. Acne prevention:
Proper Skin Care : Adopting a skin care routine tailored to your skin type can help prevent acne breakouts. Use gentle, non-clogging, oil-free cleansing products , and avoid irritating or harsh products that could clog pores and worsen the inflammatory condition.
Balanced Diet : Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help prevent acne breakouts. Avoid foods high in refined sugars, saturated fat, and dairy , which can contribute to hormonal fluctuations and skin inflammation.
Stress Management : Chronic stress can worsen acne by triggering inflammatory reactions in the body. Practice anxiety management techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or regular exercise to relax and prevent acne breakouts.
Avoid Comedogens : Avoid cosmetics and skin care products that could clog pores and contribute to the appearance of acne. Opt for products and creams that are non-comedogenic, oil-free and gentle on the skin.
By combining these treatment and prevention approaches, it is possible to effectively control adult acne and prevent future breakouts. It is recommended to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice on the best treatment and prevention strategies based on your skin type and specific needs.
In conclusion, acne is a complex skin condition that can affect individuals at any age, often with significant physical and psychological implications. Whether you're a teenager or an adult, battling acne can seem daunting, but there is hope and solutions.
By understanding the different types of acne, its underlying causes, and the treatment options available, you can take control of your skin and regain your confidence. Whether by adopting a suitable skincare routine, monitoring your diet, managing your stress or consulting a dermatologist, there are a multitude of ways to approach the fight against acne.
Remember that each person is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient, perseverant and above all, be kind to yourself. With the right treatment and a little patience, radiant, glowing skin is within your reach.
So, arm yourself with knowledge, explore your options, and get on the path to healthier, happier skin. You deserve to feel good about yourself, at any age.