Understanding Adult Acne and Its Causes
Acne is often viewed as a teenage skin condition, but it can continue well into adulthood. In fact, studies show that over 50% of women and more than 25% of men over the age of 25 deal with adult acne. Just like teen acne, adult acne arises when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clog pores and cause inflammation. There are several surprising culprits behind adult acne flare ups.
Using Too Many Skin Care Products
Many adults use a multitude of skin care products each day like cleansers, toners, exfoliators, serums, and moisturizers. While these products aim to improve skin health, using too many can actually irritate skin and clog pores. Sticking to a basic gentle cleanser and lightweight moisturizer is best for acne prone skin.
Not Removing Makeup
Leaving makeup on overnight allows oils, chemicals, and bacteria to build up on skin for hours. Dermatologists recommend removing all makeup with a gentle makeup removing cleanser before bedtime. Allowing makeup to linger often results in clogged pores, inflammation, and acne breakouts.
High Stress Levels
Stress causes the body to produce excess cortisol and other hormones that increase oil production. Excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria leading to more frequent acne breakouts. Managing stress through exercise, meditation, therapy, or medications can help lower acne occurrences.
Proactiv Face Wash for Fighting Adult Acne
Proactiv makes several highly effective acne fighting face wash products to help both teens and adults clear up pimples and prevent new ones from forming.
ProactivMD Acne Cleansing Body Wash
This medicated body wash contains acne fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and soothing botanicals. Using it as part of your shower routine helps eliminate acne causing bacteria all over the body while cleaning pores of dirt, oil, and impurities.
Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer
In addition to its stellar face wash, Proactiv also makes the green tea scented oil-free moisturizer. It hydrates skin without clogging pores and contains antioxidants and skin soothers like green tea extract, aloe, and witch hazel.
ProactivMD System
This complete skincare regimen includes the ProactivMD Deep Cleansing Face Wash made with 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide to kill acne bacteria. It also comes with an Adapalene gel to prevent future breakouts by keeping pores clear. The ultra gentle Daily Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30 hydrates without excess oils.
Lifestyle Changes That Improve Adult Acne
While high quality skincare is crucial for clear skin, certain lifestyle tweaks can also help prevent adult acne flare ups:
Avoid Touching Your Face
Hands pick up bacteria and oils that get transferred to the face leading to more acne breakouts. Becoming more conscious of face touching takes time but helps reduce pimple occurrences. Place reminders around home and office to break the habit.
Maintain a Exercise Routine
Physical activity like cardio, yoga, or strength training helps manage hormone levels. Exercising 3 to 5 times per week promotes skin cell turnover and lowers overall stress encouraging clearer skin.
Choose Low Glycemic Diet
Eating lots of refined carbs like white bread, sugar cereals, and crisps causes a spike in insulin which increases inflammation and oil production. Opting for low glycemic foods like vegetables, lean proteins, nuts and minimally processed whole grains creates a more acne resilient complexion.
When to Seek Professional Adult Acne Help
Mild to moderate adult acne often responds well to over-the-counter washes, gels, creams and better skin care habits. However, if you experience large painful cysts or acne covering wide areas of the face/body, seeking professional dermatology treatment becomes necessary. A dermatologist can create a customized treatment plan which may include:
Prescription Strength Face and/or Body Washes
In office procedures like cortisone injections, chemical peels or laser treatments to quickly eliminate existing blemishes without scarring.
Oral Medications
Antibiotics or hormone regulating medications can be life changing for severe, stubborn adult acne cases by addressing the problem from the inside out when topicals alone are not enough.
The key to winning the battle against adult acne is patience and persistence. Finding the right gentle skincare routine including products like proactiv face wash coupled with healthy lifestyle habits leads to clear happy skin. And for more extreme cases, professional dermatology treatments can get breakouts under control.
FAQs
What is the active ingredient in Proactiv face wash?
Many Proactiv cleansers contain benzoyl peroxide, a highly effective acne-fighting ingredient that kills bacteria, unplugs pores, and reduces inflammation.
Does Proactiv help with adult acne?
Yes, Proactiv cleansers and systems are formulated to treat both adult acne and teenage breakouts. The combination of acne fighting and pore cleansing ingredients suits even persistent adult acne.
Can you use Proactiv while pregnant?
Some ingredients in Proactiv like benzoyl peroxide are considered safe during pregnancy. Check with your dermatologist to determine which exact Proactiv products suit your personal pregnancy skincare needs.
Is Proactiv good for oily, sensitive skin?
Proactiv makes cleansers and moisturizers specifically formulated for oily, sensitive skin. Opt for their oil-free hydrators containing soothing botanicals ideal for irritation-prone complexions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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