Adult Acne Is On The Rise: But What Causes The Skin Issue? And How Can You Get Rid Of It?
Stress Is Causing A Surge In Adult Acne
Natasha Hinde— The Huffington Post UK
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If you think that acne is just for hormonal teens, then think again.
Adult acne is plaguing the nation at the moment thanks to poor diet, stress and pollution, with enquiries into private acne treatments soaring by more than 200%.
What's more, a third of those seeking acne treatment are over the age of 35 - proving it's not just a problem suffered by teens.
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Over the past year, nine out of 10 skin specialists have reported an increase in adult acne enquiries.
According to new research by What Clinic, hearing about celebrity skin struggles has led to many women seeking similar treatments for their own issues.
Famous women who have battled adult acne include Katy Perry, Emma Stone and Cameron Diaz.
Typically, adult acne affects more women than men. In fact, it affects 25% of adult men and 50% of adult women at some time in their adult lives according to Acne.org.
Skin specialist, Dr Ava Shamban, explains that adult acne is different to normal teen acne because it "tends to cluster along the jawline, chin, neck and chest".
The skin complaint is mainly caused by stress and hormones. However diet, vitamin deficiencies and pollution also play a part.
"Adult acne can cause depression and social anxiety in an adult the same way it can in a teen," says the Acne.org site.
Common treatments for this condition include dermabrasion, which involves removing the top layer of skin through either lasers or a wire brush, and laser treatment, which removes patches of skin around the scar, or to stimulate the growth of new collagen.
Side effects are "numerous and widespread, and affect upwards of 80% of patients", so it's worth consulting your doctor before you try it.
Chemical peels are also becoming far more popular.
10 Foods That Fight Acne
Fatty Fishes (01 of10)
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Fish is a great source of essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, says Rachelle Wood, registered holistic nutritionist in Charlottetown P.E.I. These acids help reduce inflammation in our bodies that can trigger cells to clog pores and potentially cause acne. Wood recommends eating more salmon, mackerel and sardines to fight blemishes. (credit:Shutterstock)
Nuts (02 of10)
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"Deficiencies in minerals such as zinc and selenium have been linked to acne in some sufferers," says Wood. Most nuts contain selenium, vitamin E, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium and iron, which are all essential for healthy skin. (credit:Shutterstock)
Avocado (03 of10)
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This tasty green fruit, rich in vitamin E, can also increase your skin's vitality, Wood says. Avocado is also a good source of vitamin C, which can reduce skin inflammation and naturally moisturize the skin. (credit:Shutterstock)
Red Grapes(04 of10)
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And yes, you can eat the seeds. "The fruit and seed contain powerful natural chemicals and antioxidants that have been shown to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema," Wood says.On top of this, grapes can also help to control the side effects of allergic reactions on skin. (credit:Shutterstock)
Fennel (05 of10)
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If you're looking for the perfect natural skin cleanser, eat fennel. This licorice-tasting root vegetable can improve digestion, reduce swelling and help to flush out excess fluids and toxins in your skin, Wood says. (credit:Shutterstock)
Artichoke (06 of10)
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Artichoke is a good source of antioxidants and full of Vitamin C. "This fibrous green vegetable helps to remove toxins from the body, making it a great addition for a healthy skin diet," she says. (credit:Shutterstock)
Brown Rice (07 of10)
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Brown rice is a rich source of vitamin B, protein, magnesium, and several antioxidants, Wood says. For acne, vitamin B acts as our skin's stress fighter, which will help regulate hormones levels and prevent the likelihood of breakouts. (credit:Shutterstock)
Garlic (08 of10)
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Garlic is another superfood that helps fight inflammation. "Garlic is full of a naturally occurring chemical called allicin, which kills off many harmful bacteria and viruses your body might be fighting," Wood says. (credit:Shutterstock)
Broccoli (09 of10)
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Broccoli is the perfect skin clearing food. It contains health building properties like vitamins A, B complex, C, E, and K. "These antioxidants fight radical damage which will assist with the luminosity of your skin," Wood says. (credit:Shutterstock)
Alfalfa Sprouts(10 of10)
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Yes, they may look a little like grass, but these sprouts are packed with valuable, skin-clearing nutrients. Alfalfa sprouts contain live enzymes which help fight inflammation, Wood says. (credit:Shutterstock)