In high school you may have taken refuge in believing that the uncontrollable production of oil, clogged pores, and acne were all a part of growing up–a temporary hiccup on the way to perfect, even skin that awaited you in college and beyond. But then college came and went and even if the acne disappeared, the scars and enlarged pores it left behind seemed unwilling to heel. It’s true that some scars shrink or fade with time, but for many the marks of adolescent problem skin carry on into adulthood.
Possible Causes For Adult Acne
Adult acne is a little different from the puberty and french fry induced acne associated with rough teen years, in that it can be triggered by pregnancy, Hirsutism (an increase in male hormone levels), or a reaction to various cosmetics. Adult acne can be treated with diet, over-the-counter cleansers, prescription medications, and a variety of skin treatments.
Common Skin Issues For Adults
A few normal adult skin issues include:
- Adult Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Enlarged Pores
It’s easy to identify the source of acne scars–they come from those frustrating bumps themselves, especially when they’ve been picked or popped. But removing them can pose a new frustration. As with traditional scarring, there is only so much one can do at home to heal scars with topical ointments and lotions, many of which utilize Vitamin E to heal the skin. A dermatologist can help remove scars with the use of chemical peels and laser treatments.
Enlarged pores are frustrating because they are not, in and of themselves, a problem–yet they can give the appearance of problem skin or acne scarring. Pores can become larger with age as skin loses its elasticity, but since they are hereditary, many people with large pores are born with them. Large pores are often more common for males than females, though a woman’s pores may change with hormone fluctuation. Many over-the-counter cleansers and creams boast pore-shrinking capabilities. While some of these may help the appearance of large pores, dermatologists also offer laser treatments that can have a beneficial effect on large pores.
Do you struggle with adult problem skin? Contact Four Points Dermatology in East Austin for an in-depth consultation with a professional dermatologist so you can have the skin you deserve.
