Acne can appear in many forms, including blackheads, whiteheads, small bumps, red spots or even deeper nodules and cysts. We are increasingly seeing a rise in adult acne, with many people developing acne for the first time later on in life. Some of the main causes include:
Hormones and Genetics
At its core, adult acne results from a complex interaction between hormones and genetics. Here’s how:
Hormones called androgens (male hormones present in both men and women) cause oil glands in the skin to enlarge and produce more sebum (natural oil).
Excess sebum clogs pores, trapping bacteria and leading to inflammation and acne breakouts.
Acne is often linked to hormonal changes during key stages in a woman’s life, such as:
Around the menstrual cycle
- The first trimester of pregnancy
- The perimenopausal period
- These hormonal shifts affect the balance between female hormones and testosterone, which can trigger acne outbreaks.
Diet and Lifestyle
While not the sole cause, certain diet and lifestyle choices can worsen acne:
- Dairy, especially low-fat varieties, may contribute to acne in a small number of sensitive individuals.
- Foods high in refined sugars or with a high glycaemic index can trigger acne by causing spikes in blood sugar and hormones like insulin, which increase oil production.
- The goal is not to eliminate sugar entirely but to be mindful of your daily intake.
Why Adult Acne Deserves Attention
Acne is a frustrating condition at any age because it’s not just skin-deep; it can negatively impact an individual’s self-esteem and mental health.
A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology reveals that acne diagnosis rates are rising both globally and in the UK. In fact, approximately 14.65% of adolescents and young adults in the UK have been diagnosed with acne.
However, one of the most common misconceptions about acne is that it only affects teenagers. In reality, adult acne is a growing concern, especially among women, and has been on the rise for decades. The NHS reports that 95% of people aged 11 to 30 experience acne to some extent. Importantly, about 3% of adults over the age of 35 continue to deal with it.
Acne Awareness Month is a timely reminder that it affects adults too. Acne can affect people of all genders, ethnicities and ages. Recognising its broader impact is the first step toward better understanding and effective treatment.
How to Get Rid of Adult Acne: Evidence-Based Treatments
The best way to reduce acne is often a combined approach of lifestyle changes and medical intervention. Lifestyle changes include making adjustments to your diet, using non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products and avoiding irritants such as harsh exfoliants. These changes are effective alongside seeking professional help, who can recommend the best adult acne treatments such as using medical-grade skincare and laser therapies.
At MediZen, we offer proven adult acne treatments based on scientific research. Here’s what our most effective treatments aim to do:
- Increase skin cell turnover - helps prevent clogged pores and blackheads.
- Reduce oil production - to decrease sebum-related breakouts.
- Minimise bacterial growth - owers acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
- Calm inflammation - essential for sensitive or cystic acne.
- Medical-Grade Skin Care
When it comes to acne, what you put on your skin matters. If you’ve ever felt desperate to clear your skin, you’re not alone. Many people turn to “miracle” products or use a wide range of products at the same time, hoping for instant results. Using the wrong products or too many can worsen inflammation and sensitivity.
Skincare isn’t just a luxury; it’s healthcare. That’s why medical-grade skincare is often considered one of the best treatments for adult acne. There are lots of gentle products available which help to calm the skin down and reduce irritation.
Unlike over-the-counter options, medical-grade skincare contains high concentrations of active ingredients (like retinol and antioxidants) and penetrates deeper into the skin. These formulations are fragrance-free and clinically tested to treat conditions such as acne while protecting the skin barrier.
At MediZen, we offer a curated selection of medical-grade skincare brands, including:
Obagi Medical: Known for results-driven solutions for acne, pigmentation and ageing.
ZO Skin Health: Created by Dr Zein Obagi, combining therapeutic care and daily prevention.
AlumierMD: Clean science formulas free from over 1,300 ingredients banned by the EU and FDA.
Heliocare: Broad-spectrum sun protection that’s safe and effective for acne-prone skin.
We incorporate these products into many of our skin treatments that are suitable for acne-prone skin, such as chemical peels.
AviClear
Looking for the best treatment for adult acne? AviClear is a revolutionary FDA-cleared laser solution that treats acne at the source by targeting overactive sebaceous glands. This drug-free treatment involves three non-invasive, 30-minute sessions, spaced one month apart. AviClear is suitable for all skin types and uses a 1726 nm wavelength laser to suppress oil gland activity without harsh chemicals.
Dermatologists have hailed AviClear as a game changer for moderate and severe acne. Clinical results show that 90% of patients experience significant improvement within six months. Suitable for all skin tones and types, AviClear represents the next generation of adult acne treatment.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a highly effective treatment for acne because they address the condition both on the surface of the skin and deeper within the pores. Chemical peels don’t just treat active acne but also help improve the appearance of post-acne scars. By promoting skin cell turnover, certain types of chemical peels can fade pigmentation and smooth out shallow, depressed scars over time.
Chemical peels work by exfoliating the upper layers of the skin, removing dead skin cells that can block pores and lead to breakouts. This exfoliation helps clear existing acne and prevent new lesions from forming.
Chemical peels are one of the most effective adult acne treatments to use alongside topical and oral acne medications. While oral treatments work from the inside out to reduce inflammation and oil production, chemical peels work from the outside in by exfoliating the skin and reducing surface bacteria. At MediZen, we use medical-grade chemical peels to:
Unblock pores
- by removing dead skin cells and excess oil
- Reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation
- Minimise pigmentation and post-acne marks
- Improve the appearance of shallow scars
- Assist in the absorption and efficacy of topical and oral acne treatments
- Because these are medical-grade peels, they are stronger and more effective than over-the-counter exfoliants. They’re also safe for all skin types, especially acne-prone skin as they are formulated without unnecessary fragrances and irritants.
LED Light Therapy
At MediZen, we use Dermalux LED light therapy, featuring three powerful wavelengths to address acne and inflammation. Each wavelength is absorbed by a different layer of the skin and penetrates at different depths to trigger a cellular response. Every wavelength offers unique benefits:
Blue Light: targets the uppermost layers and is ideal for treating acne due to its antibacterial properties.
Red Light: penetrates into the dermis and stimulates collagen and elastin production.
Near-Infrared Light: goes deeper into the skin and is excellent for wound healing, reducing inflammation and rejuvenation.
This combination is especially effective for individuals with sensitive or inflamed skin, which is a common concern in acne cases.
Is Acne Scarring Treatable?
Many people who have suffered from acne are left with some form of scarring. Thankfully, this is common and treatable. Acne can leave behind various scars, including:
- Red and brownish pigmentation
- Boxcar scars and rolling scars
- Ice-pick scars.
- The good news is that each of these types of scars can be addressed by using acne scar laser treatments and microneedling.
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MediZen was founded in 1999 by the worldwide trainer and key opinion leader for Allergan, Dr. David Eccleston, we are the Midlands Premier Aesthetic Clinic.
Medizen provide a range of treatments covering face, skin and body all with the aim of helping you feel your most confident self.
It is our firm belief that this can only be achieved in a medically led clinic such as ours.
Our Birmingham based clinic has a wide range of facilities that allow us to offer a variety of quality treatments from laser treatment to CoolSculpting®, miraDry to skincare and lots more.
Give Medizen a call on 0121 392 8552 or visit medizen.co.uk for more information.
