I personally have had a long stint with clear skin. Most of my life and even in teenage years I was zit and worry-free without doing much at all to my skin or considering what I put into my body. Yet, there I stood at the age of 27 with a face full of acne, dark scars, and uncontrollable blemishes. I couldn’t help but think, what the hell happened?
Well, according to my research, it’s a real condition and it’s called Adult-Onset Acne. Frustrating and extremely common, this type of acne hits most women around their 30-50s. However, it can start around the age of 23 but can also occur at any age in people who have never had spots before. Usually, it’s at a time when women’s hormones are fluctuating and going ramped, and going well into menopause.
This imbalance in hormones flourishes around our periods, during child-bearing ages, pregnancy, pre-menopause, and even after discontinuing or starting birth control pills.
For me, it all started around a time I was on pain medications after a major surgery to remove fibroids. Not only was I exposed to the factors of the hormonal changes with the infliction to my uterus, but I got double teamed when I was put on medications for after-care and then the stress from it all started to settle in. With all those dynamics, I was bound to become a cesspool for acne.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, adult-onset acne affects nearly 20% of women and it is largely caused by genetics and hormones and not, as myth would have it, through having dirty skin and too much pizza. Even after menopause women can still suffer from acne.
To add on, the male hormone, androgen, is linked tothe condition as well. What some don’t realize is that the same hormone is also produced by women too. When a woman produces it in excessive amounts during menopause, estrogen levels can drop and so the proportion of androgen rises.
This causes a build-up of dead skin cells and increased oil production, clogging up the hair follicles. Bacteria moves in and the skin erupts into pustules, nodules (bumps) and cysts. Nodules that are inflamed and push deeper into the skin can be painful for weeks and can definitely cause scarring.
So, what can you do?
Recovering from adult-onset acne can be a very tough feat. A year later, I am now acne-free but the work has only begun. Although my face is no longer pulsating from pain, I now have to deal with what was left behind, scaring.
Here are some things that helped me achieve acne-free skin:
Switching your face wash. I used to use the scrubs, the facial cleansing brushes, and etc. But what I found is that I was just irritating and drying out my skin what those things. Look at your face and takenotice of the areas in which the acne is appearing.
I saw them mostly on my right cheek and a few on my forehead. The two places bacteria would build up the most, from my cell phone and headphones to the headwraps I wore every night. These things totally matter. So, I switched from a salicylic acid face wash (which is a chemical and anti-inflammatory exfoliant) to a benzoyl peroxide product that is antibacterial and has antimicrobial functions. The switch made all the difference.
Start using more natural products. Instead of using the typical toners found at my local drugstore, I decided to use Apple Cider Vinegar. After every wash, I took a cotton ball of ACV and wiped upward on my entire face. The smell is a little harsh but you will feel thoroughly clean afterward. Trust.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! This was the hardest part to wrap my head around. If I’m all oily and backed up, why in the world would I add more oil to my skin? The answer is simple. Your skin needs the protection. After I toned my face, I would moisturize my face with Sweet Almond Oil and then Aloe Vera Gel. Natural and a humectant, this combination, your skin will love.
Drink water and eat a lot more veggies and fruits. Water and a proper diet are necessary for that glow you want. Try drinking at least 8, 8oz. glasses of water a day and start the day off with a veggie and fruit smoothie– then off you go!
Finding a solution to your skin problems might not come easy. It took me an entire year to finally get it right! The truth is, acne solutions are not a one size fits all. You have to experiment and go through trails to find your own curing regimen. Just know that you will eventually find it.
SOURCES:
AAD.org, Adult Acne, Jan. 30, 2018
Neutrogena.com, Skincare, Jan. 30, 2018
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.
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