It is believed that pimples or acne should be a thing from the past if you are in your adulthood. Some adults however experience skin outbreaks and acne even in their 40s or 50s. In fact, it is estimated that one in five adults between the ages of 25 and 44 experience acne from time to time.
Acne is caused by multiple factors, many of which are out of your control. But the way you treat your skin does play an important role. With a little know-how, you can minimize or potentially eliminate occasional acne outbreaks on your face or elsewhere merely by changing a few small behaviors.
1. Check labels of your hair and skin products
Experts say that many skincare products including hair conditioners, serums, gels, shaving creams/gels, cosmetics, sunscreens and other similar products that are oil based or contain oil can clog your pores and cause a breakout.
Before buying, check the labels on your hair and skin products in detail to see if they are marked “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic”. Simply switching to hair and skin products that don’t clog pores—called “non-comedogenic”—could make a big difference in the appearance of your skin.
Even products marked “dermatologist tested” can cause acne for some people. Minimizing the number of products you use may help further reduce outbreaks. Also, consider whether you truly need every product you use!
2. Adopt a hands-off policy
Some people are in the habit of touching their face repeatedly. They often rest their chin or cheeks in their hands or rub the nose? You should know that doing so encourages the growth of bacteria and cause infection to the areas most inflamed by adult acne. To avoid the growth of harmful bacteria on your skin, adopt a strict hands-off policy. Picking or squeezing acne can drive bacteria deeper into the skin, leading to more inflammation and possibly to permanent scarring. So, try to resist the temptation to touch your face.
3. Don’t let sweat stick around
Another harmful thing is the sweat. Rinse it off as soon as possible after you work out so that harmful bacteria do not grow on the skin. Physical activity heats up the body, causing perspiration to mix with surface skin oils. Together, they trap substances in your pores. If a quick rinse isn’t possible, towel off and change into dry clothes as soon as you can. Sitting around in sweaty clothes, especially if they are tight-fitting, can lead to acne on your chest, back, and other parts of the body.
4. Avoid harsh scrubbing
A popular belief that adult acne is caused by dirt is wrong! Acne is not caused by dirt on your face or skin so washing your skin frequently with harsh substances such as alcohol-based products won’t solve the problem. In fact, it may make the situation worse by prompting excess oil production and more blemishes. Be good to your skin by washing gently from under the jaw to the hairline with a mild soap once or twice a day.
To avoid irritating or inflaming your skin, pat it dry—rather than rub it—with a soft towel.
5. Lower your stress levels
Last but not the least! Try to lower the stress levels. When under stress, our body produces stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can stimulate an overproduction of oil from the sebaceous glands in the skin. When this excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, it can cause acne to develop or become worse. If you regularly suffer from stress, try to take short breaks throughout the day to stretch and practice deep breathing. Exercising regularly is another great way to ease anxiety and reduce stress.
While there is no cure for acne, most mild breakouts can be controlled with proper skin and body care. Start by focusing on the basic strategies mentioned here, keeping in mind that when it comes to skin care, simplicity is often the best solution.
