Dry Skin, Dry Skin Care

Never get a zit again

Still breaking out? Don’t fear –puberty hasn’t come back to haunt you. Adult acne is on the rise, but we have tips to clear the path to great skin.

It used to seem that pimples and pubescence were partners in crime and the majority of those damn spots disappeared around age q8. but according to many dermatologists, today “more than half of women continue to experience acne in adulthood, whether it’s just a few blemishes here and there or more extensive cystic acne”. So why don’t breakouts go away for good when you hit your 20’s? Turns out, modern women have a slew of new acne-causing factors in their lives:

1 Oh yes, Stress

Most women now spend their days juggling their jobs, friends, families and a zillion other things. Keeping all those balls in the air isn’t only difficult; it can also make you break out.

When you are under pressure, your adrenal glands respond by producing a pretty rebellious hormone called cortisol, which can cause acne, and, since dealing with acne can be stressful in itself, it can be a difficult cycle to break.

2 Elevated Male hormones (yes, Male)

If you recently got laid off, got downsized, received a promotion, started a new big project or just have one of those impossible deadlines, you may notice that you’ve gotten a few more pimples than usual. If some you’re not alone: Studies have shown that as many as 10 percent of women who are in today’s competitive environment may overproduce male hormones just because their self-preservation instinct kicks into high gear (survival of the fittest). High levels of these macho hormones have been shown to trigger outbreaks

3) Misinformation (what, you didn’t read the memo?)

“it’s important to remember that adult acne is very different from the teenage variety. As a teen, your skin is oily and less sensitive; as an adult, it’s drier and more fragile. Bottom line? Acne solutions designed solely for teenage complexions tend to irritate older skin, with exacerbates zits instead of eliminating them.

So here are four easy steps that you can put to good use as part of your daily routine to keep adult acne on check. Believe it or not, it all starts with a good face wash (but please, call it deep-cleansing)

The right ways to wash your face:

Step 1: Remove your makeup thoroughly first. Use an emulsifying oil cleanser, rather than the teenage, surfactant based variety. This is non-negotiable.

Step 2: Splash your face with tepid (lukewarm) water several times, and then gently massage the oils cleanser in circular motions, until you form a thin “lotion” (emulsion) on your face.

Step 3: Rinse very well. Residue can get trapped in the pores, so don’t be afraid to splash again and again, and to make sure that no cleanser residue is left on your skin either.

Step 4: Use an inexpensive clean baby wash cloth every time you dry your face. Pat dry, don’t rub. You are now ready to take on the day, or to hit the bed (oh yes, did I mention to repeat this routine morning AND night?)

Choosing the right facial skin care cleanser and knowing how to properly wash off your complexion morning and night, or after exercise, will make a difference on adult acne prevention.

Related posts:

1. Women seek value in Skin Care in economic downturn
2. About Acnes