Question: What is the best way to deal with adult acne?

Question

Answer 1

There are several factors to consider with adult acne.

First rule is - Skin is an organ and not just a face!

In adults where acne is a new onset and not just carrying on from adolescence I always ask about diet and digestion. is a client constipated, have they had antibiotics for the acne or for other infection, have they been on the Pill? Antibiotics and the Pill kill off the protective probiotic bacteria in the gut. Digestion, absorption and proper elimination of wastes are then disturbed. What isn't leaving the body via the bowel can enter the bloodstream to be pushed out through the skin. ( putting it very basically)

Over the past 17 years I have seen so many clients skin complaints improving by taking high dose probiotics - not the yoghurt drinks though.!! Enterically (acid resistant) capsules of multiple, human strain probiotics for at least a 3 month period. They correct the bacterial imbalances in the gut. contact me for more info - I can supply via the post.

Next issue in adult acne is stress. Where one lives in a state of stress we produce various hormones including Adrenalin and more testosterone (male hormone). Women in competitive and stressful lives and careers are most often affected. Acne is often a common problem. in these cases we need to re balance and nourish the system and the adrenals in particular - the acne calms down quite quickly.

next issue to eliminate is the possibility of Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome - this too can cause adult onset acne ( and hair growth). A simple blood test will inform you and then hormone re balancing supplements or the Pill can help.

Treatment wise - I get great results with Salicylic acid gel peels. They are anti inflammatory and antibacterial. The gel peels gently remove the top congested layer of skin and pore blockages. There's very little down time or major peeling too. One per week make a quick improvement.
Home care products shouldn't be too aggressive as they can over stimulate the skin due to excessive stripping and pH imbalances. Avoid Sodium Laureth Sulphate in face washes too - too aggressive. Skinmedica, Medik8 and Image make excellent Acne products.
using a clean face cloth to wash and remove ones cleanser is an easy way to gently exfoliate daily. Just make sure its a clean cloth each time - launder them to prevent bacterial spread.

Diane Nivern
Facialist & Colonic Hydrotherapist
Diane Nivern Clinic Ltd
Manchester

Answer 2

Initially see your GP and check for underlying causes e.g. infection. Then consider Intense Pulsed Light for skin rejuvenation - you must be untanned for this procedure. Sometimes a combination approach is the answer with antibiotocs and laser running concurrently. Jenny O'Neill Director of Nursing Suffolk Medical Clinic

Answer 3

Having suffered with this myself and experimented with many products over the years including antibiotics, the only thing I have found to be helpful in the long term has been to give up cow dairy products and to cut down on wheat consumption. I don't know if it is something to do with the hormones that are used in these food products that interfere with your own hormones but I have found switching to goat's milk and goat's and sheep's cheeses has caused a significant improvement. Once you have found the dietary changes that make a difference to you I recommend a very gentle skincare regime with emphasis on facial massage to improve circulation and elimination of toxins. Harsh acne products have never done anything more than dry my skin out while the spots kept coming.

Answer 4

Having been a long time sufferer of adult acne myself, I suggest a combination course. Though the acne may have something to do with one's hormones, ultimately it occurs when sebum and dead skin cells mix to plug a pore. Therefore I suggest a combination of benzoyl peroxide to kill any underlying bacteria, a light salicylic acid peel to remove excess skin cells, ipl, and/or a high frequency facial to heal existing lesions and prevent new ones from forming.

Good luck - when you find the right combination stick with it!

Answer 5

As with majority of answers you have received, I agree to obtaining specialist advice.

Paying a 'skin specialist' is better option as most GP's do not fully understand or appreciate skin complaints of this nature. Some do not even consider it anything more than vanity!

I suffer Acne Rosacea (which, initially, I assumed was adult acne) and the ONLY method of treating this condition (as far as I am aware ... and I have sought much advice) is medication.

EVERY skin type requires gentle daily exfoliation (using a damp, clean microfibre face cloth is inexpensive and extremely effective) in order to maintain a healthy glow followed by UVA/B protection for obvious reasons.

I am a beauty therapist (and manage a very successful salon in the midlands) and I promise you that there is no beauty product or facial treatment available that can TREAT or rid you of acne. All a beauty professional can offer are ways to help rebalance, protect and improve the texture of your skin!

GO SEEK SPECIALIST MEDICAL ADVICE * SINCERELY HOPE THIS HELPS :)

Answer 6

Perhaps you are not using the right products or using too much and working the skin too much so it in turns produces more sebum. Use Dermalogical Medi-Bac range specifically designed to help with adult acne. Have a dermalogical facial with these products and get the trained therapists advice on what to use as home care. Naomi Holmans owner/therapist Roamer Holistic Health & Beauty Clinic, Newtownards. http://www.roamer-holistic.co.uk

Answer 7

IntegratedHealer more than 1 year ago

Check with a nutrients on your mineral intake. Then have clay facials and dietary changes and observe over a month any changes. Hormones may need checking.

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Answer 8

Hi I am a Gp and have a medi-spa in south woodford we do free consultions and can advise on the best treatments medical or otherwise.
From an antibiotic point of view there are topical treatments like Duac which can be very good for the isolated spots or oral tetralysal for more widespread acne.
For something less medical a combination of IPL therapy on the affected area and a combination of specific acne facials or microdermabrasion.
there are many ways to keep it under control but unlikely to CURE the problem since the causative factors are often hormonally related.
see our website for more info and call in even on the phone for any advice ;)

Answer 9

There has already been some great advice given by my fellow skin care professionals......I will only add that home care is especially vital when dealing with 'high risk' adult acne. Certain lifestyle habits may need to be modified to reduce acne. Again, stress clearly is a trigger for many cases of adult acne. Understand that stressed skin is sensitized. Avoid irritating synthetic fabrics, as well as prolonged contact with plastic surfaces, such as phones (headsets are better). Stress elevates the hormone levels in the bloodstream and, a diet high in sugar - which many of us crave during stress - may send these androgen levels surging even higher, resulting in a puberty-like outbreak. Lastly, never squeeze, pick or pop!

Answer 10

First you need to treat active acne break outs and get this under control. High strength AHA specialist acne products in the Neostrata would make a big difference, along with a course of Easy Phytic or Glycolic/Salycilic peels (gentle, well tolerated with minimal flaking). If you were still struggling then Roaccutane (from your GP) might help. Once you have the break outs under control, a course of dermaroller treatments would be ideal for healing acne scarred skin as this will restructure the epidermis and smooth out indentations. (The peels will help reduce outbreaks and clear residual marks). Please come and see me for a consultation and I can show you pictures of other patients who have also benefitted from these treatments. Best of luck, Vickie

Answer 11

makeupartistpro1 more than 1 year ago

Have you ever tied a 30% glycolic peel

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