Blemished Skin in Adults

Skincare

We might not talk about it much, but sadly - like long hair and bad music - acne isn't something that's limited to your teenage years. Long after you stop being a teenager your pores can still occasionally get blocked and become infected, leaving a small lump on your skin that can be as small as a pinhead or considerably larger. Amongst adults, over half of all women and one in four men suffer from acne, and grown ups are increasingly beginning skincare routines and seeking treatment for the condition.

Where there are lots of spots and blemishes, your skin will often become red as the skin around the blemishes becomes inflamed. Acne can leave permanent blemishes and scarring, particularly if you “pop” spots!

Contrary to popular belief, diet, exercise and hygiene have little or no influence on whether or not you develop acne. While this does mean you don’t have to feel quite so guilty, it also sadly means that you need to start a proper skincare routine. As is so often the case, it’s all largely down to genetics. Four factors, usually working in combination, can contribute towards acne:

1) Testosterone, which is present in varying quantities in men and women, can lead to the over-production of sebum, a natural moisturiser secreted by your skin.

2) This leads to blocked pores and can trap dead cells, which clump together in sebum.

3) A blocked pore, sealed off from the air, provides the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria.

4) The bacteria are then attacked by your antibodies, turning your face into a warzone, the frontlines of which are whiteheads filled with “pus”- millions of white blood cells.

A proper skincare routine should deal with these factors, and can seriously reduce the appearance of acne and blemishes.

Hormones will be particularly active when you are a teenager but should stabilise as you get older. Sudden, significant break-outs later on could the result of a glandular disorder or some other hormonal imbalance - check with your doctor to eliminate this as a potential cause since some glandular disorders can be serious.

Sebum, dead cells and bacteria can all be washed away, but be careful with the cleansers you use as many skincare brands contain harsh chemical ingredients that can damage your skin. Skincare can easily become skinharm.

Many men suffer acne outbreaks after shaving. These spots and blemishes are a common reason some give up on shaving altogether and grow a beard. Shaving properly is a magnificent form of skincare and can really help reduce your rates of acne. Buy an electric razor, or failing that, a single blade disposable one. The shave may not be quite so close, but leaving some of the follicle exposed means it doesn’t have to try and force its way back out of the epidermis and cause a shaving bump. Heat your face with warm water or a towel before shaving: it’s an old barber’s trick and makes your face more pliable and less prone to acne. Also, keep your lather to a thin film and find a shaving cream or skincare product that doesn’t irritate your skin, as these can be another cause of bumps and blemishes.

There are a variety of natural skincare ingredients - such as Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil and Chamomile - which have proven effective at reducing inflammation without causing dryness or irritation. Although it may be a precursor to an acne breakout, your skin needs sebum, and when it is scrubbed away your skin’s natural response is to produce more, leading to an even greater imbalance.

With just a little effort, you can re-establish your body's equilibrium and reduce your rates of blemishes and acne.

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