Though we associate acne with oily adolescent skin, adults of all ages and skin types are increasingly experiencing this frustrating and often chronic skin condition. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, adult acne now affects over 50% of women between the ages of 20-29 and over 25% of premenopausal women between the ages of 40 and 49.
Women are five times more likely than men to develop acne during adulthood, and it often takes a significant toll on their mental health. When the British Skin Foundation surveyed adult female acne sufferers, 95% of respondents claimed their skin condition impacted their daily lives, while 63% said they experience poor self-confidence as a result of having acne. About a third of severe acne sufferers reported feeling depressed and isolated because of their illness.
Chronic acne can clearly be debilitating, but help is available: Even if topical creams haven’t alleviated your symptoms, medical-grade treatments like the HydraFacial can help give you a blemish-free complexion. To receive personalized treatment recommendations for your skin type, contact our skincare professionals at (601) 607-3033.
Why Is Adult Acne So Hard to Treat?
Adolescent acne usually results from a straightforward mix of overactive oil glands and enlarged pores. Adult acne, by contrast, can have multiple causes, including stress, hormonal fluctuations, contraceptives, smoking or alcohol use, perimenopause, and food sensitivities.
Adult acne sufferers may have oily skin, dry skin, or “combination” skin (skin that is dry in some places, and oily in others). They’re also more likely to have sensitive skin and typically experience multiple skin conditions at the same time. All these factors complicate the treatment process, which is why it’s essential to seek personalized care if you have chronic acne.
Evidence also suggests that adults are more likely to experience unwanted reactions to consumer-grade skincare products. Mature skin is less resilient than young skin, so the harsh chemicals found in many over-the-counter acne serums can easily irritate the skin, making breakouts worse. Specific ingredients that often work for teen acne, such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can dehydrate the skin, making it easier for acne-causing bacteria to infiltrate the epidermis. Anti-aging serums can further exacerbate acne symptoms by clogging pores or worsening inflammation, especially if they contain silicone or artificial fragrances.
Many adult acne sufferers only find long-term relief when they ditch drugstore topicals in favor of a more comprehensive solution, such as an effective at-home skincare regimen combined with regular HydraFacial and blue light therapy treatments. This approach maintains optimal skin hydration while opening pores and killing harmful bacteria, which makes it uniquely effective for managing adult acne.
What Is a HydraFacial?
The HydraFacial is a customizable, non-invasive skin resurfacing system. The HydraFacial, which is suitable for patients of all ages and skin types, has become one of the most popular skin rejuvenation treatments in the world, with experts estimating at least one HydraFacial gets performed every 15 seconds. This innovative facial doesn’t usually irritate sensitive skin, lighten dark skin or cause hyperpigmentation. At the same time, it can create results similar to those of a light laser skin resurfacing or a light chemical peel.
The HydraFacial’s multi-step vortex-fusion process extracts dirt, excess oil, and other impurities before hydrating and nourishing the skin. This type of treatment, formally known as “hydradermabrasion,” is similar in principle to microdermabrasion, but it’s more effective and less irritating.
Instead of using tiny crystals to manually abrade the skin, the HydraFacial’s VortexFusion tool gently massages the treatment area while delivering mild organic acids directly into the skin. Othe