How To Get Rid Of Adult Acne Without Visiting A Doctor?
Acne doesn’t always end when you graduate high school. In fact, it’s estimated that around 50% of women and 25% of men continue battling breakouts well into adulthood. As per experts like Healthy Remedies, the bad news is adult acne can be even more frustrating to treat than the acne you had as a teen. The good news is there are things you can do at home to clear up stubborn adult pimples without making an appointment with the dermatologist. Here’s what you need to know about how to get rid of adult acne
Understand What’s Causing It
Before trying to get rid of adult acne, it helps to understand what’s causing it in the first place. The main culprits include:
Hormonal fluctuations: Hormone changes related to periods, pregnancy, menopause etc. can trigger breakouts in adult women.
Stress: Increased cortisol and other stress hormones can overstimulate oil glands and cause flares.
Medications. Some common meds like birth control pills and corticosteroids are acne triggers.
Oily skin and genetics: If you had acne prone skin as a teen, you may still battle breakouts as an adult.
Once you identify potential triggers, you can start treating the root causes behind your breakouts.
Cleanse and Moisturize
Gently cleansing clogged pores and keeping skin hydrated is key for clearing acne without irritating or over drying your skin. Look for acne face washes with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to reduce oil and bacteria. After cleansing, always follow up with an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer suitable for acne-prone skin.
Exfoliate Regularly
Dead skin cells, oil and bacteria can cluster together to clog pores and cause breakouts. Using an exfoliant containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) helps sweep away pore-clogging impurities to prevent acne lesions from forming. Be gentle and don’t over-exfoliate which can cause inflammation. 1-3 times a week is usually sufficient.
Use Targeted Spot Treatments
Spot treatments containing acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or sulfur can quickly reduce pesky pimples and whiteheads. Look for products that combine these with soothing anti-inflammatories like green tea extract or feverfew. Apply a thin layer directly onto breakouts at the first sign of congestion in the pore.
Modify Your Diet
What you eat can definitely impact breakouts. Avoid foods that spike blood sugar levels rapidly (like white bread, chips, candy etc.) and foods containing hormones or antibiotics like conventionally raised meat and dairy. Instead, eat plenty of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, fish, lean poultry and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir and kombucha which help promote clear skin. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day as well.
Destress and Get Rest
As mentioned, increased stress levels contribute to adult acne flares. That’s why it’s vital to incorporate relaxing self-care habits like yoga, meditation, journaling and other stress-relieving practices into your daily routine. Not getting enough sleep can also worsen breakouts so aim for 7-9 hours per night.
Conclusion
While visiting a dermatologist is always an option if at-home remedies don’t improve your acne, following these natural tips can often clear up stubborn adult breakouts without requiring a doctor’s visit. Just be consistent and give each new approach a few weeks to work before trying something else. With a little trial and error, you’ll eventually find the right solution for getting your skin back on track.
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