Dentist and Skin Care Blog from Boston's Area Leading Dental Office

If you thought the end of puberty would be the end of pimples, you’re mistaken. In fact, nearly 25 percent of men and 50 percent of women will experience acne outbreaks at some point during their adult lives—typically after ages 25 to 30 (but age can vary).

Causes of Adult Acne

Acne problems originate at the sebaceous glands, where hair follicles grow. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that protects the skin and helps retain moisture. However, if the body overproduces sebum, follicles can quickly fill with a mixture of oil and dead skin cells. This process produces acne and blemishes. Because sebum production increases drastically during puberty, many teens struggle with acne. However, there are several reasons for outbreaks of adult acne, as well.

1. Adults who struggled with acne during teen years may experience a recurrence as they grow older. They may struggle with blemishes their entire adult life, so it’s important to adopt a skincare regimen that reduces breakouts and is appropriate for their skin type.
2. Acne may flare up after events that cause hormone shifts—like pregnancy, menopause or high-stress situations.
3. Some medications spur the production of acne. Offenders may include anti-epilepsy drugs, iodine containing drugs, lithium and anabolic steroids.
4. Constant physical skin contact, like the rubbing of backpack straps or tight clothing, can increase sebum production. This type of acne is known as acne mechanica, and may be remedied by improved hygiene and a change in habits. 

Treatment of Adult Acne

While severe cases of acne may require prescription medication and topical creams, you may see improvement through less invasive methods. Ask the Smile and Skin Aesthetics team about our Deep Pore Facial, which helps purify, soothe and balance oily skin. Regular facials and deep cleansing help to rid the pores of excess sebum and skin cells, making acne growth less likely. In addition, our Deep Pore Facial includes an exfoliation process—which removes dead cells that can clog follicles and sebaceous glands.

If you’re struggling with adult acne, remember to avoid excess saturated fats—which can increase oil production and pore clogging. While a poor diet is not the only cause of acne, studies indicate that increased intake of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants improve not just your overall health, but your skin’s health, too.

Smile and Skin is the first dentist in Boston to incorporate comprehensive aesthetic skincare treatments into our services. We offer a unique blend of care, comfort and advanced dental and skin procedures, along with a variety of new patient specials. For more information about our skincare services and products, contact our Boston office to schedule a free consultation.