What to do about acne in old age

You would think that acne only occurs during puberty, but unfortunately you can also suffer from these pesky blemishes later in life. But what is the trigger for acne later in life? We list all the possible causes and treatments! 

Acne later in life 

Acne is a chronic skin disease that occurs mainly during puberty. However, the number of adults with acne is increasing. Persistent acne is a continuation or relapse of the skin condition that occurs from puberty, until you reach adulthood. It can also occur later in life from age 25 or older, even if you have not had acne before. The skin condition is more common in women and is associated with inflammation, changes in pigmentation and scarring. It generally affects the face, especially the lower jaw area. However, we sometimes see acne at the area below the jawline and in some cases on the chest. 

Cause of acne in adult women 

The cause of acne in adult women is very complex and remains incompletely elucidated. It includes an interplay of excessive sebum production, accumulation of dead skin cells in the sebaceous gland and the excessive presence of the acne bacteria. Hormones, genetic predisposition, use of cosmetics, medication, tobacco and chronic stress also play a role. It has also been shown in several studies that the skin barrier is often damaged, making external influences play a greater role. Also, foods with a high glycemic load, dairy products and increased insulin can cause increased sebum production. 

Hormones 

Hormones often play a major influence in women. In fact, androgenic (male) hormones stimulate sebaceous gland growth and sebum production. Estrogenic (female) hormones have the opposite effect. That is, they inhibit the secretion of androgens and modulate genes involved in sebaceous gland growth and inhibit their function. Thus, the activity of the sebaceous gland depends on the estrogen/androgen ratio. 

Cosmeceuticals

To improve skin condition and restore the skin barrier, we recommend taking care of the skin with cosmeceuticals that contain active active ingredients such as; retinol, niacinamide, glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Are you curious about the difference between cosmetics products and cosmeceuticals? Read it here! 

Cleansing 

A good cleanser to clean the skin in the morning and evening is essential. Then choose a cleanser appropriate for your skin. If you have combination to oily skin, the SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age cleansing gel is a good option. And for normal to combination skin, consider the SkinCeuticals Simply Clean, Dermaceutic Advanced Cleanser or Universkin Nexultra O. 

Antioxidants (day)

Protecting the skin from external influences is very important. Also to restore the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. For oily acne skin, you can use SkinCeuticals‘ Silymarin CF. If you have skin that is sensitive, reactive or dry, you can use the SkinCeuticals Serum 10 in the morning. Another option is the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for other skin types. 

Hydrate (day and night) 

Hydration of the skin is important to keep the skin barrier strong. In addition, it dries out inflammation. You can do this with the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5, Dermaceutic Hyal Ceutic, Universkin Nexultra L for all skin types or the Renophase Crème L for dehydrated acne skin. 

Exfoliate 

For sebum to drain properly, exfoliating is the standard to keep the sebaceous glands from clogging. By exfoliating, you ensure that dead skin cells and dirt are superficially removed, inflammation is prevented and the skin starts to renew itself. This results in smooth, soft and healthier-looking skin. If you have sensitive skin, then the Dermaceutic Foamer 5  will suit you well. If your skin is a bit oilier, the Foamer 15 or SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser is an option. 

Additional options

To take extra care of acne-prone skin and reduce inflammation, you can use a product in the evening that can last all night. Do you have oily skin with active inflammation? Then you can take care of inflammation/pimples locally or as a whole with SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense serum. This product contains salicylic acid to reduce inflammation. Óyou can also opt for a fine mask, such as the Mask 15 and/or a night cream based on glycolic acid or retinol. Both glycolic acid and retinol stimulate cell renewal in the skin. Retinol can be applied well during the winter period. Consider products such as the Light Ceutic, Turn Over or Glycolic 10.

Personalized serum serum

Want a product specifically tailored to your skin type, skin condition? Then the Nexultra Universkin Serum P is a suitable product. The Serum P by itself contains a combination of peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, omega-3 and organic camelina oil that are anti-inflammatory, soothing and caring. Active active ingredients can be added to this serum to properly care for and improve your skin. On our webshop you can read how this serum can be made for you and you can do the online skin analysis to order the product directly! 

Skin treatments for acne 

There are several peels that help reduce acne and help repair the skin. Depending on the condition of the skin and the stage of the acne, each person will determine which peel is appropriate. The peels boost the skin, strengthen the skin and inhibit sebum production. In addition to performing the peel, a deep cleansing of impurities is also performed. 

Microneedling (RF) and laser treatments for residual acne 

Once the active acne is extinguished, you often see residual acne remaining. Residual acne is visible as red and/or brown spots and scars, leaving the skin texture looking unsettled. Using microneedling or microneedling with radiofrequency can visibly improve skin texture. This will refine the skin texture and make it more even. In addition, red and brown spots can also be treated with IPL/laser treatments. 

Acne or rosacea? 

There are also adults, where redness is visible in addition to pimples. Often it is especially visible in people with a light skin type and is called rosacea. The onset of rosacea usually occurs around the age of 30. This manifestation can sometimes resemble acne, making it difficult to know whether it is acne or just rosacea. Several triggers can be present in rosacea, which can make the skin condition worse. These include heat, sunlight, spicy/spicy foods or the improper use of skin care products. Rosacea is particularly common on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It is important to know the difference when using the right skin care products. For rosacea or sensitive acne skin, a customized P-serum from Universkin can help, both day and night. Through a unique customized cocktail, this serum offers both prevention, care and repair of the skin. In addition to this day and night serum, you can apply a moisturizer such as the cream L or Nexultra 1 along with sun protection, such as the Mineral Radiance UV defense. To allow the skin to renew itself, the Retexturing Activator can be applied. This serum replenishes moisture levels and strengthens the skin’s protective layer. When in doubt, it is best to have a skin analysis done by one of our skin therapists. 

Do you have a combined skin picture, with for example inflammations/pimples locally on the jawline, residual acne on the cheeks and fine lines starting to appear on the forehead? Then with the Confidence Booster GLOW treatment we can create an appropriate customized treatment plan! But make an appointment for a no-obligation consultation with one of our skin therapists and become the most beautiful version of yourself!