Q: Why some of us have middle age acne?
A: Middle age acne or adult acne is caused by the same things that cause teen acne: excess skin oil and bacteria.
Any changes in hormones, including those brought on by pregnancy and menstruation, can trigger excess oil. Women who smoke also seem to be more prone to acne. People can get acne into their 40s and beyond.
Another possible cause of acne at this age group is your makeup. Look for oil-free makeup, sunscreens, and other skin products. Non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic products can be better for acne-prone skin.
To prevent acne, you may follow some of the good habits below.
First, avoid touching your face. Touching your face can increase oiliness, irritate your skin, and encourage the growth of bacteria. So, develop a hands-off policy.
Second, keep oily hair off your skin. And look for oil-free hair products. Oily hair care products can get on your face and clog pores.
Third, be gentle with your skin. Use your fingertips (not a washcloth or sponge) to wash your face with a non-abrasive cleanser. Use mild skin care products.
Simple, non-irritating skin care products are important for anyone with acne. Choose products that are gentle and safe for skin with acne, and eliminate products that are harsh and can make matters worse. It’s also important not to squeeze or pick at acne lesions, as that can worsen discoloration and scarring.
