Over the last few years, you may have heard social media influencers discussing the trendy concept of a “second puberty,” or experiencing bodily changes in reference to weight, skin, menstruation, hair and more outside of one’s pre-teen years. When I first heard about “second puberty” in my early 20s, I never thought I would experience it myself. Youth-induced invincibility is bliss, and I am sadly eating my words.
When it comes to my own body, I’ve noticed that what was once mild peach fuzz on my upper lip can now become quite noticeable without a proper face waxing regimen in my early 30s. My menstrual cycle symptoms have shifted and become more unpredictable, and I am no longer able to wear certain products on my face without experiencing unexpected allergic reactions and rashes.
My biggest gripe at the present time is persistent acne that has become a thorn in my side over the last year. It seems to flare up around my period but never fully fades unless I am spending a lot of time outdoors during the summer months. As a teenager, others often complimented me on my clear skin. Now, at 32, I don’t remember what it was like to go a week without one or two pimples popping up. While I am blessed to have such a minuscule dilemma plaguing me in comparison to others experiencing much more serious health issues, no one wants to feel discouraged each time they look in the mirror.
Experiencing puberty in reverse? The stark contrast from never having issues with acne as a teenager and young adult to combatting constant breakouts in your 30s takes a toll on your mental health. Continue reading to learn about adult acne prevention and various treatment options recommended by professionals.
What causes adult acne? According to a 2022 article published by Harvard Medical School, women are likely to experience acne as they age due to hormonal fluctuations in response to pregnancy, menstruation, menopause and the use of oral contraceptives. Additionally, an increase in familial and professional responsibilities contributes to an uptick in stress and decrease in quality sleep, which can also wreak havoc on your skin. Beauty products your 20-year-old immune system once tolerated well are no longer welcome at age 35.
Have you been noticing larger pores and oilier skin? In women, estrogen naturally decreases over time, meaning our bodies are less efficient than our male counterparts’ bodies at combatting the effects of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone as we age. Adult acne can also be attributed to inflammation in the body, which can largely be triggered by stress and dietary changes.
To treat adult acne, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends at-home treatments for mild acne (blackheads, whiteheads and small pimples) containing active ingredients such as adapalene, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. These products help clear blackheads and whiteheads, fight acne and fade dark spots, and unclog pores and exfoliate skin.
John Hopkins Medicine recommends chemical peels and blue light therapies as more rapid methods of treating breakouts.
Be sure to cleanse the skin up to twice each day in order to rid your pores of makeup, bacteria and excess oil. It is typically not recommended to use harsh cleansers in addition to a prescription topical treatment. John Hopkins touts creamy cleansers for taking care of dry and sensitive skin, gentle foaming cleansers for oily skin and cleansers with salicylic acid for clogged pores and blackheads.
Be wary of sugar, and incorporate leafy greats, fruits and vegetables due to their anti-inflammatory nature.
For more severe acne or OTC treatment-resistant breakouts, a dermatologist can prescribe antibiotics, topical creams and gels, or present other solutions to help clear up stubborn spots.