IN THE QUEST FOR CLEARER, SUPPLE SKIN!
Of, is something you’re struggling to get rid If hormonal imbalance-induced acne experts recommend some simple home remedies
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OF THE KEY CAUSES OF BREAKOUTS ON THE SKIN, EXPERTS NOTE, IS THE CLOGGING OF PORES BY DIRT, DEAD SKIN CELLS, EXCESS OIL AND, IN SOME CASES, BACTERIA
For most of us, our 20s is when we usually start exploring life. However, persisting skin problems can pose challenges. Many a times, people have found themselves battling breakouts, even when well past puberty. And if you’re one of those frantically trying every lotion, potion and serum available in the market, but still can’t get rid of adult acne, be assured; you are not alone. It is, therefore, time to get to the root of the problem — understanding what’s causing those pimples — so that you can adopt suitable remedies to keep breakouts at bay.
Rajat Kandhari, a dermatologist, shares, “Adult acne is more common now than ever before, and occurs typically after an individual crosses the age of 25. It typically papules and nodules around the jawline than in the T zone — the forehead, nose and chin.”
The reasons for acne are aplenty, but Dr Pankhuri Bhadauria, a cosmetologist, feels one of the key causes of adult acne is clogged pores. “Pores are the opening that surrounds each hair follicle, and are an important part of your skin, because they also house your sebaceous glands. These glands secrete sebum (oil) through the pore opening, which keeps your skin soft and protected. But, if the pore gets clogged by dirt, dead skin cells, excess oil and possibly bacteria, you’ve got a recipe for a pimple!” she notes.
Frequent cleansing, especially for those who apply makeup on a regular basis, is hence, imperative. “Ensure you cleanse the face two times a day with a mild cleanser. The traditional Indian cleanser, comprising gram flour in water, works perfectly well. Cleansing is particularly important if one has used some makeup. Ensure that you take out all traces of makeup using a good oil, before going to bed,” cautions Dr Sirisha Singh, a dermatologist.
Jawline acne, experts believe, arises out of hormonal imbalance. In other words, it is thought to be caused by a relative increase in androgen levels. Androgens are male hormones which can result in increased oil gland production and clogging of pores. As we get older, oestrogen levels decline and male hormones, like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, increase, leading to an increase in oil production, and subsequently, clogged pores and more acne, explains Kandhari.
To top it all, the stress of getting exposed to Covid-19 has only added to the issues, and cortisol, a stress hormone, can create a favourable environment for inflammatory outbreaks. “During the pandemic, stress levels have risen. While stress has a validated role in acne, wearing masks has also further led to occlusion and occurrence of acne,” says Kandhari.
Frequently wearing face masks for long hours while outdoors has also led to skin woes. “Face mask used to protect us in the times of the pandemic gave birth to a whole new term called maskne,” adds Dr Bhadauria.
The above-mentioned reasons aside, poor sleep habits, using the wrong products and an inappropriate diet can also contribute to acne flare-ups. If you think one of those issues is the culprit, keep a log of your breakouts and consult a dermatologist. And in the meantime, here are some quick home remedies for you to try.