Four Reasons Why You are Still Experiencing Acne
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Acne can have many causes and afflict people of any age. For some, it’s an embarrassing condition that leads to self-esteem issues, whether it’s an occasional acne flare-up or chronic breakouts.
If you’re still experiencing acne in adulthood and over-the-counter skin care isn’t enough, it may be time to see a dermatologist to discuss your options. The team of professionals at Spyglass Dermatology in Stuart, FL has the latest technology in their boutique space to give patients the most personalized care.
Below, we’ll look at some of the reasons patients may experience acne, even when they feel like they’re doing everything right.
What causes acne?
Acne is caused by clogged pores. This process can be influenced by:
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Stress
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Reactions to skin care products
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Overuse of acne treatments
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Poor diet (such as a high-glycemic-index diet)
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Dehydration
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Smoking
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Touching the skin
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Poor sleep
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Genetics
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Fluctuating hormones
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Insulin resistance
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Medications, such as steroids and anticonvulsants
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Environmental conditions, such as humidity and pollution
What are the four leading causes of stubborn acne in adults?
Despite the long list of issues above, there are four main reasons you may still experience acne despite your best efforts.
1. Hormonal flare-ups
Hormones can lead to an increase in the production of pore-clogging sebum and typically affect teens and adults. Hormonal acne can look like blackheads or larger cysts.
2. Sebum buildup
Nearly everyone produces sebum, but for those who don’t cleanse their faces thoroughly, sebum can build up and clog pores, leading to acne.
3. Dead skin cells
Dead skin cells that are not exfoliated are much like sebum in that they cause acne when they build up in pores.
4. Bacteria
Bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes, can thrive on sebum and cause inflammation on the skin in the form of acne.
Many acne sufferers deal with some combination of these issues.
What are some effective treatments for acne?
Effective treatment for stubborn acne requires a consultation with a skilled dermatologist, so it’s best to schedule an appointment with a team member at Spyglass Dermatology for customized care.
While over-the-counter treatments may help some people, severe acne cases often need professional intervention and dermatology-grade active ingredients. Your dermatologist may be able to identify the specific cause of your acne and advise how to prevent it in the future.
Acne therapies are unique to each patient but may include:
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Topical retinoids to unclog pores
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Chemical peels with glycolic acid or salicylic acid to exfoliate skin and reduce oil production
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Topical or oral antibiotics to reduce bacteria and inflammation
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Phototherapy to reduce bacteria and inflammation
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Oral contraceptives to address hormonal imbalances
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Medications, like isotretinoin (previously known as Accutane), to reduce the skin’s oil production over a longer period of time
Treating stubborn acne in Stuart, FL
The team at Spyglass Dermatology in Stuart, FL has the best treatment and evaluation tools available to help patients understand their skin conditions.
Treating acne in adults and teens can be complicated, but scheduling a consultation with a member of our team can help get you started on the road to clear and healthy skin.