For some, acne isn’t something only associated with adolescence.
With proper care, however, this condition in adults can be treated, writes Kasmiah Mustapha
ACNE spells bad news to those it inflicts. Some people suffer from acne in their teens and throughout their adolescent years when they begin to be conscious of their appearance. At that impressionable stage of their lives, dealing with skin problems that may last for years can be traumatic.
For others, acne plagues their adulthood. Those who did not suffer from acne when they were younger may experience it when they are in their late 20s and 30s.
According to several studies, adult acne is common especially among women. It was found that 35.2 per cent of women and 20.1 per cent of men reported experiencing acne when they were in their 20s.
The problem continues for some people in their forties - 26.3 per cent of women and 12 per cent of men had acne. It was also found that 15.3 per cent of women and 7.3 per cent of men reported experiencing acne in their fifties.
LATE ONSET ACNE
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre consultant dermatologist Dr Norazirah Md Nor says adult acne or late onset acne can happen due to several reasons, including use of certain skincare products, make-up, stress, weight gain and pregnancy.
“However, adult acne can be more severe as they can be large lumps with cysts. Some even cause scarring. It can appear on any part of the body but mostly on the face and along the jawline.
“Just like how a teenager feels embarrassed about acne, so does an adult. There is psychological impact on the person dealing with acne especially if the job requires him or her to meet people.
“Adult acne is on the rise. Most of my patients have tried other treatments but failed. They realise that the problem needs more serious treatment. Usually when their acne condition is mild, it can be taken care of with over-the-counter products.”
LONG TREATMENT
Dr Norazirah said treatment for severe cases of adult acne can be long but patients need to accept that the issues are related to the condition of their skin.
People with oily and combination skin are prone to acne and there is nothing they can do to change their skin type.
The good news is, as a person gets older the hair follicle on the skin will shrink and the skin won’t be as oily compared to when they were younger. With treatment and skincare, acne can be treated, she added.
“But those with severe acne should not waste time and money on over-the-counter products as they won’t help. It is better to seek a doctor’s opinion to treat the underlying cause. Severe cases of acne can lead to depression so they need to seek treatment immediately.”
“Treatment is a long process as there is possibility of flare-ups so you need maintenance. This is where good skincare products come in. Wash and scrub your face often to make sure there is less oil.”
A skincare regime is vital to complement the treatment of acne.
To reduce the problem, skincare products should be non-irritating, non-drying, non-comedogenic, and anti-inflammatory, and have sebum regulating properties.
“Scrub with fine beads once or twice a week on non-inflamed areas. Avoid harsh scrub and excessive scrubbing, and don’t forget to moisturise after scrubbing.”
Launched by Swiss-based dermatology company Galderma, Benzac is a two-step skincare routine designed to help fight acne. It comprises facial liquid cleanser and facial foam cleanser for oily and combination skin; facial liquid cleanser and facial foam cleanser for sensitive to normal skin and facial scrub for all skin types.
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