Acne usually appears in adolescence, but many people still get acne as adults. So what are the causes and how to treat it?

Here are 10 causes of adult acne and how to get rid of it:

1. Acne caused by contact with hair styling products

Hair styling products, especially sprays, when applied to the forehead and face contain pore-clogging ingredients that are linked to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads along the hairline and forehead.

How to treat: Apply the styling product with your hands and stay away from the hairline. After applying, wipe your skin with a cleanser to remove any remaining styling product.

There are many causes of adult acne.

2. Facial Hair Removal

Products applied to the skin before or after facial hair removal can cause acne by clogging pores. However, itchy bumps after hair removal may not be true acne but rather irritation of the hair follicles that causes a temporary rash. The rash can be soothed by applying a warm compress to the face 3 to 4 times a day. If this does not work, talk to your doctor about appropriate treatment.

How to treat: To reduce bacteria on the skin, clean the hair area before shaving and use non-comedogenic products to avoid clogging pores.

Products applied to the skin before or after facial waxing can cause acne.

3. Using too many skin care products

Using too many skin care products can cause skin irritation and breakouts, and even anti-acne products can cause acne if used too much.

How to handle: Use only 1 or 2 products and use them for at least 4-6 weeks for the skin care products to work.

4. Removing makeup incorrectly

Acne can be a result of removing makeup incorrectly. After a long day, makeup, oil, and dirt accumulate on the skin. If you only wash your face quickly, or remove makeup incorrectly, it can clog pores, accumulate bacteria, and cause acne.

How to handle: Choose non-comedogenic products, wash your face thoroughly and gently every night, apply makeup gently, clean makeup brushes every week, and do not share cosmetic products.

5. Environmental changes

Changes in the environment (sunlight, temperature and humidity) can cause acne.

How to deal with it: Avoid too much exposure to sunlight and use sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

6. Sunscreen

People with acne or acne-prone skin should look for an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen. There are two types of sunscreen:

– Chemical sunscreens: These are creams that contain mainly organic ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, sulisobenzone… that act as a chemical filter to absorb, penetrate UV rays and convert them into lower energy wavelengths as well as safer, without damaging the skin.

– Physical sunscreens (mineral sunscreens): Lie on the skin’s surface to form a sun protection layer. This type of cream is often recommended for sensitive skin, but may have to be used thicker, so it is more likely to clog pores, while chemical sunscreens have a thin, light texture, less greasy, so they are easy to spread evenly on the skin and less likely to clog pores, convenient for daily use.

How to handle: If you get acne after using physical sunscreen, switch to a sunscreen with chemical ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone…

Note, you need to wash off the sunscreen at the end of the day, because if left overnight, sunscreen can clog pores.

Sunscreen is an indispensable product if your skin is prone to acne.

7. Eating a lot of processed foods and refined starches

A diet high in refined carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, crackers, cakes, etc.) has a high glycemic index, which can increase the development and severity of acne.

How to deal with it: Cut down on junk foods like chips, ice cream, etc. Switch to whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and protein-rich foods.

8. Stress

Stress makes acne worse by triggering the body to secrete the hormone cortisol, which alters the skin’s hormonal balance and immune function.

How to treat: Use acne products with ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to clear up stress-related breakouts. To prevent breakouts, reduce stress by practicing yoga, deep breathing, etc.

9. Cell phones

If you are often on the phone, touching your face with your phone can lead to acne due to friction. Bacteria can also be transferred by touching your face after texting on your cell phone.

How to treat: Clean your phone daily.

10. Dry skin

Dry skin can easily develop flaky patches, cracks, etc. where bacteria can grow and cause acne. In addition, dry flakes can clog pores.

How to treat: Gently exfoliate 1-2 times/week and use a non-comedogenic moisturizer for dry skin.