With fall approaching, many of us will find ourselves nostalgic for the school days of the past. However, some memories may not be as enjoyable as others, as many will not soon forget their struggle with acne. Just as in our teen years, some of us continue to struggle with acne well into our 30s, 40s, and beyond.
There is no question, acne is frustrating at any age! Hoping to control breakouts, our patients often seek advice from our skin care experts at Capital Laser and Skin Care. It is back to class for you as we provide a lesson in how to effectively target, treat, and prevent future acne outbreaks.
Lesson #1: Adult Acne Should Not Treated like Teen Acne
Differing from the acne of our earlier years, adult acne is most often the result of a hormonal imbalance. The majority of topical medications are best suited for oily, teenage-like skin. When used as an adult, these medications can dry out the skin and emphasize other adult-only complications like fine lines and wrinkles. Use products that are “designed to improve breakouts while slowing down the signs of aging,” recommends Dr. Tanzi. Age-defying ingredients to look for include retinols, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid.
Lesson #2: Utilize a Combination Approach
Addressing acne from multiple approaches is likely your best bet to finally achieving a clear complexion. “Because acne is a skin condition that is a culmination of issues (such as oil production, clogged pores, bacterial overgrowth and systemic inflammation), it makes sense to treat it with a combination approach,” explains Dr. Tanzi.
Lesson #3: Try In-Office Treatments
You have probably noticed that the pimples that you are now struggling with are far deeper and more inflamed than what you faced as a teenager. In-office technologies and treatments are able to reduce the inflammation of acne while helping other issues that may be present also, like early sun damage. Laser and light treatments target and kill the bacteria that causes acne. Other acne-fighting treatments that we offer at our Washington DC area practice include chemical peels and microdermabrasion which can help reduce the acne and improve discoloration at the same time.
Lesson Learned! A Clear Complexion is Possible at Capital Laser & Skin Care
Many of our patients have found that working with a practitioner who understands adult acne can be immensely beneficial. After carefully evaluating your skin’s specific needs, one of our board-certified dermatologists will help develop a comprehensive skin care approach.
Don’t go “back to school” this fall—let Dr. Tanzi and Dr. Shah help you conquer acne once and for all.
