Teen Acne vs. Adult Acne: Differences in Causes and Treatment

Acne is a prevalent skin condition that people of different age groups can have. However, the reasons and symptoms can be different for each individual, especially when it comes to teenagers and adults. So, below we’ll examine the acne causes for both teenagers and adults, the symptoms why they appear, and the treatments that are practiced for each syndrome.

Teen acne

There are various reasons why acne can appear, including but not limited to hormonal changes for teenagers and genetic predispositions for adults. Starting from the hormonal changes for teenagers that is one of the most impactful factors for teen acne. During puberty, teenagers face a hormonal increase, especially the androgens (like testosterone) hormone. This is followed by enlarged sebaceous (oil) glands and increased sebum production, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. There is one more factor that leads to acne production and it’s the food they consume. In many cases, teenagers limit themselves to greasy fast food due to time lack, or they wear sweaty clothes from the previous days or neglect proper skincare that separately and even combined cause acne to appear.

Adult acne

The well-known phrase about acne fading away after the teen years is sometimes invalid. The reason behind this is sometimes various health conditions, including menstruation and pregnancy. It sometimes can be a result of stress, sleep deprivation, and even diet. For example, chronic stress leads to inflammation and increased oil production.

Adults can also have acne development due to genetics. For example, if their family members have acne development, the chances are high that it’s genetics.

There are also common triggers for both teen and adult acne. One of them is dairy products, especially cow’s milk, and food that has glycemic indexes. Then, it’s the wrong makeup and skin products, including oil-based serums. Both teenagers and adults can face more acne breakouts from washing their face frequently and even applying too many skincare products. As a solution, they can downgrade the skincare routine to more simple steps.

The locations of acne breakouts

The acne location is the main sign that helps many, including dermatologists, to understand if it’s a teen ance or adult one. Teen acne typically develops on the forehead, cheeks, and back and has a higher prevalence of blackheads and whiteheads. While adult acne often appears around the lower face, in the chin, jawline, and around the moth. Adult acne is more inflammatory with red and sensitive lesions. So, here are the acne treatment methods for both teens and adults.

Teen acne treatment

The most common teen acne treatments include using products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid since they effectively reduce oiliness on the skin and prevent clogged pores. Although these can be included in the regular cleansing routines, they are still acids and need to be used cautiously.

For more persistent cases, it is recommended to see dermatologists to discuss the skin condition. They may prescribe stronger topical retinoids or antibiotics to reduce inflammation and bacteria on the skin. To get the best skin care products for acne that match their skin type, especially teenagers can consult dermatologists or other field specialists.

Adult acne treatment

As we already mentioned above, the reasons why adults have acne are sometimes described by specific health and mental conditions. So, if they face persistent acne development, it should serve as an alert sign to see a doctor. One of the most common cases is hormonal conditions, to manage them, women can get hormonal therapies to effectively manage acne related to hormonal fluctuations. There are also prescription medications that dermatologists consider for several cases, however those require close monitoring since they come with potential side effects.

For temporary and random acne developments, adults can use gentle skincare products that contain milder formulations and hydrate the skin while treating acne. These products can be found in pharmacies too that adults can get by ordering from the pharmacies’ websites. For example, with the new attention to healthcare development, the concept of online pharmacy Yerevan has gained high attention and resulted in many pharmacies getting their websites to effectively deliver medication from one destination to another.

Conclusion

For a successful treatment, it is highly important to understand the distinctions between teen and adult skin inflammation. While the two kinds share normally hidden systems connected with oil creation and obstructed pores, their causes can change due to hormonal changes, lifestyle, and genetic qualities. When it comes to treating this common skin condition, adjusting treatment plans in light of these differences can produce better results. Personalized treatment plans that will address each patient’s needs require regular consultations with healthcare professionals. So, as much as both teens and adults try to handle the acne by themselves, it is highly recommended to consult a specialist once in a while to make the effort worth it.