I suffer from adult acne and its important to break down the myths and talk about the causes, says guest editor Billie Piper. Stylist reveals five misconceptions about the common condition

Synonymous with train-track braces and heavy side fringes, you might think you left acne behind in your teenage years. But for many, that isnt the case. Adult acne a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells is on the rise. So while most of us have experienced acne at some point, 15% of women are diagnosed as adults. As a result, Cult Beauty has seen a 66% increase in sales within its acne product category.

Refreshingly, the rise in adult acne is being chased by a growing skin positivity movement. Needless to say, blemishes are a completely normal facet of life and a growing number of us have taken to Instagram to share #skinpositivity posts, chipping away at any shameful stigma that was once attached to the condition. Themovement also celebrates skin acceptance the idea that if youre happy with your acne, thats great, but its also OK if you want to take steps to reduce it.

This weeks guest editor Billie Piper frequently speaks candidly about her experiences with adult acne, and is currently undergoing treatment from renowned skincare expert and go-to celebrity facialist Debbie Thomas at her D Thomas Clinic in London. Debbie had acne as a child, so she understands the impact it has on your skin and your mind, says Billie.

The issue is knowing where to start with acne treatment it can be a minefield, especially when you consider the numerous potential causes and the fact that everybodys skin is different. So, we spoke to Debbie Thomas and dug a little deeper into the five key things you need to know about adult acne.

Type acne into Google and the first images to pop up tend to include severe red cysts. However, acne appears in many different guises: even if you only get one or two spots a month, it might still be medically classed as mild acne.

Acne is simply the medical word for spots, says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson. Doctors refer to acne regardless of whether the problem is a small handful of spots or more extensive affecting the face, chest and back. There are six types of spots caused by acne: blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. But when is a blemish not acne? These are normally allergy-related bumps which are very small and affect the very surface, says Debbie Thomas. Or theyre related to hair growth and can be irritation from shaving or actual ingrown hairs.

While diet, pollution and lifestyle are often touted as the main causes of acne, hormones particularly those triggered by womens menstrual cycles are the only scientifically proven cause. During the first half of our cycle, oestrogen is dominant and in the second half it is progesterone, says Dr Mahto. Just before menstruation, these hormones drop and our androgen hormones (a type of male hormone) are high. These act on oil-producing glands to increase their size and activity resulting in acne.

Acne could also signal an underlying medical issue. Acne can be a common sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Dr Mahto explains. Studies show that 19-37% of women with moderate or severe acne will meet the criteria for PCOS (having at least two of three symptoms: irregular periods, high levels of androgens or polycystic ovaries).

If acne develops after adolescence, it might be hereditary. Its hard to pinpoint one reason. That is why it is so hard to treat and get rid of permanently, says Thomas. Acne affects people differently, so treatments will vary depending on the severity from medication such as azelaic acid or isotretinoin capsules (also known as roaccutane) to treatments like microdermabrasion. If youre unsure whether a blemish is acne, seek professional advice from a GP or dermatologist.

If your acne is bothering you, it can be tempting to slather on all the super-strength acne-fighting formulas you can find, but its vital to be patient. In fact, before entering the world of skincare, Thomass own acne saw her regularly using harsh products. None of it helped and, a couple of times, I actually burned my skin, she recalls.

The best approach is to strip your skincare back to basics (cleanse and moisturise), adding active formulas in gradually. It can take using an active ingredient like retinol regularly up to nine months to show results, so dont jump from one ingredient to the next, says Thomas.

Cleanse your face twice a day. Products that contain salicylic acid and zinc may be beneficial, says Dr Mahto. After a couple of weeks, start using a chemical exfoliant (like glycolic acid) once a week. This will remove the upper layer of skin cells and help reduce blackheads.

Once your skin has acclimatised, you can introduce an active treatment. For mild acne, a pharmacist can prescribe over-the-counter creams (containing ingredients such as bacteria-killing benzoyl peroxide), but for moderate or severe acne, prescription medication might be best speak to your GP.

If you want to try a clinical treatment, book in for a consultation to ensure your skin is suited to whats on offer. We work with lasers, peels, light therapy and microneedling, alongside a good home care routine, says Thomas.

The psychological impact of acne cant be overlooked. Acne has been associated with anxiety, depression, poor quality of life, lack of self-confidence, feelings of isolation, embarrassment, low self-esteem and problems with body image, explains Dr Alia Ahmed, psychodermatologist at Eudelo Clinic.

Social media can be particularly damaging. The pressure to look perfect can affect the psyche, says Dr Ahmed. I have seen patients who cannot look at an unedited photo of themselves as they find their skin repulsive.

Try following people who encourage positive conversation around skin conditions on social media. And when seeking medical advice, discuss the impact acne is having on your life. If patients are reporting emotional problems, I encourage them to seek support throughtalking therapies and/or oral mood managing medications, if needed, recommends Dr Ahmed, who also flags online resources such as skinsupport.org.uk and changingfaces.org.uk.

Even if your acne fades, scars and pigmentation can be left behind. There is sometimes an unrealistic expectation of how skin should look after acne treatment, says Dr Ahmed. Most scar treatments are not available on the NHS and this can make people feel despondent. Its no surprise, then, that scar treatment is one of the most popular acne-related searches on Cult Beauty.

Clinical treatments differ depending on the type of scar. They are categorised according to shape, depth and colour and the NHS identifies three main types: ice pick, rolling or boxcar. Scars require different forms of treatment but Thomas tends to rely on microneedling, microdermabrasion and peels, while stronger peeling lasers are used for deeper scarring. If it is a textured scar, a certain amount of controlled damage to the skin is required to try and stimulate new collagen production to get the area to repair itself, she explains. The reality is its difficult to get scarring to go completely. Results, which typically display a 30-70% reduction, can take time, with even the strongest treatments often requiring several sessions over one or two years.

High-tech, blemish-relieving formulas that will soothe and treat your skin

Plenaires Tripler 3-in-1 Exfoliating Clay, 30, is an effective mask, cleanser and gentle once-a-week exfoliator.

Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment, 35, is a daily serum containing salicylic acid and vitamin C to reduce scarring.

Ideal for bumpy, dehydrated skin, CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, 12, doesnt leave skin feeling tight.

When spots appear, apply Squish Flower Power Acne Patches, 12, overnight. The hydrocolloid helps to soothe and minimise.

Apply La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+, 16, morning and evening to reduce spots and pigmentation.

Wear No 7 Laboratories Clearing Paste, 18, overnight two to three times a week and wake up to clear, soothed skin.

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Acne causes, symptoms and treatments: everything you should know - Stylist Magazine

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