Acne in adults: causes and modern treatment

Akne tarda, the so-called spatacne or adult acne, is about 20 to 40 percent of adults, especially women between 25 and 45 years old. Unlike the pubertaetsakne, it often occurs in the area of chin, jaw section and neck.

The causes are multifaceted: hormonal fluctuations (menstruation cycle, abandonment of the pill, pregnancy, alternating years), stress, unsuitable skin care products, nutritional factors and genetic predisposition play a role. Environmental factors such as air pollution and wearing masks (maskne) can also make acne worse.

Spaetakne often differs from teenage acne: skin is less fat, more sensitive. Infinite papules and knots outweigh cowards. This difference is crucial for choosing the right treatment.

In the case of light to medium-heavy acne, the therapy begins with active substances which have been used as such:

Retinoides (vitamin A-saeure derivatives): Adapalene or tretinoin normalize the corrugation of the sebaceous glands and act anti-refuse. They are prescription-free in low dosage, prescription-free in hoeherer. At the beginning of the treatment, the skin image can deteriorate predominantly (first mica) before a significant improvement occurs.

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO): Antibacterium acts antibacterially against the acne-bacterium cutibacterium acnes and is free from prescription in concentrations of 2.5 to 10 percent. There are no resistances and can be combined with retinoids.

Azelainsaeure: Works antibacterial, anti-release and brightening in acne scars. Prescription in a concentration of 15 to 20 percent, as a cosmetic product in a lower dosage.

Topic antibiotics: Clindamycin or erythromycin as gel or solution are used in combination with BPO or retinoids, never as monotherapy (resistance risk).

For medium to heavy acne or if topical therapies do not have sufficient effect, systemic drugs are used:

Oral antibiotics: Doxycycline or minocycline for three to six months effectively reduce the depletion. Long-term application should be avoided to prevent resistance.

Hormonal therapy: For women, an antibabypille with antiandrogenic action (e.g. dienogest, chlormadinone acetate, drospirenon) can significantly improve the acne. Spironolacton is also increasingly used off-label against acne in adult women.

Isotretinoin: The most effective acne medication. It is indicated in severe or therapy-resistant acne and leads to a lasting improvement in 80 percent of patients. Due to possible side effects (dryness, teratogenicity, rare psychiatric effects), it requires close-mesh aerial control and is only available on prescription.

The right care routine: Clean your face in the morning and evening with a mild, pH-skin-neutral cleaner. Avoid aggressive peelings and alcoholic products that irritate the skin. Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer and tasty sun protection, especially for retinoid application.

Honor: Studies show relationships between certain factors and acne. Foods with high glycaemic index (sugar, white flour) and cow's milk products can deteriorate acne. A balanced adoration with a lot of vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc can support skin health.

Do not exclude: So tempting it is, immature pimples should never be leaked. This leads to deeper degenerations, depleted healing and a raised risk for acneary. Allow cleaning professionally.

Many effective acne medications are subject to prescription: hoeher dosed retinoides, prescription azelain sours, oral antibiotics and isotretinoin require an aercial prescription.

About telemedical platforms such as your recipe.de can perform an online consultation. The doctor assesses the severity of your acne based on your description and, if necessary, photos and recommends a suitable therapy.

In many Faellen photos and a detailed questionnaire are available. In the case of severe acne or the desire for isotretinoin, a persenal dermatological examination is recommended, since regular blood checks are required.

Remember: Acne treatment requires patience. Most therapies need six to two weeks before a clear improvement becomes visible. A premature termination of therapy is the most common reason for the success of treatment.