It’s prom night. You’re getting ready to take a million awkward pictures with your date, when you look in the mirror and notice a giant zit in the middle of your forehead. Sound familiar?
Fast-forward a few years. While getting ready for a first date, you catch a glimpse of a planetary-sized pimple that definitely was not there a few hours ago. Didn’t your parents say acne would clear up when you got to college? Then why are you calling your date to cancel at the last minute because you’re “not feeling well?”
If you think your situation is just bad luck, think again. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 50 percent of women and 42 percent of men in their 20s suffer the dermatological strife of bad acne.
“More women than men have acne into their adult lives,” says Melissa Raue, a Connecticut physician assistant. “It’s due to a surge in hormones, testosterone specifically.”
Raue, who is licensed to treat and prescribe medication under the supervision of Dr. Kenneth Egan, says that many sources of adolescent acne, such as shedding too many skin cells and hormone imbalances, also contribute to adult acne.
While hormones are certainly a factor, bad skin can also be attributed to lifestyle. Alleviating the appearance of pimples may be as simple as tweaking your diet. When blood sugar levels increase, the sebaceous glands attached to hair follicles release sebum, an oily substance that clogs pores. Simple carbohydrates such as white rice, pasta, bread and sugar cause spikes in blood sugar levels, meaning those bowls of spaghetti and ice cream you had for dinner last night could be the reason for that pimple on your forehead.
Unfortunately, when you’re living on a meal plan, it is easier to find these acne-causing foods than foods high in vitamin B5. A deficiency in B5 can lead to breakouts, so if you’re really looking to clear up your skin, pile up your plate with whole grains, legumes and eggs. In addition, avoid fried foods and fatty meats; they might be delicious, but they also slow your digestive system, thereby increasing the body’s toxin levels.
The type of cleanser you use also makes a difference. Avoid alcohol-based astringents and toners, and instead opt for face wash that is appropriate for your skin type. Not sure what skin type you are? Take this quiz to find out.
For some people, however, a healthy diet and daily face washing are not enough; that’s where over-the-counter and prescription medications can help.
Benzoyl Peroxide:
Use it for: Mild acne (pimples, zits and blackheads)
Found in: Clearasil, Brevoxyl and Benzac
Side Effects: May cause skin to peel
Salicylic Acid:
Use it for: Mild to moderate acne
Found in:Propa pH and Stridex
Side Effects: Because it dries up blemishes, skin may become irritated.
Topical Retinoid Medicine:
Use it for: Moderate to severe acne
Found in:Retin-A, Differin and Tazorac
Side Effects: Sensitivity to the sun and dry skin may occur.
Oral Antibiotic:
Use it for: Severe acne
Found in:Tetracycline, Doxycycline and Amoxicillin
Side Effects: Increased sun sensitivity, mild nausea, and decreases the effectiveness of the Pill. Not recommended for pregnant women. Additionally, the body may build up a resistance to antibiotics, negating its effectiveness.
Isotretinoin
Use it for: Severe cystic acne unresponsive to oral antibiotics
Found in:Accutane
Side Effects: Causes life-threatening birth defects, so sexually active patients must use two forms of birth control. More common side effects include extremely dry and cracked skin, joint pain, and dizziness. Other, more serious side effects include sudden numbness, blurred vision, loss of appetite, hearing pains, vomiting and diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, and depression.