Why Am I Getting Nodular Acne at 40?
Nodular acne is most common in teens, but adult women can also experience it, too. Check out its possible causes and how to clear your skin of breakouts.
What Is Nodular Acne?>
Causes of Nodular Acne at 40>
How to Address Nodular Acne>
Wash your face twice.>
Employ the power of salicylic acid.>
Give retinol a go.>
Use gentle and hydrating products.>
Visit your dermatologist.>
Just when you thought you had outgrown nodular acne from your awkward teenage years, it returns with a vengeance in your bustling forties. This is anything but uncommon. According to various studies, over 25% of women ages 40 to 49 experience breakouts. So, no – you’re not alone in this ride.
Your adult acne problem isn’t always caused by having oily skin (and tough luck). Here, we dig deep into what’s really behind those bothersome bumps and give tips to manage them.
What Is Nodular Acne?
Nodular acne isn’t your typical surface-level pimple. It’s a small and sensitive lump buried under the skin. You can’t and shouldn’t extract it because it’s not filled with pus, unlike cystic acne. Picking at it only further irritates the skin and leads to infections.
How long does nodular acne last? Since it exists within the dermis where collagen is stored, the inflammation damages the surrounding tissues and degrades the collagen fibers responsible for wound healing. Given the situation, it can take weeks or even months for the bump to go away.
Causes of Nodular Acne at 40
It can be tricky to pinpoint the underlying cause of your adult-onset acne. Experts believe it’s a combination of factors.
- Genetics – If your parents dealt with nodules, you’re more likely to have them as well.
- Estrogen levels – This hormone plays a role in regulating sebum production. Estrogen levels decline rapidly when you hit 30. The excess oil, combined with dead skin cells and bacteria, can clog the pores and trigger breakouts.
- Stress – If you are chronically stressed, your body releases too much cortisol which puts the sebaceous glands in overdrive. This, in turn, sets the stage for oil buildup in the pores.
- Lifestyle choices and environmental factors – Diets that have a lot of high-glycemic food and dairy products have been linked to skin inflammation. Meanwhile, exposure to pollutants, humidity, and comedogenic cosmetics can lead to blemishes.
How to Address Nodular Acne
Minimizing that big, honking zit requires patience and extra effort. But the good news is that you’re not doomed to live your days with these pesky saboteurs. Try these tips to clear your skin of breakouts.
Wash your face twice.
Double cleansing might be the saving grace for your acne-prone skin. First, wipe off your makeup with an oil-based cleanser. You can also use micellar water, which is just as effective in breaking down stubborn grime. Second, use a foaming cleanser like Eskinol Pimple Relief Facial Wash. It helps dissolve deep-seated impurities while soothing the skin, thanks to its infusion of cica and green tea extracts.
Employ the power of salicylic acid.
One ingredient you should have on your team is salicylic acid. This pimple-zapping BHA can unblock the pores and exfoliate dead skin cells altogether, thereby reducing the formation of nodules. Apply on active pimples to shrink their size and promote skin renewal.
Add Eskinol Pimple Relief Spot Gel Corrector to your skincare routine. This spot treatment contains salicylic acid and niacinamide to calm inflammation without drying out your skin. Apply it directly on your acne and wake up the next day with one less problem to worry about.
Give retinol a go.
Retinol is an anti-aging powerhouse known to reduce the appearance of large pores and fade dark acne scars. Another plus? It stimulates collagen to smooth fine lines. Always start with a mild formulation so your skin has time to adjust.
Use gentle and hydrating products.
Many people think skipping moisturizer can help combat oily skin and speed up acne healing. However, this actually dehydrates your skin and tricks your oil glands into producing more sebum, making your face dull and greasy.
Moisturize oily skin with lightweight and hydrating products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin.
Visit your dermatologist.
If your nodules persist, seek help from a professional. Your dermatologist will give you several options, ranging from corticosteroid injections to oral antibiotics. For severe cases, they may recommend blue light therapy that kills acne-causing bacteria at the source.
Nodular acne can happen at any age. However, the right treatment plan as well as a healthy lifestyle can help you achieve clearer skin.
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