Late acne: what really helps against pimples and blackheads!

Pimples, acne, blackheads – why late acne is so persistent in adulthood

The figures show that late acne, which dermatologists call acne tarda, is not a rare problem but affects many: one in four women between 25 and 45 has to deal with late acne. The changed hormone balance, nutrition and skin care play an important role in this.

Causes of late acne – are hormones to blame?

If the balance of the sex hormones is disturbed, this can lead to skin problems. If too many male sex hormones are produced, the pores can clog more quickly. The sebaceous glands of the skin produce too much sebum and horny the pores, they clog and blackheads and pimples develop. After hormonal changes, such as discontinuing the pill or giving birth, and later also in the menopause, the skin also changes.

What helps against pimples and blemished skin? Check nutrition

Dermatologists often advise their patients to avoid dairy products. In some cases, a special type of milk is to blame for the sprouting of the pimples. Fat-free skimmed milk namely. Your whey proteins are said to increase insulin levels.

Insulin is also held responsible for the development of chronic inflammatory processes. Late acne patients should avoid an increased insulin level. Sugar is also a big issue because it has been shown to change the size of the sebaceous glands and has an impact on the increased production of sebum. Not sure what to eat or how to take care of your skin? We tell you the biggest beauty sins of skin care.

Skin care for late acne

Impure skin needs special care that is not too greasy and heavy. One should be particularly careful with night creams and creams with anti-aging promises. Checking the active ingredients is popular: some ingredients that also help against acne (e.g. fruit acids, retinol) also make the skin appear smoother and plumper. There are various anti-wrinkle products especially for adult women with blemished skin. Serums also help reduce dry skin on the forehead and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth by infiltrating moisture into the skin. Proper cleansing is also important for beautiful skin. It must not be too aggressive, otherwise it irritates the skin and exacerbates inflammation. A Cleansing milk or gentle Micelle water help keep the skin clean. Very oily skin can also be cared for with facial tonic containing a little alcohol.

Late acne? The best tips from the dermatologist

Grown up long ago, but the skin behaves like during puberty? Acne is particularly stressful for women over 30. Dr. Birgit Kunze, dermatologist and founder of the "Acne Forum" association answered questions about late acne in the BRIGITTE.de community.

Here we publish, partly abbreviated, the most interesting questions and the expert's answers on the topic of "late acne". You can read the entire expert advice on late acne in the community.

The late acne advice: "pill" discontinued and the skin goes crazy – what now?

Haasidi, 36, writes: "I never had problems with pimples and acne during puberty. I took the pill for about ten years and stopped when I was 28 years old. Since then my skin has gone crazy, mainly on my back and cleavage. What other options are there besides the pill, this one? Get rid of problem? "

Dr. Birgit Kunze answers: "In my opinion, for example, in your case, a trial would be with Fruit acid worthwhile. That means you are one Fruit acid product get (from the pharmacy or from the beautician), which contains at least six to ten percent fruit acid.

With this you treat at least four weeks every evening. An improvement will probably already appear below this. If not, I recommend an additional fruit acid treatment at the beautician. If there is no improvement after three treatments, there might be one antibiotic therapy a good option at the dermatologist. "

The acne advice: what to do about oily skin with large pores?

Sealheart, 29, writes: "I have been struggling with blemished skin for 15 years. In the meantime, the big pimples have become fewer, but my skin has become increasingly greasy over the course of my twenties. Every second pore is a thick blackhead (it seems to me) that the skin is quite coarse and large-pored and there are small scars on the cheeks. My scalp is also greasy, I have to wash my hair every day.

As far as care goes, I've already had almost everything, dermatologist, a wide variety of products from drugstores, natural cosmetics with greasy creams, the pill didn't help either. What can I do so that at least I don't get any more scars? "

Dr. Birgit Kunze answers: "In the case of your problem, it is justified to consider the extent to which you should take oral Isotretinoin, a vitamin A acid derivative, makes sense.

If there is no current desire to have children and safe contraception, my recommendation would be: Isotretinoin in a 'low dose'. This would get rid of your problems pretty quickly: the cure would take about six months. "

The acne advice: Where do the giant pimples come from when your skin is otherwise clean?

Molly Malone, 35, writes: "Never in my life have I ever had pimples, not even during puberty! And now? Still very clean skin, few mean eaters, etc. – but always giant pimples. And admittedly I can never stay away from it The product range has been changed several times in the last few months. Could it be that the constant change is responsible for my problems?

Dr. Birgit Kunze answers: "In my opinion, this doesn't sound like acne, but rather like one Intolerance reaction to the moisture products! Your last suggestion to stick with these products is very commendable.

It is best to complete the whole thing by taking Zinc tablets. If there is no improvement overall, I recommend an allergy test at the dermatologist!

The acne advice: how to treat acne on dry skin?

Fighting Rabbit, 31, writes: "Since I stopped taking the pill five years ago, I have suffered from acne. Since I also have very dry skin, I don't have pimples on my forehead, but I do have dryness lines. I have now been prescribed different creams and ointments by eight dermatologists with erythromycin, isotretinoin, azelaic acid, salicylic acid. The only thing that helps – although only on the forehead – is a cream with adapalene.

Dr. Birgit Kunze answers: "Acne on dry skin is very difficult to treat! What is also clear to you is that once you use classic acne products, you dry out your skin further. On the other hand, products that care for your skin are more likely to cause acne.

In your case, I would find one Laser treatment the most sensible: laser is bundled light and has a very good influence on the bacterial infestation of your skin. Then you can also take care of your skin as it needs it – if necessary, newly created changes can then simply be lasered away.

Alternatively, one comes Light treatment Question: In the best case, colored light (blue and red light has proven itself here), possibly also UV radiation from a dermatologist. This will avoid the problem of further drying out your skin through the acne treatment. "

The acne advice: are salicylic acid peels harmful?

Maja, 38, writes: "I have had acne, sometimes more, sometimes less, even with the pill since my puberty. Only during my pregnancies was it significantly better. Now I have a lot of blackheads and pimples, especially on the chin and around the nose. Otherwise I have combination skin , also a bit sensitive.

I have already tried a few things, drugstore items, natural cosmetics, antibiotic cream, vitamin A acid cream, salicyl scrubs. The latter were the only things that really helped, but I don't know if that might not be harmful in the long run. "

Dr. Birgit Kunze answers: "I can reassure you: a Salicylic acid peeling is harmless – even in the long run! If it helped, that's very good – salicylic acid is an excellent remedy for cornification disorders and thus comedones ('blackheads') can be removed easily.

I definitely recommend regular treatments. If these solve the problem sufficiently, no further measures are necessary. Otherwise it would make sense to visit the dermatologist again. "

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