You’re well into your 20s and are bummed out by the fact that you still got acne. This skin condition which you were supposed to bid farewell to, along with your teens, is still persistent, and there seems to be no end to this plague. Well, if this resonates with you, you’re not alone.

Acne is a common skin condition that can affect people of all ages, including adults. While it's often associated with adolescence, many adults continue to experience acne into their 20s, 30s, and even 40s.

In fact, studies conducted have shown that adult acne in females is more common than in males. Frustrating as it is, acne is the direct consequence of hormonal imbalance, stress, genetics, or simply using the wrong skincare products.

Why Adults Get Acne

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Although commonly associated with teenagers, it can majorly affect adults as well. There are several reasons why adults may develop acne. 

1. Excess Oil Production – Sebaceous glands are responsible for producing sebum, a waxy substance that keeps your skin hydrated naturally. When this substance is overproduced, it can lead to oily skin. Excessive sebum clogs pores and constricts them, leading to inflammation and acne breakout. Oily skin can be a result of genetics or hormonal imbalance. It can also directly result from using heavy or oil-based products, eating greasy foods, and eating trans fats. 

2. Genetics – Research suggests that genetics can influence the development of acne. Genetics can determine the pore size and the ease with which they can get clogged. Your genes also determine how your immune system reacts to the bacteria P. acnes. This bacteria is the main reason for acne breakouts. Your heredity can also explain your tendency to produce an abnormally high amount of dead skin cells. These can clog pores and lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed skin. 

3. Hormones – Hormones play a significant role in the development of acne in teenagers and adults alike. Adult acne in females is often linked to hormonal fluctuations. Fluctuating sex hormones cause pH imbalance, excessive oil production and even inflammation. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can affect oil production, and hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger acne breakouts. 

4. Inflammation – Inflammatory acne occurs when dead skin cells, sebum and excess oil get clogged in your pores or hair follicles. These clogged pores cause whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Inflammation can be a result of too much hydration using the wrong moisturiser, consuming too much sugar and fats, high humidity, and smoking, among others. 

5. Using Wrong Products – Wrong skincare products, such as the ones which contain parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances, irritate the delicate skin barrier or clog skin pores and cause the skin to inflame, potentially leading to acne breakouts. Women often wear makeup, which can also contribute to the development of acne. Some makeup products contain ingredients that can clog pores and cause breakouts, particularly if not removed properly.

6. Emotional Stress – Adulting can get tough. And it is tougher still on women. Women tend to experience more stress than men, and stress can contribute to the development of acne. Stress triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol and androgens, which can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce excess oil. This excess oil production leads to breakouts by clogging pores and attracting dead skin cells and dirt in them. 

7. Environmental Stress – Environmental factors such as pollution, humidity, climate change and sun exposure can irritate the skin barrier and cause skin damage in the form of inflammation and clogged pores. It is important to note that not all environmental factors will cause acne in every individual. Some people may be more sensitive to certain triggers than others, and the severity of acne can vary depending on the individual's genetics, lifestyle, and other factors.

8. Certain Foods – According to studies, high glycemic index foods can trigger acne. Such foods include bread, pasta and sugary snacks. These can raise insulin levels, leading to an increase in androgen hormones, which can stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin. This leads to an overproduction of sebum. Excess sebum production can clog pores, leading to the development of acne. Dairy products may also play a role in the development of acne. It is believed that the hormones and growth factors present in milk and other dairy products may contribute to the development of acne. If you are experiencing acne, it is recommended that you speak with a healthcare provider or dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.

9. Medical Conditions – Underlying medical conditions which go undetected can be a causative factor for acne. Such conditions include rosacea, keratosis pilaris, perioral dermatitis, Cushing syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorder, adrenal disorder and menopause, among others. It is important to work with a dermatologist to identify the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan.

How To Prevent Acne Breakouts

With certain lifestyle improvements and the right products, you can control your adult acne and achieve flawless skin. You can easily curb excessive oil production by reducing stress levels, eating the right foods and using the right products on your skin. 

Make sure you follow a healthy skincare regimen wherein you cleanse, tone and moisturise with the right ingredients. It is recommended to use products with natural ingredients. They aid in mitigating acne while being gentle on the skin. In your journey to achieve flawless skin the natural way, Kzen is with you. We bring you a variety of products derived from mother nature’s finest ingredients.

Kzen Anti-Acne Oil

Tea tree oil and other essential oil blends are used in the proper concentration in anti-acne oil to treat and cure mild to moderate acne. Many types of acne, including pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and minor blemishes, are treated with anti-acne oil. Mentioned below are the advantages of the different types of oils present in it. 

Tea Tree Oil: To cure acne and pimples, tea tree oil is nature's benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid substitute. It is anti-inflammatory and possesses a wide range of antibacterial characteristics, making it highly efficient in weakening and ultimately killing acne-causing bacteria's cell walls. It reduces inflammation and redness. It also aids in preventing and minimising acne scarring, leaving behind skin that is clear and smooth.

Basil Oil: There are numerous ways that basil oil can heal acne. It effectively kills the germs that cause acne thanks to its strong antibacterial characteristics. Basil has linoleic acid and eugenol, which give it a boost of anti-inflammatory qualities. Basil can be applied topically to alleviate acne-related discomfort and swelling. Moreover, basil possesses anti-oxidant advantages that aid in preventing acne. Because of its natural antiseptic properties, basil aids in cleaning blocked pores, preventing acne and its recurrence. Moreover, basil has astringent qualities. It aids in soaking up extra moisture and oil from the skin's surface and quickly dries out any acne that may already be present.

Peppermint Oil: Acne risk is reduced as a result of peppermint oil's ability to stop excess oil from building up on the skin's surface. Moreover, it contains antiseptic and antibacterial characteristics and naturally cleanses the skin. It provides a cooling action that reduces acne-related inflammation and irritation.

Rosemary Essential Oil: Acne-causing germs are destroyed and eliminated by rosemary essential oil. In addition to having antimicrobial characteristics, rosemary also helps treat acne by reducing inflammation and puffiness.

To use Kzen anti-acne oil, apply it directly on acne and pimples on a clean and washed face. Use it every night to see visible results.

Kzen Glow Essence

Glow Essence is a magical potion jam-packed with goodies like Niacinamide (aka Vitamin B3), Hydrolysed Rice Protein, Moringa, Hyaluronic acid and Gold Mica. This golden elixir tightens and brightens skin in 2 weeks. Niacinamide –the wonder ingredient–works like a miracle for all skin types. Let us understand how this lightweight essence helps in fighting-off acne. 

Niacinamide: It has anti-inflammatory properties which help calm irritated skin. It helps reduce redness, eases acne breakouts and makes your skin appear smoother. It helps to reduce the pore size, thereby reducing the chances of dirt and grime getting into them. Niacinamide works well on sebaceous glands by regulating oil production and keeping the skin clear and balanced. 

After your skin revives from acne, it tends to leave back marks on your skin. These marks or otherwise called hyperpigmentation, can be stubborn to remove. Thankfully, niacinamide in our Glow Essence is perfect for dealing with those nasty marks. It does so by increasing collagen production and boosting the skin’s ability to heal and repair damaged skin cells. 

While there are many niacinamide products available in the market, research suggests that a percentage between 5% and 10% is ideal for your skin. Read this article to find out more about niacinamide concentration, why it matters, and which is best for your skin. 

Moringa extract: Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids found in moringa extract are helpful for the skin since they moisturise and protect it. It has a significant amount of antioxidants that can fend off free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative damage. Moringa extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help calm and relax sensitive skin.

Hyaluronic Acid: The secret to acne-free skin is not completely drying it out of moisture. Instead, it lies in providing the right amount of hydration to the skin so that the skin barrier stays healthy and supple. A healthy skin barrier can protect itself from sun exposure and free radicals. When the barrier is healthy, it does not dry out too frequently and steers clear from skin conditions such as acne breakouts. 

Hyaluronic acid helps tackle skin damage and wrinkles, calms irritated and inflamed skin, and locks in moisture for long hours. It also helps in regulating sebum production, which is key in preventing acne breakout. Research suggests that it aids in decreasing hyperpigmentation as well. 

Hydrolysed Rice Protein: This ingredient has soothing properties, ideal for inflamed and acne-ridden skin. It helps you with itchiness by boosting hydration and helping the skin retain it too. It diminishes dark spots that might be left behind by acne or UV exposure. After a few applications, it evens out your skin tone and helps get rid of puss-filled bumps due to its exfoliating properties. This way, it helps in battling acne as well. 

Gold Mica: Finally, gold mica also works as a non-irritant and skin-friendly ingredient that calms the skin. It has anti-bacterial properties, which help in keeping the skin squeaky clean. Apart from helping with acne, it also has brightening and anti-ageing properties that give your skin the healthy elasticity it deserves to have. 

Use our Glow essence as follows: 

Clean your face and neck thoroughly. Take a few drops of Glow Essence and dab evenly. Avoid using it near the eyes. Let it stay for 2 mins. After that, apply a moisturiser and an SPF. Use it in the morning and before you go to sleep.