How to Combat Adult Acne Naturally!

With acne affecting around 85% of Australians aged 15-24 years old, it's no wonder we often associate breakouts with youth and adolescence.¹ But it's not just teenagers who struggle with acne! Adult acne can affect us well into our 30s and 40s, with women most likely to have ongoing troubles due to temperamental hormones.¹ Spots can pop up during times of stress or hormonal imbalance, yet diet and lifestyle factors can also play a role in the clarity of your skin, with a poor diet often leading to skin troubles. Many mainstream acne treatments on the market are often filled with synthetic ingredients, which can sometimes end up doing more harm to your skin than good. Naturally formulated skin care and herbal supplements can help to rebalance and support the skin, providing internal and external relief from the factors which can cause adult acne.

What causes adult acne?

Adult acne can be caused by a number of dietary and lifestyle factors. According to Dr. Vivian Tam, founder of Zilch, a high sugar diet can worsen inflammation in the body, leading to ongoing acne troubles. Dr Tam says adult acne can also often be caused by hormonal imbalances, sometimes created by going onto or coming off the contraceptive pill. Bacteria such as Propionibacterium can also be responsible, infecting the pores on your complexion and causing annoying spots and pimples. The follicles underneath the skin's surface can become blocked by a build up of dead skin cells, and as these follicles are connected to the oil glands in our skin, when our pores become blocked, an accumulation of oil can develop under the skin, causing a pimple as a result.

Adult acne treatments

Life Basics Pure Green Clay Facial Mask
Containing 100% Australian Pure Green Clay, the Life Basics Pure Green Clay Facial Mask may help to rebalance oily, combination and acne prone skin by deeply cleansing the skin of build-up and impurities. Harnessing the absorbent properties of Green Clay, this clay mask helps to soak up excess oil from the skin, leaving it refreshed, re-energised and properly balanced. Green Clay is known to stimulate cell regeneration and turnover, which can help to promote a clear and balanced complexion by giving pores a deep clean to remove build-up and help fight further acne from occurring. To use, mix with water to form a paste, apply to face and allow to dry, rinsing off after 15 minutes.

Weleda Blemished Skin Purifying Gel Cleanser
Many mainstream acne cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling tight and sore. The Weleda Blemished Skin Purifying Gel Cleanser is a gentle formula which works to effectively cleanse problem skin and soothe any inflammation, without irritating or disrupting the skin's natural processes. Combining the ingredients of Liquorice, Willow Bark and Witch Hazel, this gel cleanser tackles the oily build-up on your skin for a deep clean cleanse, aimed at reducing pimples and blackheads. Use twice daily, gently massaging into the skin and removing with water or a damp cloth.

Weleda Blemished Skin Refining Lotion
Designed to be used in conjunction with the Cleansing Lotion, the Weleda Blemished Skin Refining Lotion. This cleanser is a great addition to an acne-prone skincare routine giving you the moisture you need for your blemished skin without the adding excess oil. To use, apply with cotton wool or tissue to the affected area after cleansing.

Life Basics Konjac Sponge Green Clay
Ideal for dry, oily and combination skin types, the Life Basics Konjac Sponge with Green Clay helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores to purify the complexion. Infused with absorbent Green Clay, this deeply cleansing sponge sweeps away makeup and grime and excess oil on the skin's surface. Mineral rich and pH neutral, this biodegradable Konjac sponge also helps to alkalise the skin by rebalancing its acidity and minimising excess oil production. With a very gentle exfoliating action, skin is left smooth, soft and clarified. Use on its own or with your favourite cleanser.

Zilch Acne Formula
An all natural Chinese medicine based formula, the Zilch Acne Formula Tablets were developed by Dr. Vivian Tam to assist in the management of mild to moderate acne. Ingredients in this formula have been traditionally used to clear toxicity and heat, reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. To find out more about this supplement, read our Zilch FAQs with Dr. Tam. Individuals taking anticoagulants should seek medical advice before taking this product. Individuals at risk of bleeding problems should seek advice from their healthcare practitioner prior to taking this product.

Do not use if pregnant or likely to become pregnant. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare practitioner. Always read the label. Use only as directed.

Fusion Health Skin Tonic
Containing a unique blend of traditional Chinese and modern Western herbs, the Fusion Health Skin Tonic has been designed to promote a healthy complexion by aiding the skin's natural healing process. Formulated to address a variety of skin conditions including acne and dry skin, as well as mild forms of both eczema and dermatitis, this potent blend may help minimise dryness, itchiness, redness and inflammation. Including herbs such as Fang Feng, Tribulus, Dong Quai, Peony and Burdock, these powerful capsules purify and detoxify the skin and work to cleanse and invigorate the blood and circulation. Suitable for use by anyone over 6 years of age! Use only as directed on the label.

Warning: Fallopia multiflora may harm the liver in some people. Use under the supervision of a healthcare professional. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner.

To find out more about controlling hormonal adult acne, read my Ultimate Guide to Hormonal Acne here.

Source: ¹All About Acne.