Imagine today is a special day; maybe it is the day of your big meeting; an engagement photo shoot or the day of your granddaughter’s first birthdayand all of your middle school fears reignite the moment you looked into the mirror and you see three or four tiny raised bumps on your chin, on your forehead, or right in the center of your cheeks. This not only extends your planned “getting ready time”; but it also changes how you feel about yourself. This can demolish your outlook for the day – this potential slippery slope could change the impact you make on the world.
Misconceptions
The list of misconceptions about adult acne is extensive, but there are four that stick out the most (no pun intended) ☺:
- Acne only happens to teenagers and young adults.
Though I feel many of us were told the brands line when we were teens, acne won’t simply disappear once you turn 21.
- Adults will not be emotionally affected by acne.
In a time where a spotlight is so heavily focused on mental health, it is not difficult to understand how debilitating adult acne can be. Adults are not immune to low self-confidence or a lack of self-esteem simply because they have a few extra years on their teenage counterparts. People living with acne will be impacted or inhibited to go out into the world.
- There is no correlation between acne and anxiety.
This is a complete myth. According to several research studies, acne is one of the leading causes of anxiety not just in teenagers, but in all age groups across the board. The British Journal of Dermatology published a study stating that the psychological and emotional effects of those who suffer from acne are as profound as those with chronic health issues such as arthritis and diabetes.
- Stress causes acne.
This one on the books is still an “is it or isn’t it” misconception, but there are certain functions of the body that are receptors for stress hormones and cells that protect the skin’s oils are one of them. Stress may not cause acne breakouts, but it certainly doesn’t help.
There are thousands of other misconceptions, but these are considered to be the most common for men and women.
Acne Types
When treating your acne, the first thing you have to determine is whether your acne is simply a few flare-ups or something much more difficult to control. When most people see a dermatologist for the first time, the most common assumption is that the dermatologist will boast a completely clear, blemish-free complexion that gleams similar to that of a supermodel’s, if you use their branded lotion, cream, treatment, etc. But more often than not, this is simply a stereotype we have built up in our minds. Dermatologists are like any other medical professional and regardless of their ethical convictions, they are also human. Because of this, they are also subjected to skin issues like acne, despite having access to every possible solution in the world.
Someone who really understands this concept is Anjali Mahto, a London based consultant dermatologist, who recently – and very publically – shared how many adults don’t simply “grow out” of their acne. Her goal with her message is to show the public that simply because someone is an expert in their field, does not make them immune to the same skin concerns we have.
“I really want people to realize that it is becoming very common to suffer with acne as an adult — it is not just a teenage problem that most people will grow out of — some people do not grow out of it.” – Anjali Mahto
Mahto suffers from cystic acne. Cystic acne is often larger, painful acne spots that will go through different stages of inflammation, and is difficult to cure. Understanding the difference in your condition is also important when you are first reaching out to find relief because it helps you to manage your expectations. It bears repeating that there is not one simple cure-all for adult acne. Everyone’s skin and concerns are different so assuming that one line of products is going to cure everything is a bit unrealistic. However, with the help of dermatologists, such as Mahto, who are brave enough to share their story and who are knowledgeable in their field may be able to find not only physical relief solutions but also aid in the reduction of the emotional weight.
Did you know that Mirror Mirror Skin Lab is a part of the American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS)? We are members of AARS where experts from varied scientific backgrounds interchange of knowledge and to stimulate education and research in two of the most common skin conditions encountered in dermatology practice, acne and rosacea.
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