‘We’ve all faced up to adult acne’ – four women who refuse to hide their skin complaints
Bad skin is not only the bane of teenagers, there was a 200 per cent rise in adults seeking acne treatment in 2016 and women are five times more likely to be affected than men
Bad skin is not only the bane of teenagers. Adult acne is on the rise.
There was a 200 per cent rise in adults seeking treatment for it in 2016 — with women five times more likely to be affected than men, according to one study of dermatology clinics.
Fluctuating hormones from pregnancy and contraception can affect existing skin conditions. So do factors including air pollution, stress, anti-ageing cosmetics, alcohol intake and diet.
Social stigma around acne can cause psychological suffering too. But a new movement is tackling this. Bloggers such as Talonted Lex are fast pushing the issue into the mainstream.
And celeb sufferers including Millie Mackintosh and Stacey Solomon have gone bare-faced on social media to help drive a skin-positivity movement.
Fabulous Daily talks to four women who refuse to let their spots, scars or boils get them down.
'Instagram helped me'
Liberty, who lives in Basildon, Essex with her boyfriend Ricky Brodie, 29, says: “There have been times when my skin has been honestly horrendous, to the point where I’ve gotten so emotional that I’ve cancelled plans to go out and just broken down in tears.
“In May, I was suffering one of my worst outbreaks and I just thought ‘I am over trying to hide it’ so I shared a picture on Instagram. Before then, I had never shared a picture online where my acne was visible, let alone at its worst.
“But I’ve come to accept that this is how I currently look. It’s frustrating when treatments fail and I’d be lying if I said I skip about every day, because I don’t.
“But I wanted to let other acne sufferers know that they’re not alone and even though they might have bad days, they don’t have to hide away in real life or on social media.”
“After that post, I had people from all over the world getting in touch with messages of support and asking for advice. It was rewarding to have so many people reach out to me.
“I’ve continued sharing snaps on Instagram. I want to show that acne doesn’t have to take over your entire life or prevent you from living one.
“You can get through it.”
'I chose to embrace it'
Lucy, who lives with her boyfriend in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, says: “I had perfect skin during my teens, so it was a big shock when I broke out with acne in my early twenties.
“I’d been on a family holiday to France and my face suddenly felt as though it was on fire. I became covered in painful cysts and redness.
“I tried to cover up but makeup made my skin sore and itchy so three months ago I decided it was time to stop hiding and embrace it.
“I post no make-up selfies on Instagram because I want to encourage women to embrace their skin. Followers tell me I’ve encouraged them to go without makeup which is fantastic.
“I’ve tried all kinds of antibiotics and although my skin improves for a couple of months, it flares up once I’ve stopped taking them.
“Some people look at girls like me and think we don’t wash, or that we must not look after ourselves properly which is a load of rubbish.
“I might not have a flawless complexion, but I refuse to let it get me down. I’m still the same person on the inside.
“I’ve been with my boyfriend for six years. He knew me before I broke out with acne rosacea and loves me regardless.”
'I feel more confident'
Rachel, who lives in Newport, South Wales, with husband Jon, 48, a business consultant and children Madeleine, seven, and John, six, says: “I’ve always had rosy cheeks, but it became more noticeable ten years ago.
“Sunshine and alcohol are the main triggers for flare ups, and when my skin is at its worst my cheeks feel dry, itchy and sore.
“I’m a working mum so worrying about my skin is at the bottom of my priorities.
“I don’t make a big deal out of it, especially because I don’t want to send the wrong message to Madeleine. She’s growing up in a world where perfection seems to be everything, and I want her to see beyond that.
“She has a birth mark on her leg and I tell her it makes her unique – not different.
“I shared a photo on Twitter recently during a bad break out and people liked it. Now I have followers from Austria and Australia who also suffer with the condition.
“When I look in the mirror I tell myself I am what I am. It’s not about what other people think of me and as I’ve got older I care even less. I refuse to sweat the small stuff and I feel more confident than I have ever been.”
'The scars don't fade'
Macie, who lives in Swindon, Wiltshire, and has been with boyfriend Joe Derry, 22, for six years, says: “In my teens, my face became angry, red, and got progressively worse. I tried different foundations and concealers to try to cover it up, but they made it look worse.
“Now, each time I have a break out – at least once a month – I’m left with a new scar and they never fade. I thought I would’ve grown out of acne by now but it’s showing no signs of easing up.
“I’ve tried all sorts of treatments over the years as well as completely changing my diet, but nothing makes much difference.
“Makeup aggravates my skin, so I try to wear it as little as possible.
“The more times I go bare-faced, the more confident I become. Joe is great because he tells me I’m beautiful as I am.
“I never wear makeup during personal training sessions with clients or during classes.
“My whole aim is to promote good mental health and wellbeing through exercise. I know how much skin conditions affect women and I want clients to feel comfortable and confident enough to come and be themselves.
“It would give the wrong impression if I plastered myself in makeup all the time. Lots of people tell me my skin will get better but as I’m getting older, I care less. Nobody is perfect.”
'Hormones can trigger blockages'
DR IMOGEN BEXFIELD, medical director at White Swan Aesthetics, says:
“Adult acne appears to be on the rise more than ever. Acne is caused when hair follicles become clogged by excess sebum."
“Several factors can cause this but number one is changes in our hormone balance. You can usually spot hormonal acne. It is sensitive to the touch, commonly appears on or around the the jaw, neck and chin and tends to be stubborn."
“Medications can also affect the skin. Birth control pills often calm acne. Family history can also have an impact on how our skin’s defence barrier works and how hard it fights acne-producing bacteria."
“We are constantly discovering new ways to treat acne. Extensive research is being done to create an acne prevention injection."
“Retinoids and retinol are great for de-clogging pores, as well as speeding up cell turnover, helping to brighten the skin texture and tone."
“If you have problematic skin, go easy on the moisturiser. On average, our skin can absorb only up to 60 per cent of substances."
“Anything more will sit on the surface, clogging up your pores, suffocating the skin and affecting its barrier, leading to acne and other skin concerns.”
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Spot stats
200% rise in adults seeking treatment for acne in 2016
18.5% of those with acne suffer depression
Rosacea is most common between ages of 30 and 50
1 in 5 women are affected by acne
Acne represents 20% of all dermatology consultations
- If you are affected, you can find out more and get support at britishskinfoundation.org.uk.