I'm an Adult, But I Still Have Stubborn Acne

Teenagers are supposed to deal with pimples and acne, right? Whiteheads, blackheads, zits, and even cystic acne occur frequently during adolescence, as changing hormones impact the oil balance in your skin. It’s a typical part of growing up. However, if your pimples didn’t stop when you hit your 20s, you’re not alone.

Many adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s still deal with stubborn acne or experience it for the first time. So, what can you do?

At Lasercare Skin Clinic in Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Bruce Sanderson provides laser therapy, which can permanently relieve acne for patients who haven’t seen good results with other approaches.

Could you benefit from laser treatment for your adult acne? Here’s what you need to know about this highly effective type of skin care therapy.

Understanding the causes of adult acne

Acne in teens mainly relates to hormone shifts and occasionally to poor skin care habits. In adult women, hormonal acne can continue, tied to the monthly menstrual cycle. However, hormones aren’t the only factor causing your adult acne.

Zits and pimples result when bacteria take advantage of a clogged pore and cause an acne outbreak. Your dry, oily, or combination skin may need different skin care routines or products to reduce clogs.

Laser treatment for adult acne

Laser treatment for adult acne doesn’t focus on oil management, although it can reduce overall oil production.

Instead, laser energy destroys the bacteria that cause acne outbreaks without damaging the surface or deeper layers of the skin, making it more effective for handling adult acne than cleansers and topical gels or creams.

Laser therapy also helps with scars from past acne outbreaks. The laser energy stimulates the deeper layers of your dermis to produce new reserves of collagen, a protein that smooths the surface of your skin. You may need 4-8 treatment sessions to see your best results.

Dr. Sanderson provides this laser treatment in the office. Although it isn’t painful, it may be uncomfortable. Some patients report feeling like they are being gently snapped with a rubber band.

After treatment, your skin may show mild redness and feel tender to the touch. Stay out of the sun and away from harsh chemicals until the side effects pass, usually in a day or two.

To learn more about how laser treatment can help with adult acne, contact Dr. Sanderson and our team of skin care experts at Lasercare Skin Clinic today. You can schedule your initial consultation appointment over the phone now or book your first appointment online.