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Adult acne
I am 34 years old and never suffered from spots as a teenager, but now I find my neck, back, side of face and chin breaking out in spots. I was taking the mini-pill and stopped about three weeks ago, but the spots are still breaking out.
Although acne is often thought of as a teenage problem, as many as five per cent develop acne in their thirties, forties and beyond - often due to changes in hormone levels. Acne is thought to be triggered by an abnormal sebaceous response to the male hormone, testosterone, and it is therefore possible that the mini-pill may have affected your skin.
There may be a genetic component involved, too, as acne can run in families. Up to 50 per cent of women whose acne continues beyond their teens show evidence of increased circulatory androgen levels, with raised total and free testosterone and/or lowered sex hormone binding globulin.
Correction of these abnormal hormonal imbalances often improves symptoms, so you need to see if your doctor is prepared to measure these hormone levels. Several different treatments are available over the counter to help mild to moderate symptoms. Your pharmacist can advise on which would suit you best.
If symptoms are more troublesome, don't be afraid to consult your doctor - stronger treatments are only available on prescription. Whichever treatment you use, try to persevere for at least two or three months. It can take time to produce a noticeable effect. Most people start to notice an improvement after using a product for six to eight weeks. Treatment is usually needed for at least six months before stopping to see whether symptoms return.
There may be a genetic component involved, too, as acne can run in families. Up to 50 per cent of women whose acne continues beyond their teens show evidence of increased circulatory androgen levels, with raised total and free testosterone and/or lowered sex hormone binding globulin.
Correction of these abnormal hormonal imbalances often improves symptoms, so you need to see if your doctor is prepared to measure these hormone levels. Several different treatments are available over the counter to help mild to moderate symptoms. Your pharmacist can advise on which would suit you best.
If symptoms are more troublesome, don't be afraid to consult your doctor - stronger treatments are only available on prescription. Whichever treatment you use, try to persevere for at least two or three months. It can take time to produce a noticeable effect. Most people start to notice an improvement after using a product for six to eight weeks. Treatment is usually needed for at least six months before stopping to see whether symptoms return.
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iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB