10 Reasons you’re Breaking out in Acne in your 40’s

Acne

It is nice when you finally outgrow the teenage awkward stage. Oily hair, greasy skin, and acne are often a part of this era. No matter what products are used, acne often persists until the teens are over with. While improvements are usually seen during the early 20’s, many people are surprised to see that pimples still make an appearance throughout their lifetime. Teenage acne is usually caused by hormones produced by growing bodies. When you move on past that, however, the reasons may vary. Each era of your life brings new events. Once you reach your 40’s, acne takes

on a whole new meaning.

Our bodies go through many hormone fluctuations throughout our lives. Women, especially, deal with hormone changes on a regular basis. Pregnancy, periods, and menopause all bring about new symptoms related to hormones. Adults have more stressful issues to deal with than most young people. In your 40’s, you are likely to have increased bills due to things like home ownership and kids. This can all take its toll on your body. Adult acne may be only one of your symptoms. We also tend to refrain from proper self-care when we are busy taking care of a family. This can lead to less exercise and a poor diet. A vitamin deficiency can contribute to acne.

It may help to review these top ten reasons for acne in your 40’s, so you can take action when it comes to your health. Acne in your 40’s can be frustrating, as you are probably also treating dry skin. It can be a confusing issue to deal with. There are some remedies, however, that can help you maintain a clear face.

 

10. Hormones

Hormones
Hormone changes are typically a precursor to increased oil production in the skin.

The hormones that cause acne in your teens are very different from the ones that cause issues in your 40’s. There are male hormones called androgens that exist in both males and females. These rise in females as they age and contribute to acne, among other issues. The occurrence of increased body hair or a deep voice can indicate a severe imbalance of these hormones. Many women turn to birth control pills to regulate hormones. Birth control pills are known for decreasing androgen production. This is not always a quick fix. Many women are sensitive to the hormones in these pills, as well. The medication, spironolactone is a medication that is anti-androgen.

The telltale sign of hormone related acne is when it presents around the mouth or chin. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often sought out to remedy hormone issues. High testosterone levels are a part of why acne takes over in adulthood. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one underlying factor that creates hormone complications. Many people do not think to look for this when they begin to experience acne in their 40’s. Irregular periods and abnormal hair growth accompany the acne, in the case of PCOS.

Hormone changes are typically a precursor to increased oil production in the skin. This change causes pores to become clogged, bringing about acne. Acne that accompanies premenstrual syndrome is more common after the age of 33 than in the younger years.

 

9. Gender

Gender
Studies show that about 26% of women in their 40’s have regular breakouts of acne. For men, this percentage is only about 12%

You are more likely to have issues with acne in your 40’s if you are a woman. As discussed above, this is partly due to the many hormonal changes that women experience. Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS) often brings acne breakouts throughout the life of a woman. Women are also more susceptible to certain diseases of the reproductive tract. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, as mentioned before, is one contributor to acne in the 40’s. This is, obviously, a disease unique to women.

Women are also more likely to be involved in high stress activities. Many women in their 40’s spread themselves way too thin. They may try to remain involved in every part of their children’s lives by volunteering their time, even if they don’t have it. This contributes to acne causing factors, such as stress and poor diet. It is important for women to take time to care for themselves, even if they have the responsibility of a family or career. Women tend to give until they are barely standing.

Studies show that about 26% of women in their 40’s have regular breakouts of acne. For men, this percentage is only about 12%. This goes along with the reality that women often face more health issues than men. On a positive note, women are also more likely to take action to improve the acne. Women are often more preoccupied with their appearance, than men. This makes them more likely to seek help from a doctor or purchase helpful face wash products. This proactive attitude helps them achieve better results.

 

8. Free Radicals

Free Radicals
Free radicals cause a myriad of problems, other than acne. They also cause things like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.

 Free radicals are an environmental issue. Humans have completely polluted the environment, causing it to be toxic to our bodies. Free radicals are found all around us. They are in the air, in our water, and in our foods. It is impossible to avoid them. Free radicals put the body under oxidative stress. Oxygen splits into a single atom in our bodies, leaving it without an electron pair. These electrons prefer to be in pairs, so they roam around the body looking for electrons to pair up with. This process results in damage to proteins, DNA, and cells.

Free radicals cause a myriad of problems, other than acne. They also cause things like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Our environment can easily contribute to the signs of aging, as well. Free radicals attack your body over time, making the damage worse as years go by. By the time you reach your 40’s, a significant amount of damage has been done.

It is not feasible to run away to a desert island and isolate yourself from free radicals. Your main defense against free radicals is to eat in a way that dismantles them. The fight against free radicals starts with your diet. Add plenty of foods with antioxidants, for best results. These include berries, dark chocolate, and kidney beans. Pecans and cilantro are also on the top ten list for antioxidant foods.

 

7. Stress

Stress
Daily stress may keep your cortisol levels up too long. This can lead to some chronic issues. Sleep deprivation, or poor sleep

Stress is hard on your body in a variety of ways. When you are stressed, your body makes more cortisol. This hormone signals the body to produce extra oil. This oil, in turn, can clog up your pores and cause acne. Individuals in their 40’s are often more stressed out than the younger crowd. The expectations of daily life can take their toll on your body. Stress is not just an emotional experience. Your body experiences many negative things then stress levels increase.

Daily stress may keep your cortisol levels up too long. This can lead to some chronic issues. Sleep deprivation or poor sleep may be a consequence of stress. When you are unable to get enough sleep, the body does not have time to repair itself. Your body works through both mental and physical issues while you are sleeping. This cannot happen when your schedule is thrown off. Acne can result when your body is not capable of fighting back.

During your 40’s, stress many stress factors are increased. You may have multiple children to tend to, a booming career, or health issues. While children and career are good things, they often lead to an abundance of activities, emotional drama, and lack of sleep. It can help to create, and adhere to, a schedule. Exercise can also spur the release of chemicals, called endorphins. This reduces stress and even raises your pain tolerance. A reduction in stress can impact the severity of your acne.

 

6. Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin Deficiency
Experts are working on whether or not high levels of vitamin B12 can increase the potential for acne.

A vitamin deficiency can easily occur at any time during your life. Health issues seem to be more pronounced, however, once you are well into your 40’s. You may develop health issues as you age, that require a change in what you need to get out of your diet. High fat foods are one thing that most people in their 40’s do not tolerate well, for example. Vitamin B12 is important for many health reasons, however, it may increase the possibility of acne.

Studies are still pending on whether or not high levels of vitamin B12 can increase the potential for acne. It is a delicate balance when it comes to B12. Too little can leave you with several symptoms, some of these include fatigue, anemia, and neurological problems. It is never advised to quit taking B12 if you are deficient. Working with your doctor to form a treatment and meal plan is the best option.

A good men’s or women’s daily vitamin can help you supplement your meals quite well. Regular bloodwork at your doctor’s office can help you identify where your body is deficient, as well. Your body cannot run efficiently when it is short on the necessary fuel. Vitamin requirements during time of pregnancy, for example, change quite a bit. Folic acid is much more necessary to make sure the baby develops. Maintain a balanced diet with proper supplementation to avoid acne in your 40’s.