Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that you and almost everyone you know of have dealt with. It affects almost everyone at any stage in life. More than 80% of minor acne sufferers are between the ages of 12 and 24. [1] Acne also occurs in adults between the ages of 30 and 40.
Typically, acne begins at puberty. Most people survive their teen years from an occasional acne breakout, and eventually, acne naturally goes away after puberty ends. But acne may persist into adulthood. You can treat acne with the proper solution as prescribed by a medical professional.
So does acne go away naturally? Here, we give insight into your acne woes and tackle how to deal with acne the natural way.
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Does Acne Go Away Naturally, on Its Own?
Acne does naturally go away…for most people. Acne goes away naturally for many teens at the end of puberty, but often it doesn’t go away naturally for some adults.
For adult acne sufferers, proper treatment is necessary. If it doesn’t get treated, and you continue having acne, it can lead to low confidence and anxiety. There are many treatments available, so don’t just sit and wait for it to go.
Teens and young adults may experience mild acne at this stage in their life. Mild acne does not leave permanent marks on the skin. Ignoring your acne during puberty can actually help.
Washing your skin is not the only thing that will make your acne go away or keep it away. However, for mild acne, washing can help remove dead skin cells, clear clogged pores, and eliminate excess oils.
When acne is caused by various biological and environmental factors that are beyond the control of face washing, you may opt for proper acne treatments.
During adulthood, some people may experience adult acne. Adult acne affects people over 24 years of age, especially women. Studies show that 12-22% of women suffer from adult acne compared to 3% of men. [2] A trip to your dermatologist may be in order since adult acne does not simply go away.
7 Most Common Causes of Acne
First, to understand acne and how it can go away naturally, we cover the causes of acne and how it develops.
According to doctors and dermatologists, the causes of acne are linked to the increase of hormones from childhood to puberty. This hormonal increase can cause the oil (sebaceous) glands to clog up. Your skin pores connect to these oil glands, thus producing more oil (sebum).
The pores connect to the glands via a canal, which is called a follicle. Inside the follicle, the oil carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin.
Once the follicle of a skin gland clogs up, a pimple grows. Pimples can be found typically on the face, back, chest, and neck, but they can appear anywhere in the body.
Various factors trigger acne, which includes:
- Hormones
- Family history and genetics
- Diet
- Oily skin
- Skincare products and makeup
- Certain types of medications
- Stress
1. Hormones
During puberty, females have an increase in male sex hormones called androgens. Androgen increase causes the skin glands to make more sebum. Also, the menstrual cycle triggers acne lesions. These lesions form a few days pre-menstruation and go away naturally post-menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal changes may improve acne or worsen acne in some women.
2. Family History and Genetics
For men and women who have family members with a history of acne, there is a good chance they will have it, too.
3. Diet
Here’s a myth buster: Experts have not found a link between diet and acne.
Contrary to what many think, having a strict diet will not be a silver bullet to clearing your acne. It is common for acne to be aggravated by certain foods, such as chocolate or greasy and fatty foods; however, there is no scientific evidence that suggests such foods cause or influence acne.
If you think that a certain food seems to worsen your acne, just avoid it. Also, seek a medical professional for advice and proper diagnosis.
4. Oily Skin
Oily skin is simply caused by your sebaceous glands working overtime and producing too much oil. Oily skin is thick with large pores and tends to develop acne. Most people, who have oily skin, are prone to acne breakouts.
5. The Wrong Skin Care Products and Makeup
Makeup and skincare products are not the real causes of the acne itself, but using oil-based ones, such as greasy foundations and thick moisturizers, frequently can trigger acne flare-ups, especially in women.
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This mask is highly effective at hydrating and minimizing pores, which will clear your acne faster and leave your skin less prone to acne flare-ups.
6. Certain Types of Medications
Medications and treatments, such as those used to treat types of depression, bipolar disorders, or epilepsy, can aggravate acne. Some women get acne when they discontinue using birth control pills that have been keeping those pimples and zits at bay.
7. Stress
Stress can have physiologic effects on the body. The effects of stress include hormonal changes that may eventually lead to acne.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one of the key treatments for acne patients is proper stress management.
When Does Acne Stop for Men?
Interestingly, acne seems to affect both men and women in different ways. Young men are more likely to have a more serious form of acne.
Acne in guys occurs around puberty. Usually, acne in guys tends to become visible on their backs and forehead areas and spreads out around the face and neck. Unfortunately, acne in men doesn’t go away naturally.
Medical experts advise that teenage guys should control their acne earlier on by avoiding oil-based skincare products and visiting a dermatologist. This way, the acne doesn’t persist during adulthood.
During adulthood, acne in guys usually clears up. However, while females are more prone to adult acne, as studies show, guys can also experience adult acne occurrence.
When Does Acne Stop for Women?
Acne in young women is due to hormonal changes, such as menstruation. As women get older, acne gets better. It is best to avoid squeezing those blemishes. The acne will naturally go away over time.
But some women suffer from acne for many years. Some women even get acne for the first time at around ages 30 to 40.
For many women, acne can be distressing; women may have feelings of depression, low self-esteem, or poor body image. But don’t just wait to outgrow acne naturally. Acne is treatable; consult your doctor or dermatologist to help you find the right treatment options that suit your condition.
How to Encourage Acne to Go Away Faster
Skin experts agree that certain treatments, such as certain facial creams and washes, antibiotics, birth control pills, and even Accutane, will never really clear up your skin. These treatments may temporarily suppress acne, but unless the root cause is resolved, acne breakouts will continue to persist.
According to skin experts, acne can’t be prevented, but it can be treated. Also, know that your body has the innate ability to heal, so rest assured your mild acne can go away real soon.
Here are surefire ways to help you say goodbye to your acne the natural route:
1. Use Natural Skin Care Products
Ditch the harsh, chemically-laden personal care products and makeup. Beat your acne blues by using natural skin care products that include a list of ingredients, such as aloe vera and natural oils like coconut oil, tea tree oil, and olive oil for their healing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects. Avoid fragrant oils that may do more harm than good to your skin.
One of my all-time, favorite natural skin care products includes the Terra Pure Green Tea Body Wash.
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This luxuriously-feeling, pleasantly-scented body wash is enriched with aloe vera, organic honey, and green tea leaves. It is effective at removing impurities, dirt, makeup, and other toxins from the skin, leaving it less likely to become inflamed and produce acne.
There are also plenty of good natural makeup options out there that you can choose from. You can also look for non-comedogenic cosmetics with an anti-acne formulation, such as the TROIAREUKE Korean Cushion Makeup Foundation for Sensitive, Acne-Prone, or Oily Skin.
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Please remember that the choice of cleansers and cosmetics should be made with your doctor or dermatologist.
2. Relax and Stress Less
Studies show that stress can provoke acne to grow and develop. When we are often stressed, it messes with our hormones and digestion; this leads to problems with the skin.
You must learn to deal with your emotional and mental stresses in a more positive, healthier way, such as getting sufficient sleep and taking time out for yourself.
3. Taking Natural Supplements
Natural supplements benefit your body more than you think. Not only do they have multiple health benefits using only natural ingredients, but they are also usually packed with vitamins, nutrients, and minerals.
Natural supplements help support your body to regain its ability to heal your skin from acne. Compared to acne medications, they are usually gentler without side effects.
However, everyone is unique, and the natural supplements that may work for you may not work for another person depending on the acne condition.
Conclusion – Does Acne Go Away on Its Own?
So to revisit our initial question, does acne go away on its own? Whether it’s mild, puberty-prompted acne, or chronic adult acne, everyone’s acne should be treated separately.
Acne can go away naturally (and adult acne can go away naturally too after some time), but if acne seems persistent and advances to adulthood, it is best to consider seeing a doctor or dermatologist for your acne problems. Your dermatologist will prescribe which treatments are best for you.
To help make your acne go away faster, use natural skin care products, relax and stress less, and take natural supplements. With these tips, and the right lifestyle and skin care routine, your acne will clear up before you know it!