29th November 2011 - Could your career be giving you acne?
Acne is largely associated with teenage skin but thousands of women in the UK start suffering years later as possible result of added stress in their twenties and thirties.
As many as one in five women experience the onset of adult acne after the age of 25, with many more suffering spots to a lesser degree. This is at the same time as life becomes busier and more stressful for the many women who pursue a career as well as caring for their children.
It is thought that stress could be a cause because it means that more male hormones are released from the adrenal glands, triggering an increase in oil production in the skin. This leads to blocked pores and the development of spots.
Interestingly, many of these women did not suffer significant acne as teenagers as adult acne is not the same as teenage acne. The spots or cysts that form in adult acne are often located deeper under the skin and are not confined to the typical T-zone that is associated with teen acne.
A researcher who has studied adult acne extensively said: "It’s time to evaluate who we think gets acne. It’s not recognised enough how much it affects the lives of adult women.
“For many, it kicks in in later life when they have to juggle families and careers at the same time. Many of the female patients I see also have stressful jobs and a lot to deal with.”
5 tips for de-stressing
Healthy living is key to the ethos of Green People’s founder Charlotte Vøhtz and she has published a book, Naturally Gorgeous, which shares her lifestyle secrets.
Amongst the pages are found many tips for de-stressing, which is important for maintaining a healthy body and mind.
- Have a relaxing scalp massage once a week using Jojoba oil mixed with an essential oil.
- Practice slow breathing for one minute several times a day.
- Stretch stiff, tense muscles in back, neck and shoulders by raising your arms over your head.
- Do some exercise – swimming is particularly good for de-stressing.
- Have fun and go shopping in your favourite store! Retail therapy really can work.
3 natural products for acne skin care
Green People has a number of organic skincare products particularly suited to the needs of women with adult acne. They are gentle on sensitive skin and use natural ingredients such as Willow Bark and Green Tea to combat bacteria and inflammation.
Protective SPF moisturiser
for everyone
£14.95
50ml
Protective SPF moisturiser
for men
£16.50
50ml
Protective SPF moisturiser
for teens
£11.95
50ml
Read more about our natural acne skin care products and how they work.