Why Do I Still Get Acne and How Can I Get Rid of It?

Getting acne as a teenager is bad enough, but when you’re an adult, you expect it to be over. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, as acne affects plenty of adults. You can develop acne well into your 30s, 40s, and beyond for a variety of reasons. 

At The NP Next Door, board-certified nurse practitioner Kim Delaney offers personalized, in-home aesthetics and wellness services in and around Orlando, Florida, and telehealth appointments for all Florida residents for common conditions like acne.

Here, she looks at why adult acne happens and what you can do about those pesky zits. 

What causes adult acne?

Whether you’re experiencing occasional breakouts or stubborn acne that won’t disappear, here’s how to understand what’s going on with your skin and how to clear it up. 

Hormones 

Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels fluctuate at all stages of life, but there are times when they’re especially chaotic. For example, pregnancy, perimenopause, menstruation, or stopping birth control can stimulate oil glands and lead to breakouts. 

Stress 

Stress produces the hormone cortisol, which can trigger increased oil production and cause breakouts. 

Skin products 

Makeup, skin care products, and sunscreen can clog pores and worsen breakouts. 

Diet and lifestyle 

Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta, might make you more prone to acne breakouts. Research suggests that reducing dairy and refined carbs in your diet can improve your skin. 

Over-the-counter products may not be enough 

If drugstore acne treatments haven’t helped, it’s likely they aren’t treating the source. Typical over-the-counter products use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to unclog pores and clean skin, but they don’t address hormonal or other underlying causes. 

Additionally, these treatments can irritate your skin and make your acne worse. 

Effective adult acne treatments 

At The NP Next Door, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to your skin. We may recommend: 

Topical retinoids 

Prescription-strength retinoid creams can help prevent clogged pores, improve cell turnover, and reduce inflammation. 

Oral medications

Depending on the cause of your acne, we might recommend an oral medication to balance your hormones and reduce your body’s excess oil production. 

Medical facials and chemical peels 

Professional treatments can exfoliate deeply, reduce scarring, and control oil production without damaging your skin. 

Laser and light therapies 

Blue light or intense pulsed light (IPL) targets bacteria and inflammation to support overall skin healing. 

What’s next? 

Acne can be frustrating, but you don’t have to battle it alone. If you’re tired of fighting breakouts, it may be time for a custom approach. Schedule a consultation today with The NP Next Door to find a solution that works for your skin. 

What's the Difference Between Botox and Dysport?

If you’re exploring possible options to smooth out fine lines or treat medical conditions like chronic migraines or muscle spasms, you’re not alone. Millions of others also want to look younger and feel their confident best. BotoxⓇ and DysportⓇ are two well-known brands you’ve probably heard of. Both are FDA-approved, but they’re not interchangeable. 

Kim Delaney, our nurse practitioner here at The NP Next Door in Orlando, Florida, a concierge wellness company, offers Botox and Dysport services.

She breaks down the differences between these two popular procedures.

Botox vs. Dysport 

Both are injectables containing the same active ingredient, known as botulinum toxin type A.   Yet they have different formulas.

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) are what are known as neuromodulators. This means they work by temporarily relaxing muscles to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. They also reduce muscle spasms or tightness that can cause headaches or involuntary muscle twitching. 

The primary difference between the two brands is their formulations, specifically the size and structure of their protein molecules. 

Dysport contains smaller protein molecules than Botox. These smaller molecules help the injectable to spread faster and more easily. Botox is more concentrated and therefore more targeted. 

When it comes to choosing one over the other, it depends on the purpose. Dysport is suitable for larger areas, such as your forehead, while Botox is more precise. We often recommend Botox for fine lines around your mouth or between your eyebrows. 

How long before you see results

Dysport can be a little faster. You might see results as quickly as 2-3 days compared to Botox’s 3-5 days. Typically, it takes around two weeks to see the best results. 

Yet, everyone is different, and your muscle tone, skin type, and metabolism can affect how quickly you see results. 

How long does it last ?

We give a general guideline of 3 to 6 months for both products. However, regular treatments might extend the results over time as your muscles are trained to relax. 

Are they safe? 

Both Botox and Dysport are safe when administered by a qualified professional. The side effects include temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection area. Occasionally, people experience more serious side effects like drooping eyelids or uneven results, but it’s not common.

Expert advice 

Botox and Dysport are similar but have subtle differences. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. 

We tailor your treatment plan to your specific goals, lifestyle, and facial anatomy. During your consultation, we discuss your options. 

You can make an appointment online with The NP Next Door for treatments in the comfort of your own home.