We have all experienced acne at some point in our lives, says women’s health expert, author, and hormone Specialist Marla Ahlgrimm. However, while a break out every now and then typically doesn’t do more than inconvenience date night, some women experience acne to the point where it affects their mental health. Read more below.
Q: What causes acne?
Marla Ahlgrimm: There are many different reasons why a person may experience an acne outbreak. Typically, hair follicles become clogged and a rise in certain hormones, such as androgen, are the main causes. Pores can become filled with dead skin, oil, and even dirt, which can cause the face, neck, chest, arms, and back to be covered in red, swollen acne.
Q: How does acne affect a woman emotionally?
Marla Ahlgrimm: While acne doesn’t usually hold a health risk, it can affect a woman’s mental health. Because appearance is important, women may become self-conscious when they are constantly plagued by blemishes. Unfortunately, many women report avoiding looking in the mirror altogether or using heavy makeup to try to avoid or mask what they perceive as a physical flaw.
Q: Is it possible to reduce or eliminate acne?
Marla Ahlgrimm: In most cases, yes. Doctors can offer a prescription to certain medications that suppress the hormones that cause an overabundance of facial oil, which clogs pores. There are many over-the-counter treatments as well, including face washes and alcohol-based drying wipes.
Q: When does acne go away on its own?
Marla Ahlgrimm: For most people, acne is a teenage problem. Unfortunately, there are many women who experience prolonged acne outbreaks, often up to their 50s. This can make an older woman more self-conscious as she feels like she is still struggling with issues that should have been left behind decades earlier. But, a dermatologist can help, and women who suffer with unchecked acne can almost always find relief with the proper support and skin care routine.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,