Many young adults who dealt with acne as teens experience breakouts during college when changes in lifestyle increase risk acne risk. According to Dr. Hans Sander of U.S. Dermatology Partners Jollyville, “Acne is common in the teen years and early 20s, so it’s no surprise that college students often deal with this condition. When young adults are at home, parents may be keeping track of their skincare routine and making sure they get to the dermatologist regularly, but young adults are less likely to take this step on their own. That means acne breakouts are common for college students. It’s important to take steps to manage acne and keep up with your daily skincare routine.” In this blog, Dr. Sander walks through common college acne causes and how to better manage and treat acne during the college years.
Common Causes of Adult Acne in College Students
At the most basic level, acne is caused by excess sebum (natural oil) production paired with dead skin cells that don’t shed rapidly enough, but there are other factors that play into whether a person will struggle with acne or just have a few blemishes. Common causes of adult acne in college students include:
- Stress – hormonal changes during puberty are well known to cause acne breakouts. Cortisol, the hormone released during stressful situations, can also trigger acne breakouts. The more stress we’re under, the more cortisol is produced. Cortisol increases the production of sebum and causes inflammation, making it more likely for pores to clog. Stress and acne really do go hand in hand.
- Poor skincare – many college students neglect their skincare routines when they get to school. Whether they’re busy or don’t have access to the same skincare products, failing to keep skin clean can significantly contribute to increased acne breakouts.
- Diet – while research is sparse, there is some evidence that a high glycemic diet can increase acne breakouts. High glycemic foods like French fries, chips, cereal, white bread, and doughnuts are common in the college student diet, which can contribute to an increase in breakouts.
- Lifestyle – lack of sleep, failure to keep sheets and towels clean, poor hydration, alcohol consumption, and other lifestyle changes during college also contribute to acne production.
Tips for Preventing Breakouts
If you’re looking to prevent college breakouts, consider some of the acne prevention tips below:
- Take care when Cleansing – use a gentle, non-drying facial cleanser at least twice a day and after exercising or sweating. Apply cleanser in gentle circles. Don’t scrub or use an abrasive sponge or other application device. Rinse with warm water. Then, dry skin by gently patting dry.
- Fight the temptations pop pimples – popping acne or even touching the face too often can increase risk for infection and scarring as bacteria, dirt, and grime from hands are transferred onto skin and trapped inside of pores.
- Minimize time in the sun – sun damage makes acne breakouts worse, and many common acne medications make skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Stay consistent with your skincare routine – a dermatologist can help you find the right products to manage acne breakouts, but consistency is the most important thing about an acne-fighting skincare routine. Develop a simple, effective routine and stick with it.
- Manage stress – make sure to cope with stress in healthy ways. Exercise, meditate, and if you feel especially stressed, take a few minutes to breathe deeply or give yourself a short break to do something you enjoy.
- Eat a balanced diet – rich, high glycemic index foods are fine in moderation, but make sure you eat a varied diet high in nutrients and drink plenty of water.
- Get enough sleep – the skin heals and regenerates during sleep. Getting enough sleep ensures skin stays healthy, smooth, and bright.
When to See a Dermatologist
A dermatologist is one of the most important resources you can rely on to manage acne. According to Dr. Sander, “I may not be the most object source as a dermatologist myself but visiting a dermatologist at least once a year can make a big difference in managing acne breakouts. Annual skin exams are a great way to keep severe acne breakouts at bay, but dermatologists can also provide more advanced treatments during acne flareups or to prevent a breakout.” Some common ways that dermatologists help college students fight acne include:
- Prescription medications – oral antibiotics, hormonal birth control pills, and prescription-strength topical retinoids can all benefit acne in certain situations.
- Chemical peels – removing the outer layer of skin stimulates skin cell turnover and reduces the risk for clogged pores as well as helping to clear up current breakouts.
- Laser therapy – may be used to reduce the number of bacteria on skin and diminish the severity of acne breakouts.
- Acne extractions – a dermatologist can safely clear clogged pores and heal blemishes to make acne breakouts shorter and less painful as well as reducing risk for acne scarring.
How to Find a Dermatologist When Away from Home
When it comes to finding a dermatologist, Dr. Sander says, “Start with a quick search from your phone. You can find some local dermatologists and look into current patient reviews. Don’t forget to check your campus clinic or health center. Dermatologists often provide services on college campuses, so you don’t even have to leave school for treatment. Your current dermatologist may provide a referral as well, and you shouldn’t forget to ask professors or students who are from the area if they have a recommendation.” Once you have some options in mind, follow the steps below to choose the best dermatologist:
- Ask for credentials – you’ll want to find a board-certified dermatologist.
- Evaluate experience – look for a dermatologist who specializes in treating acne.
- Read reviews – look for patient reviews online, especially from anyone who’s discussing acne treatment.
- Schedule a consultation visit – even if a dermatologist looks perfect on paper, they may not be a good fit once you sit down together.
Keep Acne-Prone Skin Clear & Healthy throughout Your College Years
Acne, like many skin conditions, is easier to prevent and manage than it is to clear up. According to Dr. Sander, “Working to keep skin clear by sticking to an affective daily skincare routine and partnering with a dermatologist to find the best products for your skin is much easier than clearing up acne breakouts. Dermatologists offer support for any type of acne at any stage of severity.”
Consult with a Dermatologist
The college years should be about enjoying yourself, seeking independence, building confidence, and becoming the person you’ve always dreamed of. Worrying about acne breakouts is a distraction you don’t need. If you’re interested in getting started working with a dermatologist to clear an acne breakout or keep acne-prone skin healthy, reach out to U.S. Dermatology Partners by completing our online scheduling form. Once we receive your request, we’ll be in touch to finalize the details of your upcoming visit.
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