Treating Adult Acne

Acne is a common condition affecting adults of all ages, including 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men. Whether you are 22 or 62, you may be prone to developing adult acne. Because it is so common, there is a myriad of new treatments and procedures.

You may wonder why your condition persists after using every exfoliant, facial toner, and skin treatment on the market. Although the precise reason for acne in adults remains unknown, current research is finding that acne is caused when:
* bacteria multiply excessively within the hair follicle
* an oil-releasing blockage develops from the sebaceous gland
* enlarged sebaceous oil glands yield the overproduction of oil

Adult acne is most often caused by genetic and hormonal changes. Contributing factors can include side effects from certain medications, cosmetic products with high oil contents, excessive sweating, stress, pregnancy, and menopause.

Blockages of bacteria and oil can build, leading to adult acne problems including pimples, inflammation, cysts, and scarring. Adult acne most often appears on the face; however, it can appear on the arms, legs, buttocks, and torso.

Adult acne can be physically painful and it can interfere with everyday life. Adults who are concerned about the first impression they make with others will be especially interested in facial acne treatments and remedies.

The appropriate treatment for acne varies depending on the individual and the doctor. Some of the products currently on the market include ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retin-a, cleocin-t, accutane, sulfur, erthythromyicin, doxycyline and tetracycline. But there's more than medicine to treating adult acne.

A multifaceted approach of treatments, behaviors, and diet is often most effective. Here are a few simple strategies to help you combat adult acne:
* Consult your doctor about hormonal changes.
* Protect skin from pollution with toners and moisturizers.
* Limit exposure to high humidity.
* Do not touch or scrub your face or the blemishes on your skin.
* Do not wear apparel that is tight on the face or skin, including tight collars or helmets.
* Follow a daily skincare regimen.
* Avoid exposure to sun and excessive cold.
* Select non-oily cosmetic products.
* Eat a well-balanced diet.

Skin procedures can be used for the prevention, onset, or aftermath of adult acne:
* microdermabrasion
* chemical peels
* laser skin resurfacing (for acne scars)
* laser scar removal (for deeper acne marks on the face)

Oral Medications
If acne isn't improving with topical treatments, you may need oral medications. Of all the oral acne medications, Accutane is probably the most widely known. Accutane (isotretinoin) may be an option for those whose acne isn't being effectively controlled with other treatments. But it is really is meant for those with severe or cystic acne, not for people who get the occasional breakout.

But Accutane isn't the only oral medication used to treat acne breakouts. Oral antibiotics are also helpful in clearing some cases of adult acne, especially inflamed acne breakouts. Oral antibiotics are often prescribed along with a topical treatment, like Retin-A. Often the oral antibiotic is used just until acne is under control, and then is stopped. At that point the topical treatment alone keeps acne from returning. This is a good point to remember for those who are worried about taking oral antibiotics for a long period of time.

When buying cosmetics or other skin or hair care products, look for ones labeled noncomedogenic - meaning that they do not clog pores and are less likely to cause acne. Your dermatologist is the best source of information when choosing skin care products that can work in tandem with your acne therapy to improve the overall appearance of your skin.