How to treat adult acne

There is a tendency to think that acne only affects people when they are in their teens and gradually wears off, as they become an adult. This isn't true. Although a majority of the people suffering from acne are indeed those in their teens, there is a significant adult population that also suffer acne. This type of acne is commonly known as adult acne.

Symptoms of adult acne

There are host of signs that might suggest whether someone is suffering adult acne.

• If the scalp and the face becomes oily quite readily, it sure could be a sign that there is an excess sebum production.

• Another more obvious sign of adult acne might be pimples, comedones such as blackheads, cysts, etc, appearing on the face, neck, back.

• Facial skin irritation could be an early sign of acne appearing.

What causes adult acne?

Adult acne can be caused because of a number of reasons. For example, if a person had suffered acne or was at least prone to suffering mild form of acne in their teens and early adult life, there is chance that acne could reappear much later.

• The onset of adult acne can also be caused for reasons of poor hygiene e.g. allowing pres to get clogged with sebum through lack of regular hair wash and skin care.

• During pregnancy, when there can be extra hormonal imbalances, there is an increased chance of acne.

• Stress can also be a big factor in the cause of adult acne because it can result in hormonal imbalance. Too much hormone can result in the sebaceous gland in producing an excess sebum production that gets to the surface of the skin through the pores, which leads to greasy askin and causes acne in the form of pimples, blackheads, etc.

• Genetic predisposition to acne. Many acne sufferers have genetic link on father's or mother's side.

Treatment

There are many ways to treat adult acne. In many aspects, adult acne treatments are similar to treating acne in a teenager.

Here are some treatments:

If the acne is mild then you can apply an OTC (over-the-counter) cream with either retinoid (containing retin a) as the main ingredient.

For more severe forms of acne, you should see your physician/doctor who will prescribe a medicine that is more potent than over-the-counter acne treatments.

Benzoyl Peroxide

This is a very common treatment for acne. It helps to unplug blocked pores and kills bacteria. This can be obtained in a chemist at different strength levels. Your doctor can recommend which concentration level you should start with depending on the severity of your acne.

Salycic

This is a mild chemical peel that can be done at home by applying a thin layer over the affected area.

Retin A

Another chemical peel, retinoic acid is a derivative of vitamin A. It has proved with many patients to be an excellent acne treatment. It comes in liquid solution and is applied in a mild coating over the affected areas. Retin a works as an exfoliant that removes dead skin cells at the top layer of the skin and unplugs the blocked pores. It is also good at suppressing sebum locally in the affected areas and helps to produce new skin cells.

Warning: Both salycic acid and retin A should be used during the night, using it during the day can irritate and cause mild burns because of exposure to the sun. Be sure to wear a sun cream during the day even though the treatments were used during the night.

Treating the cause

Since many people suffer adult acne due to hormonal imbalance, it might make more sense to see doctors who can prescribe a safe treatment to balance hormonal activity. In many cases, when this is done, the acne seems to gradually clear out.

Unfortunately, there are no cures for adult acne or any type of acne. While you can treat the causes of acne anytime, there is no permanent cure to treat their causes.

Acne scarring

To remove substantial acne scarring that may have resulted from severe acne problem, the best treatment would be laser treatment. Laser treatment is highly effective at removing dead skin cells and resurfacing the damaged skin by providing growth of new skin. Another option is to have a doctor administered chemical peel.