While acne is usually considered to be the curse of teenagers, there are actually many adults who experience frequent breakouts. Approximately 25% of men and 50% of women suffer from adult acne and the numbers appear to be increasing. Yet despite the large percentage of adults with acne, there is still no “magic bullet” as far as treatments.
The information on this site was put together to help adult acne sufferers understand the causes and various treatment options for their acne problems. While acne is not life-threatening, it is a disease which causes much angst. Your best defense against this skin disease, as with any other disease, is knowledge. If you can identify the source of your acne, you will be more likely to cure it.
Causes & Effects of Adult Acne
The exact causes of adult acne are unknown, but stress and hormones are two likely culprits. While some adults have had acne since their teenage years, others may experience acne for the first time in adulthood. Women in particular may experience a sudden outbreak in acne after discontinuing use of the birth control pill or during pregnancy. Some women even first develop acne during menopause!
Meanwhile, adult acne can have long-lasting effects on the physical appearance and confidence of those who suffer from it. As a person ages their skin is less able to repair the damage left by acne, resulting in a higher prevalence of acne scars. The psychological effects are less obvious outwardly however, it is clear that most adults with acne feel self-conscious and discouraged by their appearance.
Adult Acne Skin Care & Treatments
Treatments for adult acne are often the same treatments used for teenage acne problems. However, because adult skin is less resilient than the skin of someone younger, it is important for adults to avoid overly harsh skin care solutions. For some adults, less is more when using skin cleansing and acne products.
Benzoyl peroxide is still an effective treatment for acne in adults. There are many over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide including the popular Proactive Solution skin care line. Still, proper care should be taken to manage the drying effects of benzoyl peroxide on skin.
Mild to moderate acne that does not respond to over-the-counter methods may respond to treatments obtained from a dermatologist. Topical retinoids and oral antibiotics are usually prescribed and can work well in combination. There are also acne treatments that specifically address hormonal acne and new progress is being made in laser acne treatments. While seeing a dermatologist can be expensive, it may be necessary if over-the-counter remedies have been ineffective.
Overall, determining the best treatment for adult acne can take time and money. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Spend time evaluating the various options in eliminating adult acne and start experimenting. Finding the solution to your case could mean trying many products before finally finding success. But do not get discouraged and know that you are not alone, an acne-free existence could be one product away.
