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Causes of Female Adult Acne – Why Women Suffer from Acne

The disdain for acne is universal. It can be extremely unattractive and unflattering especially if you have a big date or an event coming up. Every woman wants beautiful skin and would rather not spend the time or money to prevent and treat female adult acne. Adding insult to injury, acne can result in facial scarring which further exasperates the problem.

For many women, adult onset acne can be extremely distressing and frustrating as well as unexpected. This is because most women believe that acne is a condition that only affects teenagers. Unfortunately and perhaps unfairly, this isn’t always the case. Some women start to experience acne in their twenties and thirties, even if they never had problem skin before. This can occur for several reasons. Some of the most common explanations for female adult acne include hormones, stress, not drinking enough water and a poor diet.

Hormones and Acne

One of the primary causes of female adult acne are hormones. Many women experience acne breakouts just prior to menstruation. This is partly because the androgens (a hormone) become extremely stimulated during these times. Androgens cause the oil glands to work overtime which can lead to acne. The flare ups may start during the pre-menstrual time and continue throughout a woman’s period.

Other hormone laden times that can induce acne in women include pregnancy and menopause. Some women experience sudden acne breakouts when they are pregnant. Health professionals don’t agree on a specific reason why this is, but most believe it is due to fluctuating hormones. The same is true for women going through menopause.

Treatment for Women

There are several ways to deal with female adult acne. Most women try over-the-counter acne solutions. There are many effective, new products on the market. But if over-the-counter products don’t work, a visit to the doctor or dermatologist may be necessary to obtain a prescription strength acne medication. The medication may be some type of topical cream or oral antibiotics. Some doctors also prescribe birth control pills to women who are struggling with acne. This can help control androgens, the hormones that stimulate oil glands.

While treating female adult acne may be necessary to get control, it is important for women to speak with their doctor about any possible side effects these medications may have. Some acne medications are believed to increase thoughts of suicide, though this typically affects teens more then adults. There are also side effects associated with birth control pills. In most cases side effects are rare, but it is important to understand the risks.

Related posts:

  1. Female Acne – Identify the Female Factor
  2. Acne in Adult Women – A Common Acne Target

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