How to Clear Your Skin and Stop Worrying!

Acne...Again? Is Adult Acne affecting you?

Acne is the most common of all skin diseases. It affects 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24. Adult acne affects nearly half of all women and 25% of men well into middle age. Just when you thought your "bad skin" days were over, adult acne strikes. Fight back now with adult-strength treatment. As dermatologists will tell you, "bad" skin isn't just for teens. The good news is that powerful treatments are now available to help fight adult acne. The Problem Adult acne is a common problem, but under-recognized. As Jeffrey Weinberg, MD, director of clinical research at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York. "Acne can occur later in life. It can be one or both types. People think it doesn't happen in adults, but it does." The two types of acne referred to are (1) the acne typically suffered by teenagers, with the ugly medical name: acne vulgaris, and (2) the acne that is a long-term disease that affects the skin and sometimes the eyes, called acne rosacea or just rosacea. If you have rosacea, you should click here. But, fortunately or unfortunately, if you are an adult suffering from acne, you may have regular old acne (like the kind you suffered as a teenager). It isn't just for kids; adults can get it, too. But this time around better treatments are available to fight adult acne. Nearly everybody thinks that poor hygiene causes acne. That's just not so. Adult acne and teen acne are caused by a combination of various factors: hormones leading to excess oil secretion, faulty closing of the hair duct, and infection. Gentle face washing twice a day is much better than more frequent washing. Women are more likely to have adult acne, while men tend to scar more if not properly treated. Either way, adult acne is something to take seriously, and can have long term physical and physcological effects. Treatments for Adult Acne First, don't squeeze pimples at home. You get immediate results but risk infection and scars. Plus, squeezing or picking at pimples is a great way to spread your acne. Don't do it! If you absolutely must "squeeze that zit" let your doctor do that. Doctors use a special sterile instrument to prevent scarring, infection, and acne spread. Alternatively, you can check out skin care products that are available. Buying the right product is confusing and a tough choice. Which ones should you use? It's not an easy choice. The right treatment depends on which type of acne you have. A trip to your dermatologist can help you, diagnosing your problem and offering you samples of prescription products and over-the-counter medicines to try.

Adult Acne Articles

The development of topical retinoic acid, a form of vitamin A, has been a major breakthrough in the treatment of adult acne. New, slow-release forms greatly reduce the irritation it can cause.

• Azelaic acid cream
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and gluconic acid)
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Topical antibiotics (gels, lotions, and solutions) 
• Antibiotic pills (haphazard use may lead to antibiotic resistance)
• Birth control pills for women
• Accutane or Sotret for severe acne

One caution: Accutane and Sotret can cause birth defects. Women using these treatments must use foolproof birth control. Still, despite this and other concerns these drugs remain the prescription treatment of choice for severe acne.

Finally, when caring for your skin, be sure to use oil-free, non-comedogenic lotions and sunscreens. Use something very simple to wash your face with, as well as low-strength benzoyl peroxide.

Choosing Between Prescription and Over the Counter Treatments

Everyone wants their skin to be the best possible. Before deciding on whether to take a prescription acne treatments, you should consult your doctor. Also, be sure that you know the risks of Accutane: