Treating Adult Acne

Acne is a common skin problem that affects not only teenagers, but also adults. Statistics show that one out of five women between the ages of 25 to 40 suffers from adult acne. Acne is a condition where the skin gets different types of bumps. Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and reddish inflammation with pus inside are examples of acne. Even though the infection may be short term, acne can really affect a person's self esteem.

Adult acne is caused by several factors. Consuming a bad diet can cause an outbreak. It's best to avoid overconsumption of carbohydrates, eating food with too much trans fat, eating processed oils and margarines, and eating processed foods. Another cause of adult acne is hormonal changes in the body which is a result of unbalanced diet, stress, medication, birth control pills, pregnancy or menopause.

The blocking or clogging of hair follicles can also cause acne. The reasons why pores get clogged are unknown but it may be due to heredity or a history of acne problems in the family. Another cause can be the body's function of getting rid of dead skin cells. If the cycle becomes irregular due to climate or other environmental forces, the body's production of sebum, oil in the skin, will increase which results in increased production of bacteria that causes acne.

Adult acne is a frustrating problem, but with the proper care and time, treatment on the acne can be effective. A combination of proper skin care, consulting with your dermatologist, and some patience is required in order to completely stop the acne from spreading. Here are some of the methods that you can use to treat your adult acne.

1. Common treatment for acne includes the application of facial creams, topicals, and solutions that contains benzyl peroxide. It is the common treatment for people with mild to moderate acne. Some people find that these products are too harsh for their skin and cause an imbalance in the PH, leading to more breakouts. That's why these treatments may not be for everyone.

2. Oral medications can also be used to minimize the fluctuations of hormones, which control the acne. These medications require a prescription from your doctor. Oral medications that regulate the hormones can be prescribed to women when the acne is accompanied by other symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and hair thinning. However, these products should not be taken by pregnant women.

3. Other procedures are also available to treat adult acne. To reduce the pain and swelling of the bumps, a corticosteroid can be injected by a dermatologist into the lesion. Washing the face with a mild facial cleanser is also recommended for patients with acne problems. Rubbing your face is discouraged because this may irritate the skin and make the acne problem worse. Do not pick or touch the lesions because it may spread the acne and may leave scars on the affected skin.

4. Another option is using laser therapy to get rid of the acne. A dermatologist can use laser to get rid of dead skin cells, kill bacteria, and smoothen out your skin. Lastly, do not get depressed if the treatment for the acne using the over-the-counter treatment fails. The lesions or the inflammation may not be acne and may be another form of skin infection. Visit a dermatologist to check on your skin problems. Your dermatologist will be able to give you the right diagnosis and treatment to solve your problem.