Mild Adult Acne
For many teenagers, acne is an unfortunate side effect of growing up and the hormonal changes that accompany that process. However, acne is not limited to only the teenage years. Many adults suffer from acne during all stages of their life, with some individuals developing acne well into their 40s. Understanding the causes of adult acne, employing effective treatment techniques and making necessary steps to prevent future outbreaks can help make the condition manageable.
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Adult Acne Statistics
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Acne is a fairly common occurrence in adults. Approximately 25 percent of adult males and 50 percent of adult females will encounter acne in their lives, according to the Acne.org website. Research has suggested that an increase of adult acne has occurred in adults, according to an article, "Post-Adolescent Acne," published in the "International Journal of Cosmetic Science" in 2004, with many requiring treatment well into their 30s and 40s and some cases of acne showing up in people 60 and older.
Causes of Adult Acne
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Acne in adults occurs when an oily substance called sebum, produced in the sebaceous glands, clogs skin pores. Once the pores become clogged, bacteria enter the pores and inflames them, causing the outbreak of acne sores on the skin. Imbalances of male and female hormones can influence the frequency of outbreaks, leading many women to experiencing outbreaks during pregnancy and menopause. In some cases, cosmetics and medications also can contribute to outbreaks.
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Treatment of Adult Acne
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Treating acne in adults can be difficult, as many commercially available acne treatment are balanced for teenage skin. Experimenting with various treatments, including benzoyl peroxide cleanser, acne creams and prescription antibiotics is often required to narrow down an effective method for each individual case. Laser and light-based treatments are also available, but are often very expensive. Regardless of the treatment being used, moderation is recommended to prevent irritating the skin.
Prevention/Solution
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Effective face-washing practices are crucial for prevention of acne outbreaks in adults. Washing at least twice a day, scheduled to ensure that the skin is clean throughout most of the day, is important for acne prevention. A cleanser should only be used once a day if more frequent applications are causing dry skin. A cloth should not be used for face washing, unless it is designed for use with babies, as many cloths will be abrasive and cause irritation. When washing, warm water should be used, as hot water will cause skin to dry out.
Myths About Adult Acne
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Many myths have been developed about the causes of acne in both adults and teenagers. First and foremost, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what lifestyle choices contribute to acne. Chocolate, caffeine and stress have all been attributed to acne breakouts, without sufficient medical evidence. Other myths suggest that acne only will disappear over time or that pimples can simply be scrubbed away, neither of which is true, and can actually be harmful to skin care. The best way to be sure about acne breakouts and treatment is to visit a dermatologist, who can suggest an effective personalized treatment regiment.
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References
- Photo Credit skin care image by anna karwowska from Fotolia.com
