Acne in Your Adult Years

By Raymond Stark

Up until the last few decades, parents were providing guidance to their teens as to how to successfully combat acne. In present day, parents continue to help their teens with this disorder and vice-versa. This is clear indication that the acne problem has literally grown out of control. Adulthood used to translate to clear skin, but things have drastically changed since then. These days, teens transitioning to adulthood are considered fortunate if their skin stays clear for a few years following their school years. Adults often struggle trying to decide upon an acne treatment. After all, skin care companies have always marketed their products towards a young demographic. The truth is that tackling adult acne is not as complicated as some like to think.

In both teenagers and adults, acne occurs when the hair follicle becomes plugged with dead skin. Oil (also known as sebum) which travels up the hair follicle to the surface of the skin, remains trapped inside the hair follicle, feeding a multiplication frenzy of p. acnes bacteria inside. The body's immune system responds to the bacterial growth with inflammation, which surfaces on our skin.

Acne treatments focus on attacking the p. acnes bacteria as well as the skin turnover problem that leaves dead cells lingering on the skin. Commercially available treatments mostly eliminate bacteria, with additives like benzoyl peroxide. The exfoliating effect is often more negligible. Prescription medications tackle the disorder from both fronts with equal amounts of effort. Topical retinoids are the weapon of choice, one of them being Retin-A. These speed up skin sell turnover to prevent pore blockages. Antibiotics are used to control acne bacteria. Adults can experience results with either commercial or prescription products. The main determinant is the severity of their disorder. Acne that has re-risen from your teenage years will likely be more responsive to prescription treatments.

Anything that worked for you as a teenager should be given another shot. If you never had acne as a teenager, a tube of benozyl peroxide and a good cleanser is the best starting off point. If the acne does not respond after a few months, a dermatologist visit should be scheduled. The physician will provide you with some topical creams like and oral medications like the ones prescribed above to cure your disorder. Laser acne treatments and derabrasion procedures are some other options which you might consider.

The adult years are usually much more stressful than those that preceded them. Hence, the fact that acne is afflicting more and more adults is not necessarily very surprising. Developing strategies to manage stress and keeping your sleep habits consistent can help you maintain clear skin. Eating habits might also need be modified to yield optimal results. These changes might seem drastic now, but they will ensure that you have a long and healthy future. - 30292

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