In the last post we talked about real reason why you should refrain from popping your pimples. In this post we are going to talk about the underlying causes and treatment options for adult acne.

Did you know, women are twice as likely to suffer from adult acne than men? Leading to the conclusion that hormone levels play a big part in the development of acne breakouts.

According to acne.org, 50% of women suffer from adult acne, developing symptoms well into their 40s and beyond. It affects 25% of adult men one-third of adult acne sufferers experience breakouts on multiple areas of their body.

What Causes Adult Acne?

Of course, the answer to this question varies depending on the individual, but studies have shown that hormonal changes, stress, premenstrual cycles, allergies and certain cosmetics can play a big role in the onset of adult acne.

As we all know, acne occurs when pores become clogged with oil, bacteria and dead skin cells. If the pore remains open this combination of oily, dead skin cells turns into a blackhead. While many believe that acne, especially blackheads are caused by a lack of hygiene, this is completely untrue. As a matter of fact scrubbing and over washing your skin may actually irritate the severity of your acne breakouts.

Acne flare-ups in women commonly occur right before or during their menstrual cycle, which only goes to prove that hormones play a big role in adult acne cases. Male hormones have also been linked to the underlying cause of adult acne in both genders, but since women’s hormones fluctuate more than men’s, it stands to reason that there are more women who suffer from adult acne than men.

Adult acne can also be a possible side effect of some medications, like anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, and sobriety drugs. If you feel that your medication is causing or worsening your acne flare ups you should not stop taking it without consulting your physician. They will be able to help you determine whether or not the medication is the underlying cause of your breakouts, if there is an alternative medication you can try or simply adjust the dosage to help reduce the side effects.

The products that we use on our hair and skin can also be an underlying culprit when it comes to suffering from adult acne breakouts. Oil based products like sunscreens, lotions and hair treatments have been shown to promote a certain type of acne called acne cosmetica. When shopping for products be sure to look for ones labeled ìnon-
comedogenicî or ìnon-acnegenic.î as they will be less likely to lead to acne flare ups.

When it comes to treating adult acne there are a wide variety of options available, including over-the-counter acne medications specially designed for adult acne sufferers.

You’ll want to look for acne treatment products that are designed not to over dry the skin. Cleansers and creams that contain benzoyl peroxide have been proven to have good results when used properly, as well as retinoid creams which have also been proven effective for the treatment of adult acne. Just keep in mind that it often takes these types of treatment several weeks to show results.

Another option is hormone therapy. Studies have shown that it works very well for many adults, especially in women. Birth control pills that contain estrogen and progestins are commonly prescribed for female acne sufferers, because they are considered a safe and effective method of hormone delivery.

Taking supplements are a good option for acne sufferers. As we have discussed before, it’s important to consume a healthy, nutrient rich diet to help reduce the severity of your acne breakouts. It’s also a good idea to supplement with a good multivitamin to help boost your immunity and promote overall health. There are many herbal supplements shown to help regulate hormone levels and alleviate acne symptoms as well, like burdock, Lavender oil, Dandelion root and green tea.

When it comes to dealing with adult acne there is no simple answer. It’s just a matter of finding the right skin care regimen in conjunction with a healthy diet and specific treatments to help alleviate and eliminate breakouts. Always remember, when in doubt consult your dermatologist so that they can help you develop a plan this specifically designed for your skin type. You don’t have to fight this battle alone!

In the next post, we will be talking about some simple rules and treatment options for acne prone skin.