I am an adult! Why am I still battling acne? Adult acne can be frustrating and embarrassing but more than half of adults suffer from acne at some point in their adulthood. Since it is so common, what can be done about it?

Acne usually occurs when oil and dead skin cells get clogged in a pore and mix with bacteria. Adult acne can be caused by stress, hormones, birth control pills or bad cosmetics. This is why women are more likely than men to suffer from it. First, take a close look at your make-up. If you suffer from acne outbreaks, avoid make-up that is oil based. Choose products that are labeled noncomedogenic. Certain medical conditions and prescription medications can also cause acne. If you have other symptoms of a hormone imbalance or if your acne began when you started a new medication, consult your physician.

Adult acne often manifests itself differently than teenage acne. Adult breakouts are often mild or moderate and do not usually result in scarring. Blackheads and whiteheads are less common. Adult facial acne is usually seen on the chin, lower cheek and below the jaw line rather than all over the face as is common in adolescents.

As an adult with acne, you might choose to visit your dermatologist. A dermatologist can diagnose the condition on your face as acne or a very similar appearing skin condition called rosacea. Rosacea often appears with acne and can be caused by some acne medications. However, it is a separate condition and needs to be treated differently. A dermatologist can prescribe an effective topical or oral treatment for both acne and rosacea.

If you are confident that your skin condition is adult acne, you might choose to visit your local drugstore and try some of the over the counter treatments available. There are many kinds available but I suggest you do some research either by reading or searching the internet to learn what different ingredients can help or hinder the problem. I’ve suffered from adult acne for twenty years and made many mistakes. After many failed treatments, including professional help from a dermatologist, I took matters into my own hands and began researching everything about skin care. I was shocked to learn that many of the products marketed as acne treatments actually made acne worse.

I began seeking more holistic approaches to treating acne and found some relief but it takes time to see results. You first need to determine if the problem is just topical, such as bacteria clogging the pores of the skin, or you may suffer from nutritional problems. Some doctors recommend avoiding all dairy products for one month or more to eliminate extra hormones, which are pumped into commercially prepared dairy products. Switching to raw milk would eliminate this step. Another possible problem could be wheat products. Again, you should avoid them for a month and see if there are any changes. Most American’s diets lack many of the necessary vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and other nutrients required for new and proper cell growth.

The most important step you could take would be to keep a journal of everything you eat for a month as well as what products you use on your skin. If you see poor eating patterns, lack of exercise or rest, a life overloaded with stress or any other obvious problems, you should take steps to change bad habits and replace them with good ones. Do not forget to drink AT LEAST one half gallon of water per day.

No matter which acne treatment you try first, be sure to wash your face only twice a day with a mild cleanser. Also, use an oil-free, paraben-free moisturizer and limit sun exposure. Take the time to learn more about the ingredients in your cosmetics. There is a wealth of information available for anyone who wants vibrant, healthy skin.

Adult acne can be embarrassing. It is not a life threatening medical condition but it may have significant ramifications. Suffers of adult acne may have low self esteem and lack the self confidence to succeed. With all of the products available to treat adult acne, there is no reason to suffer. Visit your favorite health food store, drugstore or dermatologist soon and get the help you deserve.

Posted by Zoov on 21 Apr 2008 05:07 am
Filed Under: Health |