Adult Acne? – Don’t Feel You’re Alone. It Happens!

By Robert G. Knechtel

While we think of acne as a teenage affliction, adults in
surprising numbers are vulnerable to this skin disorder. Both
teenagers and adults with acne often react by wanting to
isolate. However, as a grown-up you should take some comfort
in the knowledge that you are by no means alone.

Statistics reveal that, at some time in their lives, 25% of
adult men and 50% of adult women will experience an acne
outbreak more serious that an occasional zit or two. So, the
teenage stereotype basically is a myth.

Adult Acne Solutions – Medicine and Other Approaches

Almost always, the first thing that comes to mind for treating
adult acne in its more virulent manifestations is what choices
among the many acne medicines would make sense. Those under
care of a dermatologist likely will be prescribed one or more
of the most commonly indicated acne medications, including
Accutane, Retin-A, Erythromycin, Tetracycline and Doxycycline.

For really severe adult acne, i.e. the kind that can scar, many
physicians are quick to prescribe Accutane. This is a very
powerful medication that attacks the underlying cause of acne
from the inside out by shrinking oil glands. An excess of skin
oil is the underlying cause of acne. A natural oil called
sebum builds to abnormal levels, clogging skin pores, leading
to the growth of microbes which are responsible for acne
flare-ups.

One of Accutane’s huge drawbacks is its well documented
incidence of side effects. First, it can produce severe birth
defects in pregnant women. Secondly, many experience mild to
moderate aches in the joints and muscles as well as dry and
cracked lips, dry skin, dry mouth and dry nose.

There are many who claim, on the other hand, that their adult
acne is especially susceptible to treatment with benzoyl
peroxide, an ingredient found in several of the
over-the-counter creams and ointments. Excellent results are
often obtained when these remedies are combined with good diet
and proper hydration.

Under any circumstances, if you do nothing else, drink plenty
of water! Your skin needs water for hydration i.e.
moisturizing. As an adult acne victim, your skin will suffer
from dehydration. Control of acne is also enhanced by eating a
balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Combining diet and hydration with vitamins is also recommended.

Vitamins A, B, C, and E are believed to have beneficial
effects, especially vitamin A. The latter helps to control
hormonal levels which in turn controls production of sebum. In
addition, vitamin A operates as an antioxidant which strengthens
skin tissue.

Beyond medication, diet and hydration there are more invasive
treatment techniques to which many turn to cope with the
consequences of adult acne.

Microdermabrasion

In cases of mild acne scarring, microdermabrasion is becoming
more of a treatment of choice. However, it is not useful for
severe scarring. Moreover, those of advanced age or with
sensitive skin usually are not candidates for this technique.
One of its advantages is that the treatment is brief and
results become apparent very quickly.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a relatively new process to come on
the scene in adult acne treatment. By using a laser light, this
method can reach even deeper skin layers than microdermabrasion.

Chemical Peeling

Improvement in skin discoloration and age spots, as well as
light freckling and scarring also can be brought about by
chemical peeling. It will stimulate growth of new, healthy
skin cells which is quite beneficial for adult acne sufferers.

What is the Price of All This Adult Acne Treatment?

Costs for acne remedies can vary from just a few dollars for a
tube of over-the-counter medication to thousands of dollars for
more proactive approaches. Antibiotics and prescribed topical
creams and lotions can cost upwards of $200 per month. Skin
resurfacing treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical
peeling, lasers, etc. can cost from less than $100 to
thousands, depending on where treatment is rendered. If you
suffer from adult acne, watch out in Beverly Hills!

Robert G. Knechtel operates a number of websites, some covering skin disorders, including Acnezine Acne Treatment - All-Natural Remedy– AcneChronicle.Com and Treatment for Plaque Psoriasis and More – PsoriasisOne.Com.Read more articles by: Robert G. Knechtel