Acne and Adults
Though acne is
predominantly something you experience as a teenager, many adults between
the ages of 20 to 30, and even later in life, suffer an extended struggle
with this nasty skin affliction that they thought they had left behind in
their adolescence. Indeed, adult
acne can be both physically and emotionally uncomfortable, since we all
assume that we will eventually grow out of the skin condition that we fought
incessantly, and not always successfully, when we were younger.
Though similar in essence to adolescent acne in that both conditions
emerge due to the mixture of bacteria and overproducing follicles in one’s
skin, adult acne is considered by some doctors to be its own distinct
condition.
Though scientists have
yet to discover exactly what causes adult acne, they have managed to
identify certain factors that lead to its onset.
Firstly, genetic makeup plays a significant role – if you suffered
acne when you were younger, there is a greater chance that you may contend
with it at a later age. Hormone
imbalances are also commonly cited for adult acne, including, for women, the
pre-menstrual and menopausal stages, or the use of birth control pills that
contain androgen. Adult women
are also less sparing in their use of cosmetics, which can damage the skin
from overuse or due to their harsh composition.
It is typical for many adults to use lotions that are heavier than
necessary, or chemical compounds that aggravate dryness.
Moreover, as one ages, one’s skin has greater difficulty healing or
warding off the introduction of bacteria.
To treat adult acne
effectively, one must first realize that it should be handled differently
from teenage acne, mainly because adult skin cannot handle the severity of
the cleaning agents that one used during adolescence.
Your best option would be to obtain a cleanser that contains
salicylic acid, a substance that helps exfoliate dead skin, and prevents
clogging from the accumulation of dead skin cells in follicles.
Benzoyl peroxide is another effective solution, as are light peels
that help with exfoliation. One
is cautioned to select mild treatments, however, with active ingredient
content no higher than 2.5 percent, as irritation will only aggravate the
condition. For women, birth
control pills that suppress the production of androgen hormones may be a
salient option, as these hormones are responsible for the stimulation of the
oil glands.
It is also recommended
that one visit a dermatologist to help deal with the outbreaks if they turn
out to be more pronounced than the usual array of blackheads and whiteheads.
Pustule, nodule and cystic acne are best dealt with by a
professional, and quickly. If
you wait too long, the acne may inflict terrible scarring, which looks much
worse and will be deeper on older skin.
New technology is
becoming available to treat adult acne, which includes a combination vacuum
and laser system for siphoning out and destroying bacteria, called Isolaz.
This innovation is simply the latest in a long line of preventive and
remedial processes available to any adult suffering from acne, to help you
finally leave behind your childhood blemishes.
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