Contrary to what many people believe, acne does not only trigger during the teenage or adolescent years, as this can also afflict adults. Acne is a skin problem that is considered a normal part of growing up. However, some people just don't outgrow the said skin complication as they become adults.

Serious cases of acne can greatly affect the lives of adults, not only physically, but on the social and emotional aspects as well. Even people who are at the age brackets of 30 to 60 are still afflicted by adult acne or serious breakouts.

Causes of adult acne

Acne in adults is generally caused by an oily substance called sebum, which is basically produced by the sebacious glands of the skin. This oily substance can clog skin pores, thus, attracting bacteria and causing inflammation. Male adults develop acne due to hypersensitivity to male hormones known as androgens, which can cause breakouts. As for women, an imbalance in female hormones can cause breakouts. Hormonal imbalance in adult women occurs during menopausal, pregnancy, and pre-menopausal stages. The use of cosmetics and some over-the-counter and prescription medications can also trigger acne in adults.

Treatment for adult acne

Adult acne is not that easy to treat. Many available medications for acne treatment today are developed for teens' oily skin, which are not recommended for adults' drier skin. Adults can seek the recommendations of their dermatologists for effective and convenient treatments for acne. But you can also just rely on trial-and-error strategy in treating the said skin condition.

The following are some of the recommended self-treatment approaches in treating adult acne:

• Cleansers

Go for cleansing products that gentle and mild on the skin, such as the cleansing products Aquanil and Cetaphil. Stay away from strong gel products that contain granules and beads. These skin products can worsen and irritate sensitive skin.

• Lotions and creams

In using lotion or cream, opt to use over-the-counter retinol skin products for cleaning pores and reducing fine wrinkles. Acne scars can be treated using products that contain glycolic and salicylic acids. You can also dry breakouts by applying benzoyl peroxide as this can help dry and kill bacteria.

• Clinical solutions

If you want a faster way to treat acne, you may opt to use laser or intense pulsed light procedures that can treat and reduce acne scars. For a more effective treatment, you can choose blue light therapy treatment, for this can kill the bacteria that can cause acne. However, these clinical solutions are expensive compared to topical or medicinal treatments.

• Prescription medications

Doctors can prescribe topical antibiotic clindamycin, which can fight bacteria off the skin. Oral antibiotics can also be prescribed by doctors as treatment for acne. In addition, you can ask the doctor prescription for oral contraceptives as these can help control or balance hormones in your body.

• Proper skin care regimen

Proper skin care regimen is a must to prevent breakouts or acne. Always keep your face clean by washing the face twice or thrice daily. You can use facial cleansers and a soft wash cloth in washing your face. Do this for two to three minutes everytime you wash your face.