Adult Acne

Although it is viewed and believed as a teenage affliction, a great percentage of adults struggle with acne. In fact, certain medical reports have noted that acne generally affects 25 percent of all adult men and 50 percent of all adults at some points in their adult lives. And, it is interesting to know that it is with this fact that the term "adult acne" was coined.

Adult acne basically occur among people at the age of 30s, 40s and beyond. As you may know, it can be very hard to cope with no matter your age and acne can cause depression as well as social fretfulness in the life of an adult the same way that it can in an adolescent. It is also commonly noted that adult acne may have been caused by hormonal factors. So it is not a great wonder that today, most of the medical professionals have methods of getting your hormones in check.

Just like the normal acne, there are some driving factors that cause adult acne. One of those is the contact with an oily substance like the vegetable oil, mineral oil, or even petroleum oil. According to some studies, adult acne may also be caused by particular steroids and medications. Nevertheless, adult acne is often the product of the secretion of androgens. It is noted that as adults secret these sex hormones, it can then continue to cause problems with adult acne. And, as we usually know, poor dietary habits as well as lack of proper exercise are another contributing factor to adult acne.

Going back with androgens, it is important to know that androgens are male sex hormones in the first place, but they are also secreted by females. These hormones are primary contributors to adult acne for the fact that androgens generally rouse the production of oil from the oil glands of the skin. So when these oil glands become overactive and the exit from the gland is blocked, adult acne then pops up as it causes the oil to build up in the gland and later on swell.

In relation to this, certain studies have found out that a bacterium known as Propionibacterium acnes normally conquers this engorged gland, therefore causing the formation of inflammation as well as pus. There are some several instances in adult acnes that the glands burst into the skin, which then generates the production of bothering cysts.

Know The facts About Adult Acne Treatments


A number of adult acne treatments are now available. These adult acne treatments may be the over-the-counter products, prescription products, herbal, homeopathic, and others. One of the commonly considered adult acne treatment these days is benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is highly noted as the overall best adult acne treatment due to its strong and effective properties that can help to treat acne. It is interesting to know that this adult acne treatment is the key ingredient in the over-the-counter medications such as the Clearasil and Oxy. Nevertheless, benzoyl peroxide is noted for certain unfavorable side effects like redness and dryness. So it should only be used if nothing else works.

Another effective adult acne treatment that is available in the market these days are the derivatives of vitamin A. These adult acne treatments are actually retinoid medications that are powerful to prevent skin cells from clustering together and encourage shedding of the skin. It is worth noting that these adult acne treatments are typically applied once a day, and they can elevate sensitivity to the sun, therefore it is necessary that acne patients employ sunscreen.
However, just like the over-the-counter adult acne treatments, these retinoid medications are noted for some unfavorable side effects which involve dryness, redness, as well as irritation. Much worse is the fact that these adult acne treatments may cause psychological disorder and even birth defects.


It is with these hazards that most experts recommend the sexually active women to employ contraception during the treatment and have monthly lab work performed.

Several other adult acne treatments are out there, but almost all of them have considerable side effects. It is a good idea to take some precautions before considering or taking certain adult acne treatments since they may just worsen the skin condition if not taken or applied properly.