Friday, November 27, 2009

Adult Acne - What Is It and How Can You Treat It?

By Joy Byers

You may be surprised to learn that adult acne is actually fairly common. Everyone knows teenagers often develop pimples as their hormones kick in, but the assumption is teens will "outgrow" their acne.

Although for many lucky people this is the case, but for many others acne can be a persistent problems far past the teen years. Acne during the teen years can have a devastating effect on their self-esteem but adult acne can cause even more psychological stress. It can be disheartening to see your friends and coworkers with clear skin while you are still dealing with pimples that were supposed to be long gone!

Some cases of adult acne are simply a continuation of their teenage acne, but for others it can appear for the first time in their adult years. Some women who previously had no skin problems, battle acne for the first time when their hormones shift while having a baby or going into menopause.

Adult acne can be aggravated by the stresses of career and family, along with a poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle that is so common today.

Dermatologists say acne seems to be on the rise in adults today. While no one is certain why, it seems there is a connection between our unhealthy lifestyles and skin problems.

Males generally have more severe forms of acne and more serious acne scars. The male hormones, or androgens, are the culprits behind this skin condition and young men suffer the most. Ironically though, women have more trouble with chronic acne and pimples in their adult years. Women have the unique hormonal shifts from taking birth control pills, menstrual cycles, pregnancies and menopause, which can cause skin eruptions at these times.

Acne seems to be on the rise today and experts do not know exactly why. Many doctors believe stress and environmental factors such as hormones and antibiotics added to our foods, chemicals in our environment, diets high in sugar and low on nutrients are contributing to the increase.

What can you do about adult acne?

Even though there is no actual "cure" for acne, there are many over the counter and prescription medications that can bring this skin problem under control. Today new laser technologies also show promise, particularly in chronic and severe cases of acne. The best approach is to control acne as soon as it is a problem and prevent scars, but today there are lasers that can greatly improve the appearance of acne scars...even old ones. With all of the available treatment options today, there is no reason anyone sure put up with acne or suffer from scars.

Don't put up with breakouts...learn how you can have clear, healthy skin today.

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