That acne is an exclusive teenage dilemma is a common misconception. Some people think that having acne attacks in the adolescent years automatically disqualifies them from developing adult acne. Similarly, those who did not have acne before are thinking they’ve skipped the acne stage. Wrong. Acne can recur or strike in adulthood. Statistics says that 20% of the adult population suffers from acne. Specifically, acne affects 50% of adult women and 25% of adult men. Some have them in their 20’s or 30’s. Others experience adult acne way later in life, usually in their 40’s.

Adults face the same trouble as teenagers do. Their self-esteem is as badly slighted. They get the same sideward glances. They equally get bothered with one new zit. Though it is not a fraction as serious as other health problems, adult acne can be hugely bothersome. Suddenly, socializing has become more of a task and fronting the mirror is an avoided experience. As if that’s not enough, they have to put up with acne scars, which, most of the time, stick around for life.

What went wrong?
Acne develops when the skin follicles are blocked by sebum—the oil produced by the sebaceous glands—dead skin cells, and bacteria. A blocked follicle is usually triggered by using bad cosmetics, birth control pills, and some medicines. Heredity, hormonal imbalances, and allergic reactions can also lead to acne breakouts, although unlike the others, these factors are specifically out of the sufferer’s control.

The face is the most commonly affected, but acne can also appear in other areas where units of follicles and sebaceous glands (pilosebaceous units) are most numerous. Examples are back, chest, arms, neck, and shoulders.

Adult acne treatment
Though most of the acne treatments today are specifically created for teens, there have been a lot of treatments for adult acne available in the market. Thirty percent of them are purchased over the counter. Very popular today are the products with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which usually come as topical treatments like soaps, lotions, gels, and creams. Over-the-counter treatments, however, are typically limited to treating mild acne cases. Medications with strong effects, on the other hand, are available only with prescription. Experts usually advise against treatment combination as it may dry up the skin and cause irritation.

Oral medications are also administered to address certain conditions that lead up to acne. Women with hormonal imbalance, for instance, should take spironolactone and undergo hormone replacement therapy.

Acne treatments are as unique as the individual sufferers; no treatment is a cure-all. In other words, a treatment that went good with one person may not necessarily do as well with someone else. Which is why seeking the attention of a dermatologist is highly recommended, especially in serious acne cases, to determine the proper treatment based on the severity of the case, cause of acne, type of skin, and age.

Avoiding adult acne
In the case of an existing acne flare-up, treatment comes as top priority. However, there is something to be said about preventing a breakout. And prevention usually requires deliberate change of practices.

For one, hands should be kept off the face, as they can expedite the growth of bacteria. Acne thrives in a pool of bacteria, and a second of mindlessly touching the face can produce a zit in only a matter of days. Squeezing and picking pimples are also a no-no since they can push the bacteria back into the skin and cause more inflammation.

Use noncomedogenic and oil-free cosmetics and other skin products. These properties can prevent blocked pores and consequently future skin flare-ups. Some, however, may find these same products to be causing more aggravation. Therefore, it is important to be more critical of skin products and use only those that are necessary.

Finally, take extra care of the skin to prevent adult acne breakouts. Wash the skin with mild products twice or thrice a day, starting from under the jaw to the hairline. Don’t rub the skin too hard to avoid inflammation. The key here is not to over wash, as it may do more harm than good to the skin.