ADULT ACNE

What is Adult Acne

Nearly one-fourth of all adult men and one-half of all adult women have some form of adult acne. Although acne is associated more with teenagers, adults of all ages can be afflicted.

Adult acne is a malady that can effect all levels of a person's life. The pimples can be disfiguring, leading to a negative self-image, depression, and social isolation, among other things.  Adult acne can be treated and managed sucessfully, but the course of treatment of adult acne must be consistent and can be prolonged.

Causes of Adult Acne

All acne, including adult acne, starts from plugged hair follicles in your skin. These hair follicles contain sebaceous glands that secrete a fatty oil known as sebum which serves as a lubricate for hair and skin.  The normal follicle is lined with cells that age, die and exit the pores of the skin. This cycle is repeated over and over. Adult acne occurs when the skin pores become blocked with cellular debris and sebrum cannot escape through the blocked pore onto the skin surface.  The primary lesions of adult acne that result are known as whiteheads or comedones, which are made up of a collection of dead cells, sebum and bacteria that clog the shaft of the hair follicle. When exposed to air, comedones darken, and we call them blackheads.

Other factors that contribute to the onset and progression of adult acne include:

• Genetics - adult acne tends to run in families. If both parents had adult acne, three out of four of the children will usually have it, too.
• Stress is known to aggravate adult acne pimples.
• Certain food allergies seem to trigger adult acne outbreaks.
• Improper sun exposure contribute to adult acne.
• Seasonal changes can trigger adult acne.
• Oily skin care products contribute to adult acne outbreaks.
• Improper skin care can lead to adult acne.
• Hormone levels can be causative factors in adult acne.
• Certain medication side effects cause adult acne pimples.

How is Adult Acne Diagnosed

It is not hard to diagnose adult acne because of the characteristic pimple-like pustules with whitehead and blackheads. There can also be inflammation and infections of these pustules. Pimple-like pustules alone would indicate other skin diseases or a reaction to medications, but not adult acne. Always consult a professional doctor when in doubt.

Treating Adult Acne

Adult acne may require protracted, diligent treatment, including the following steps:

• identifying and avoiding everything that aggravates your adult acne
• follow your dermatologist's advice about removing the blackheads that are a part of adult acne. It usually should be done by professionals only
• use the proper adult acne cleansing agents that dry your skin enough to cause minor shedding so that the follicular plugs will flake
• use proper over-the-counter adult acne medications or those prescribed by your dermatologist

Adult acne  is not  life-threatening, but patience and persistent care are required for its management.

For additional information about the types of acne, see:

Stress Acne - Can Life's Stress Cause Acne
Teen Acne - Teenager Experiencing Physical | Psychological Changes
Adult Acne - Causes and Treatment
Acne Rosacea - What It Is and How To Treat It
Types of Acne - Know Which Form You Have
Helpful Source for Acne Information