Acne

While acne may be more common among adolescents, it can affect you at any age. There are many reasons why adult acne may develop.

Acne occurs when small holes in the skin, called hair follicles, become blocked. Hair follicles are attached to sebaceous glands, which lubricate the hair and skin by producing an oily material called sebum. This substance that protects skin and hair on the body, however, if produced too much it can cover the skin.

Acne happens when the sebaceous glands make too much sebum. The excess sebum combines with dead skin cells and blocks the hair follicle. This causes whiteheads and blackheads that can become infected.

Acne most commonly affects the face, neck, chest, and back. In severe cases, cysts and red bumps called pustules may also develop.

Over 80% of adult acne cases occur in women. Scientists believe that many cases are caused by hormone imbalances during periods, pregnancy, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

If you have acne, you will notice spots on your skin. The severity of the outbreak can vary from a few whiteheads and blackheads, to a large number of pustules and nodules.

There are four grades that can be used to measure the severity of an outbreak:

• Grade 1 (mild) – mainly whiteheads and blackheads with a small number of pustules and papules
• Grade 2 (moderate) – multiple papules and pustules, mainly on the face
• Grade 3 (moderately severe) – large number of papules and pustules, occasional inflamed nodule, acne also present on back and chest
• Grade 4 (severe) – large number of painful pustules and nodules

Adult acne can be caused by stress or changes in your hormone levels, perhaps brought on by the menopause or using birth control pills. It can also be caused by some medications, including lithium, antiseizure drugs, and corticosteroids.

Testosterone imbalance is a common cause. If there is an imbalance of the male sex hormones, known as androgens, you may get acne. If there are too many androgens, the sebaceous glands produce more sebum than is necessary. This causes greasy skin, blocked pores and spots.

Acne can be brought on by changes in weather, pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, cosmetic products, and diet. Air pollution can also be to blame, as can washing your face too often. Some people say that a poor diet or dirty skin cause acne, however, this is a common misconception.

Your doctor will be able to help you work out what is causing acne in your case. Some people may find that it is related to another health issue that they are living with. It could possibly be a combination of factors as well.

People who have just a few whiteheads and blackheads can treat them with over-the-counter gels and creams containing benzoyl peroxide. It is worth mentioning that relying on products can mask the problem in the long-run.

In more severe cases, it is best to seek medical advice. If you are worried about the condition of your skin, make an appointment with your doctor. It is better to make an appointment early before your acne has time to progress.

Getting treatment early can reduce the likelihood of suffering scarring as a result of acne.

You can treat adult acne using medication. Some medicines that affect hormones, such as birth control pills, can be effective in treating acne. There are also a number of antibiotics and prescription retinoids that can be used to control the condition.

Common treatment options include topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, azelaic acid, antibiotic tablets, and isotretinoin tablets.

In severe cases you may be referred to a dermatologist (skin expert). This may be the case if you have lots of papules and pustules on your face, chest, and back, or if you have painful nodules.

You will likely be given antibiotic tablets and topical treatments in combination if you have severe acne. Isotretinoin will usually only be used in cases that do not respond to the first combination of treatments.

It is not uncommon for it to take around three months for these treatments have any effect. You will need to be patient and keep taking the medication, even if the results aren't immediately obvious.

• To deal with adult acne it is important to keep your skin clean. However, you shouldn't wash your face more than twice per day, using cool or warm water and a skin-friendly cleanser.
• Use either your hands, a baby's flannel, or a cleansing brush to wash your face for 30 seconds. Pat the skin dry instead of rubbing it.
• There are several products that you can use to help your cleansing regime. Cleansers are useful for getting rid of dirt, makeup, and pollution. Buy a good quality one that will let other products reach your skin.
• Use over-the-counter (OTC) creams and lotions. Retinoid products can clear skin and help to fight wrinkles as well, and products made with sulphur are also effective against the occasional spot. Acne treatments commonly contain benzoyl peroxide, but you should only use them occasionally as they can dry out your skin.
• Women should look out for cosmetics that contain salicylic acid, which is good for combating acne. Only buy skin care products that are noncomedogenic, which means they don't clog your pores, and non-acnegenic, which means they won't cause breakouts. This should be clearly labelled.
• You should keep an eye on the food you eat and try to eat a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables. Women should make sure to remove makeup thoroughly, especially before bed. Keep long hair away from your face, and make sure you wash your face after exercise.
• Try not to squeeze or pick any pimples. Use mild soaps and cleansers, and avoid touching your face unnecessarily.

There are several treatment options available that do not use medication. Doctors may use a comedone extractor to clean blackheads and whiteheads, or chemical peels to lift the first few layers of skin and allow healthy skin to grow in its place.

Other people may use photodynamic therapy, in which lasers are used on the skin to relieve acne symptoms. While these treatments can be successful, they do not work for everyone. For this reason, it is not common for doctors to recommend their use.

If you are suffering from adult acne, you may be affected psychologically. The presence of acne can lead to low self-esteem and other psychological issues. It is important to seek support from doctors to resolve the symptoms as quickly as possible and boost your self-esteem.

For people with adult acne it may seem as though the problem is never-ending. Always remember that acne is a treatable condition. It may take a while to find the right treatment for you, but make sure you persist and your acne will soon be cleared up.