Managing Adult Acne
In the past, parents would provide their teenagers tips for treating acne, especially since most dealt with the disorder in the past. These days, adults are instead interchanging tips with their kids. Acne has proven that it does not discriminate based on age. Adulthood used to be regarded as the gateway to clear skin, but now it is no longer the same story. People are lucky if they get a few years break from the disorder, only to find it return right before they enter the workforce. It can be frustrating trying to find an acne treatment as an adult, especially since skin care companies market their products almost exclusively to teenagers. Fortunately, eliminating adult acne is not a very tedious or complicated process.
Acne plagues our skin when the hair follicle is prevented from excreting sebum by a blockage. This blockage encourages duplication of p. acnes bacteria, which is found inside the follicle and uses sebum as a food source. The body reacts to this combination of events through an immune response, which triggers swelling. The culmination of all of these surfaces in a pimple.
Acne treatments focus on attacking the p. acnes bacteria as well as the skin turnover problem that leaves dead cells lingering on the skin. Commercially available treatments mostly eliminate bacteria, with additives like benzoyl peroxide. The exfoliating effect is often more negligible. Prescription medications tackle the disorder from both fronts with equal amounts of effort. Topical retinoids are the weapon of choice, one of them being Retin-A. These speed up skin sell turnover to prevent pore blockages. Antibiotics are used to control acne bacteria. Adults can experience results with either commercial or prescription products. The main determinant is the severity of their disorder. Acne that has re-risen from your teenage years will likely be more responsive to prescription treatments.
Anything that worked for you as a teenager should be given another shot. If you never had acne as a teenager, a tube of benozyl peroxide and a good cleanser is the best starting off point. If the acne does not respond after a few months, a dermatologist visit should be scheduled. The physician will provide you with some topical creams like and oral medications like the ones prescribed above to cure your disorder. Laser acne treatments and derabrasion procedures are some other options which you might consider.
Adulthood is often riddled with stress, unlike the teenage years. So, it should be no surprise that acne is also afflicting older individuals. Learning to manage stress and establishing more appropriate sleeping habits is your best line of defense against acne. Good eating habits that preclude processed foods can also be effective. The sacrifices today will ensure your health in the future.
