Coping With Adult Acne - Tips That Can Change Your Life

For many years the skin condition, Acne, has been associated with adolescence and those "difficult" teen years. Since most adolescents experience some degree of acne, it has long been assumed that hormone levels directly impact acne, and goes away when a person reaches maturity and hormone levels balance out. And it is true that hormonal activity does play a role in the development and severity of acne. Hormones promote the manufacturing of sebum or oil; excess oil blocks skin ducts and pores causing acne. However, many times acne problems continue on after a person becomes an adult, and sometimes these problems increase during adulthood and the child-bearing years. Adult acne is simply not as uncommon as has been previously supposed.

Adult acne can be just as frustrating and embarrassing as adolescent acne, perhaps even more so. There are many social, emotional and psychological effects of acne, which, together with the physical symptoms, contribute to a lower self-esteem. Those who suffer from adult acne may withdraw from social situations fearing that their condition makes them conspicuous. They may suffer from a lack of confidence or embarrassment due to scarring and breakouts.

The Causes And Treatment Of Adult Acne

Adult acne was thought, until recently, to be a rather uncommon occurrence. This is because fewer adults were willing to seek treatment, leading to a lower instance of reported cases. Many adults are embarrassed that they have a condition which is usually considered an adolescent's disease, are afraid of the opinions of others, concerned about their personal image, and are reluctant to seek professional help as a result. Consequently, although adult acne is fairly common, it has not received much attention up to now. There are many factors leading to the development of adult acne, treatment should be based upon a case-by-case basis. A dermatologist should be consulted and an individual skin care regime determined upon. Pre-emptive skin care treatments can preclude harsh, aggressive, and sometimes even dangerous treatments once the flare-ups have gotten out of control. Adult acne and its symptoms are better managed through proper, preventative acne control methods.

As more information about adult acne has become available, the instances of reported cases have been on the rise. Attention and better information dissemination has caused more and more adult sufferers to realize that they are not isolated. Women of child-bearing age and even into their late thirties and forties frequently suffer from acne for much the same reason as teens: hormonal activity. This is also true for male sufferers. More recognition of this problem has led to better treatment options for adult sufferers. There are many treatments available to relieve adult acne, some over-the-counter and others by prescription. A dermatologist can help you to determine what treatments are right for you.

Another aspect of adult acne that makes it difficult for adults is the scarring caused by acne. Aging skin is thinner and not as resilient as that of an adolescent, which isn't as much of a concern for young adults as it is for older sufferers. Prolonged acne can cause scars that are deeper and more visible. Since adults are just as concerned about their appearance as younger people may be, the emotional effects of acne may have a deeper impact upon adult sufferers. Good quality moisturizers and other skin treatments can lessen the effects of acne scarring.

Whatever the type, acne treatment is vital to the health and wellbeing of adult acne sufferers. Treatment also has emotional benefits because it allows an adult to feel that they are taking action to improve their situation. In some cases, a combination of therapy and treatment may be advisable. In any event, treatments are now available that can smooth the road to recovery for adult acne sufferers.