Adult Acne Care

Although acne is most common among adolescents and young adults, it can occur at any age. In fact, many adult suffer from adult acne.

Acne most commonly appears in the oil-producing area on the body including the face, back and shoulders. Ranging in severity from mild to severe, acne is not dangerous to one's health but it can cause a great deal of embarrassment and social anxiety for those afflicted by it.

One of the causes of acne is a common bacteria found on the skin of most people of all ages. When pores become blocked, this bacteria flourishes, causing an infection leading to an inflammatory reaction inside the blocked pore. Abnormal flaking of skin cells inside of hair follicles can also
cause stimulate acne production.

Washing one's face regularly is helpful, but scrubbing at acne will not alleviate the symptoms. In fact, harsh treatment of acne-prone skin can just inflame the situation. Gentle washing with a mild cleanser is recommended for adult acne skin care.

Among the treatments for adult acne are:

Antibiotics: Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Doxycycline, and Clindamycin. Some of these have side effects, and some individuals are allergic to certain antibiotics. It is important to discuss possible side effects with your doctor.

Accutane: a form of Vitamin A, can be very effective against acne, but also causes severe birth defects and dry mouth. Accutane is only prescribed for severe acne after other options have been exhausted. Again, it is very important to discuss with your doctor the possible side effects.

Topical medications: Retin-A or Benzoyl Peroxide, or Salicyclic acid.

A dermatologist can best discuss treatment options with you depending on the type and severity of your acne. You may also be able to control your acne by learning about and eliminating some of the other causes of adult acne such as stress.

A lot of people say that having adult cystic acne is a very serious matter that could affect your self-esteem, your social life, and your health as well. This type of acne is the most difficult to remedy since it lasts longer, breakouts are more severe, and the cysts can leave very distinct, visible scars.

There are ways to keep this condition from becoming worse, though there is no guarantee that the acne cysts will clear up completely. Some suggestions for treating adult cystic acne are as follows:

- Never ever pick at cystic acne. Though they may hurt and itch badly, picking them will only increase the likelihood of scarring.

- As much as possible, drink enough glasses of water everyday and go to the bathroom at least 2 - 3 times a day in order to flush out all the toxins which may ocntribute to your adult cystic acne.

- Try not to touch your face no matter how tempting it is. People with adult cystic acne would often feel the need to find where the acne is on their faces, but as much as possible keep yourself from doing so.

- Lastly, it is important that you visit your doctor or dermatologist to find out how to control your cystic acne and to treat it.

If you have mild acne and would prefer to avoid over-the-counter or prescription medications for your adult acne, there are a few things to try.

The home remedies for acne are based on substances or plants that are readily available. Garlic, for example, is known to have effect on acne if the cloves are rubbed against the face a few times a day.

Oatmeal should be cooked and placed on the face for a quarter of hour. Mixing water with avocado paste and washing the face with this mix is another way of getting rid of acne.

Applying equal quantities of lemon juice and rose water, leaving for 30 minutes and washing is a procedure that must be repeated for 2 or 3 weeks.

Another method is to eat a medium radish and to drink 2 cups of rosemary tea daily. In order to improve the effects, it is necessary to add 3 glasses of water with squeezed lemon and honey.

Vinegar is yet another widely available product that may be successfully used in the treatment of acne. People can prepare creams and lotions that are based on vinegar or they can boil water and add vinegar to it. Next, they must cover with a towel and let their face absorb the steam that is generated.

The diet may also influence the development of acne. Carrots and cucumbers may be consumed as they are or they can be turned into juice. In addition, it is important to avoid foods that are rich in fat. These may actually worsen the condition.

Apples are good, but their effect is enhanced if they are combined with other ingredients. A mix that contains peeled apple, honey, yogurt and cucumber should be applied on the face and left for 20 minutes.

Tea tree oil is a natural treatment for adult acne. The oil can be obtained online or at your local health food store. Many people have had success with this natural acne treatment, but side effects can occur. If you would like to try tea tree oil for your adult acne, start with a diluted solution and monitor your skin for any reaction.