Adult Acne 

Outbreak of acne is generally associated with teenagers, but it is not uncommon to find adults over age of 30 also suffering from it. In case of teenagers puberty with the accompanying hormonal changes is the main cause; in case of adults there are varied reasons. Stresses of life and workplace, pregnancy, use of certain medicines, etc are common reasons noticed among the adults.

Excessive contact with industrial chemicals, exposure to atmospheric pollution, physical pressure of chinstrap of helmets, etc are some of the extraneous reasons. Among adult acne victims women outnumber men by a wide margin. Fluctuating hormonal levels due to pregnancies, child births, nursing as well as birth control tablets could be major factors for this disparity in the incidence of adult acne by sex.

Basic mechanism of occurrence of acne, however, remains the same. Excessive production of oil by oil glands, blockage of pores by oil, dead skin cells and bacteria and the result – Acne pimples!

Treatment – General

In treating adults as distinct from teenagers one factor that needs to be kept in mind is the maturity of the skin. Certain medications such as Benzoyl Peroxide that could be tolerated by a teenager’s skin may not be tolerated by the adult skin. Medications based on herbal or natural ingredients such as Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera or Calendula are more suited to mature skins. These products are now available in various convenient forms such as gels, lotions, serums, scrubs, peels masks, etc.

The commonest treatment for adult acne involves washing face with specially formulated soap or cleanser. Existing pimples are handled by spot treatments and excess of oil production can be handled by masks. When treating adult acne external factors like environment, stress and occupational causes as well as anti-aging needs of older skin are also considered. Peels and masks are very vital from this point of view for the adult skin; they can provide the most effective ant-aging rejuvenation.

Washing and Cleansing

Bacteria filled pores and dead flaky skin should be removed; use pumice scrub for exfoliation followed by wash with warm water. Use antibacterial face wash frequently to keep the facial skin clean and the pores unclogged. That is the best protection against occurrence of acne or for reducing the outbreak. Use astringents to tone up the skin as well as to guard against infections.

Gel moisturizers and cleansers are easy to use. They are useful in removing dirt, oil and makeup also. Antibacterial moisturizing lotions can be used on any skin type; they are not harsh and can be used any time of the day.

Do not scrub vigorously while cleansing and washing; you may do more harm than good.,

Peels and Masks

Peels are a quick-fix for removing dirt and grime, toning up facial skin and smoothening wrinkles. A peel leaves your skin glowing, free of oil deposits and bacteria.

Masks are more suited for the end of the day treatment. A deep cleansing mask will rejuvenate your skin by rehydration and by providing nourishment to your skin. It moisturizes the skin, removes toxins and provides exfoliation. Mask on your face makes your skin is less prone to acne outbreaks after having released the toxins, removing bacteria and toning up the skin.

A mask does take some of your time but that time is well worth spending for the health of your skin and the anti-aging rejuvenation that it provides you with at the end of the day.