Coping With Adult Acne

For many years the condition of acne has been associated with teens and is perceived to only affect people during adolescence. Since it is very common among teens, it was assumed that the hormone levels teens have directly caused acne, and that it would go away when one reached adulthood.

The first statement in that assumption is true. Acne can be influenced by hormone levels because hormones promote oil production which clogs pores and can cause acne. This can, however, continue to happen even after a person moves from adolescence into adulthood. While less adults than teens are afflicted with acne, the conditionis becoming more widely known in adults.

There are many different causes of adult acne, and the cause and type must be determined before the right treatment can be found. By treating the condition, you are helping to eliminate the negative aspects associated with it.

By finding and treatig adult acne and its symptoms, it will be more easily managed through proper acne control. Positive skin care can lessen the need for harsh, aggressive, and sometimes even dangerous treatment.

Like in teen acne, there are many psychological and social affects of acne that, along with the physical aspects, can aid in lowering self-esteem, and can cause people who suffer from this condition to often remove themselves from social situations where they feel their condition makes them to appear conspicuous.

Until recently, it was believed that adult acne was relatively uncommon. This was due to the lack of reported cases of adult acne, along with the fewer number of doctors visits from adult sufferers. Many adults were embarrassed they had a condition that was mostly associated with adolescence, afraid of what others might think if they knew.

As more infromation about adult acne became available, the more people spoke out about their experiences. This helped them realize that they were not alone in their struggles. Many women, especially, suffer from acne for much the same reason as teens, hormones produce oil which, then clogs pores and causes breakouts.

There are numerous treatments available, some over-the-counter, and others, prescription.

Another aspect of adult acne that maikes it dificult to cope with is the scarring acne can leave. Aging skin is thinner, and is not able to bounce back like that of an adolescent. While this isn’t as much a concern for young adults as it is older sufferers, prolonged acne could mean deeper scars that are, in turn, more visible. This, too, can play a significant role in how one feels about his or her appearance.

No matter the cause and type, treatment is the first step to feeling better about your acne and how it effects you. When you are treating it, you are acting, and though the results will not be visible for a time, this will certainly help put you on the road to recovery.

Acne Myths And The Perceptions They Cause

Acne is a common problem among teens, and doesn’t always clear up by adulthood. There are considerable problems that can occur with both teen and adult acne, and treatments to counteract both.

Recognizing what is causing the acne is an essential part of curing it, but recognizing what doesn’t cause acne can be just as important. Through the years, many myths have passed down about what causes acne, and they have caused ill-formed perceptions.

This article covers some of those myths and perceptions, and will dispel the misconceptions associated with those myths.

It is a myth that getting a tan can help clear up acne. Even though a tan may help cover the redness caused by acne, it won’t actually heal or prevent it. Add to that the risks associated with tanning beds and the sun, and the skin damage that can occur, and this may hurt more than it will help.

It is also believed that eating greasy, fried foods, or consuming chocolate can cause acne. Numerous scientific studies have concluded there is no connection between acne and one’s diet.

It is also a myth that the more you wash your face, the fewer breakouts you will experience. While washing your face gets rid of oil and excess dirt, and removes dry skin, washing your face too often can remove some of the essential oils, therefore, causing your face to become especially dry and irritated. While this won’t directly cause acne, it will continue to irritate, which will keep it from healing. By not over washing your face, you are allowing the body’s natural oils to work, at the same time removing dirt and dead skin which can clog pores and cause acne.

Another common acne myth is that popping pimples will help them clear up more quickly. While this can make the pimple seem less noticeable, it can actually make the healing process a longer one. This is because popping a pimple can push the bacteria from it deeper into the skin, making the surrounding area red and irritated. Devices designed to help pop your pimples, such as blackhead extractors, aren’t safe either, as they can cause scars to form.

Another myth is you can’t wear makeup or shave if you want to have clear skin. If you have acne, it is okay to use products that are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, which means they won’t clog pores and cause breakouts. Some concealers now have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in them, and, will, therefore, help fight acne.

There are many other myths associated with acne and what causes it. It is important to understand what really is causing your acne before you will be able to treat it. Consult a dermatologist if you are unsure about possible causes and treatments, or if you feel your acne may require medical attention

Acne as an Adult

When most of us think of acne, we think of adolescence. Many people who had acne as a teen are no longer afflicted by it; however, the number of people who do battle acne during their adulthood may surprise you. While teens do make up a large percentage of the acne-suffering population, it is more prevalent in adults than one might think.

It is also becoming clear that the physical, psychological, and social effects of this condition are still frequent occurances in adults, and can cause many problems. Also according to recent studies, acne is an increasing problem among adults, but the reasons for this are not always clear.

Whether acne strikes during adolescence and lingers into adulthood, or simply strikes after the age of 30, the physical and psychological effects can be long-lasting and cause problems. Dermatologists say that adult acne is more likely to leave permanent scars because as the skin ages and loses collagen, it’s more difficult for it to bounce back and the scars are, therefore, often unable to heal as they would in younger skin. Physical scars aren’t the only ones left by adult acne.

Psychological scarring can be much harder to trace, and sometimes more difficult to deal with because of the misconceptions that accompany them. For example, it has been believed that the psychological effects of adult acne are easier to deal with because adults are able to accept the condition better than teens. In reality, the ramifications of these scars can be severe because acne has been perceived to be a condition specific to teens. Though we know this isn’t the case, many people are often afraid to admit they have adult acne and seek treatment.

As perceptions are shifting, and more people are recognizing acne as a problem not only among teens, but also among adults, more people are going to dermatologists for treatment.

Many adults are now seeking relief from prescribed medications as well as from over-the-counter products to treat the condition. Sales of these products have increased, along with the awareness of adult acne.

Because adult acne is reported to be on the rise, doctors are now starting to consider the special causes and unique effects of this condition on older patients. As public awareness continues to increase, people may be more likely to seek treatment.

The wealth of information is now available about adult acne can also help people afflicted with this condition to better understand it and how to combat its problems. More care is also being given to the psychological effects of adult acne. Because adults, like teens, are often affected by what those around them think and how they are perceived, many often stray from attending social events. Understanding what is causing the adult acne is key to its treatment. If the physical problems are treated, the social and psychological ones can be as well.