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.

There are myths and rumors prevailing regarding acne. Let’s take a look at some other popular beliefs about acne to drive out any other rumors.

Acne Myth 1

Is it true that acne spreads with increased stress? This is not completely true. Actual truth is that stress can have a very minimal or minor influence all by itself. Acne cannot actually caused due to stress.

But stress it can influence reoccurrences of acne as stress increases the body’s creation of a substance called cortisol. This cortisol causes the sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum oil that can be blocked in pores.

Acne Myth 2

Is Acne is contagious? No, Acne is non-communicable.

Acne Myth 3

You’ll outgrow acne, so just leave it along? This is not true. Acne strikes all ages and is treatable. If the acne is left untreated, it will possibly worsen.

Acne Myth 4

Is exposure to sun helps acne? It is not true in the long run. Actually the sun helps to clear up the blemishes and redden the skin, thus lessening the overall reddish effect of the targeted acne area.

On the other hand the sunrays can damage the skin and actually irritate skin more, worsening any existing acne problems in the course and clogging more pores as skin cells dry up and dismiss quicker than normal.

Acne Myth 5

Is sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas? This is not true. Actually, body’s oil production increases temporarily, with the strenuous activity, which can actually worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.

Acne Myth 6

Is it true that acne problems are directly proportionate to sexualactivity, or lack thereof? Even this is not true. It does not mean that just because teenagers are going through hormonal changes, this has anything to do with acne.

Both are separate issues. This is even true in case of adults; adult acne and sex are two entirely different issues.

Acne Myth 7

People with acne are dirty and don’t wash enough. This is too false. Acne is the caused due to build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. Dirt has nothing in this process.

Acne Myth 8

Is it true that people with acne should not use moisturizers or other make-up products on their faces? Myth! Today there are many non-comedogenic cosmetics out there specially formulated to not clog pores.

Acne Myth 9

Is there any acne cure? Although at this time, there is no acne cure, there are many acne treatments available that do a great job in treating acne.

Acne Myth 10

Does certain cosmetics or spot treatments will help acne? Myth again. By the time a blemish appears, it has been in the works for a good couple of weeks.

Acne Myth 11

Acne is only on external issue or surface deep; i.e. people shouldn’t make such a big thing out of it? False. Actually, yes, it basically is only on your skin. However, the effects run much more deeper than that in many occasions.

More than 50 % of acne sufferers reported negative comments and other feedback from members of society, regardless of whether or not there was any scarring left for others to see afterwards.

And which results in internal depression and low self-esteem that can be harm emotionally as it is long-term problem. So acne can indeed be a very big issue requiring acne treatment and support.