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Sonntag, 29. November 2009

Adult Acne - What Really Works?

By Joy Byers

You may be surprised to learn that adult acne is actually fairly common. Everyone knows teenagers often develop pimples as their hormones kick in, but the assumption is teens will "outgrow" their acne.

While many teens do eventually outgrow their acne, for others it can persist into their adult years and for an unfortunate few it can become chronic. For adults, acne can be even more stressful and embarrassing than for teens. While most teens have a pimple or two, many adult acne sufferers must see friends and coworkers with clear skin while they are still battling the acne they were supposed to outgrow.

Acne in adults can be a continuation of their teenage acne or it can show up for the first time in adults. Unfortunately for some, acne can continue until their fifties and even beyond. Many women with a history of clear skin can first develop acne during pregnancy or menopause when their hormones change drastically. The challenge with adult acne is that it can be more resistant to treatment and is best treated with a multi-faceted approach.

Adult acne can be aggravated by the stresses of career and family, along with a poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle that is so common today.

Dermatologists are finding more adults today are seeking treatment for adult acne and the increasing stressful, unhealthy lifestyles we live today are likely contributing to this increase.

Males generally have more severe forms of acne and more serious acne scars. The male hormones, or androgens, are the culprits behind this skin condition and young men suffer the most. Ironically though, women have more trouble with chronic acne and pimples in their adult years. Women have the unique hormonal shifts from taking birth control pills, menstrual cycles, pregnancies and menopause, which can cause skin eruptions at these times.

Doctors still don't know exactly what causes acne in some and not others, and why it is so common today. Experts suggest environmental factors such as chemicals in our environment, hormones and antibiotics added to our foods, and unhealthy habits such as drinking alcohol, eating sugar and smoking all contribute to the rise in acne.

So what can you do to treat adult acne?

Even though there is no actual "cure" for acne, there are many over the counter and prescription medications that can bring this skin problem under control. Today new laser technologies also show promise, particularly in chronic and severe cases of acne. The best approach is to control acne as soon as it is a problem and prevent scars, but today there are lasers that can greatly improve the appearance of acne scars...even old ones. With all of the available treatment options today, there is no reason anyone sure put up with acne or suffer from scars.

Stop putting up with pimples...learn how you can have clearer skin now.

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