Adult Acne Treatment
What causes adult acne?
Adult acne develops when hormonal shifts (like the kind that occur during puberty, and in women, before a menstrual cycle and sometimes prior to menopause) cause an overproduction of oil and cells inside a skin follicle. Together, they form a kind of biological bottleneck that plugs the opening of the pore and causes the follicle beneath to swell.
This allows for the overgrowth of bacteria normally found on skin - Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) - which produce irritating chemical substances that further fuel the inflammation.The end result is acne.
What is the best adult acne treatment?
The occasional spot needs no treatment. Over-the-counter cover-up creams and cosmetics, if used at all, should be water-based. Even if outbreaks of acne cannot be eliminated, conventional treatment can provide relief.
The best adult acne treatment inhibit sebum production, limit bacterial growth or encourage shedding of skin cells to unclog pores. Because many therapies can have side effects, any patient with acne should proceed with caution when trying a new treatment. Adult acne treatment for people with severe, persistent cases of acne may need the care of a dermatologist.
'Gold standard' vs new adult acne treatment
For decades, doctors have said the "gold standard" for treating mild to moderate acne has been a combination of a deep pore cleanser such as benzoyl peroxide (it prevents the clogging of pores) and a topical antibiotic or sulphur medication to combat the bacteria. For some patients, treatment also included the topical prescription medication retinoic acid to help speed clearing. This is a combination that is still in use today.
Non-prescription adult acne treatment
Soap and water. Gentle cleansing of the face with soap and water no more than twice a day can remove the excess oils and help the "oily skin" often associated with acne. However, this does not clear up acne that is already present. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can injure the skin and cause other skin problems.
Cleansers. There are many cleansers and soaps advertised for treating acne. However, these are unnecessary if the acne is being properly treated and can in fact aggravate acne.
Benzoyl peroxide. For mild acne, the best adult acne treatment is, treatment with a non-prescription medication that contains benzoyl peroxide. It's believed that this compound works by killing the bacteria associated with acne and by preventing dead skin cells clogging pores. It usually takes at least four weeks to work and it may need to be continued once the acne has cleared to help keep acne at bay until you outgrow getting acne. It is available in a wide range of forms: creams, lotions, washes and gels. Benzoyl peroxide can cause dry skin and can bleach fabrics, so take care when applying it. Consider wearing an old T-shirt to bed if you are applying it to your back or chest overnight and using old or white bedclothes if applying to your face.