Just because you've left those awkward teenage years far behind doesn't mean that acne has stopped. Adult acne is becoming more and more common. In fact, an article in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2004 stated, "Recent epidemiological studies show that there appears to be an increase in post-adolescent acne, and that the disease is lasting longer and is requiring treatment well into the mid forties."
"Adult acne is a very common problem, but an under-recognized one," Jeffrey Weinberg, MD, director of clinical research at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York tells WebMD.com. "Acne can occur later in life. It can be one or both types. People think it doesn't happen in adults, but it does."
Adult acne treatments include:
Azelaic acid cream
Alpha-hydroxy acids (including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and gluconic acid)
Benzoyl peroxide
Topical antibiotics (gels, lotions, and solutions)
Antibiotic pills (haphazard use may lead to antibiotic resistance)
Birth control pills for women
Accutane or Sotret for severe acne (although both can cause birth defects)
Other treatments for adult acne are very similar to those you may remember from being an adolescent. These guidelines include:
Using only oil-free, non-comedogenic lotions or sunscreens
A gentle facial cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
Washing gently, and only twice a day to avoid irritation.
When it comes to picking acne treatments, a visit to a dermatologist may be your best bet.
Topical retinoic acid, a form of vitamin A can help, and it can also be found in a multitude of anti aging products.
Sumayah Jamal, MD, PhD, assistant professor of clinical dermatology at New York University School of Medicine tells WebMD.com, "I can't think of anything better for fighting aging and acne than a retinoid. Prescription creams such as Retin-A, Renova, and Avage stimulate collagen production to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, exfoliate surface skin, and fade brown spots."
In addition to getting rid of acne, antioxidants are also important to ward off signs of aging and skin damage.
Dr. Jamal recommends, "To make sure you're getting of plenty of antioxidants start with your diet. Eating plenty of berries, green leafy vegetables ensures you get plenty of vitamins C and E for support from within to heal and defend the skin. You can also use a topical antioxidant serum to help prevent damage from exposure to environmental toxins like pollution and UV rays and help fight redness and uneven pigmentation. My favorite is Revaleskin Intense Recovery Treatment ($130, skinstore.com), which contains coffee-berry extract, one of the most potent antioxidants available. A few drops every morning before your moisturizer and sunscreen help fend skin damage to keep you looking younger longer."
"Adult acne is a very common problem, but an under-recognized one," Jeffrey Weinberg, MD, director of clinical research at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York tells WebMD.com. "Acne can occur later in life. It can be one or both types. People think it doesn't happen in adults, but it does."
Adult acne treatments include:
Azelaic acid cream
Alpha-hydroxy acids (including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and gluconic acid)
Benzoyl peroxide
Topical antibiotics (gels, lotions, and solutions)
Antibiotic pills (haphazard use may lead to antibiotic resistance)
Birth control pills for women
Accutane or Sotret for severe acne (although both can cause birth defects)
Other treatments for adult acne are very similar to those you may remember from being an adolescent. These guidelines include:
Using only oil-free, non-comedogenic lotions or sunscreens
A gentle facial cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
Washing gently, and only twice a day to avoid irritation.
When it comes to picking acne treatments, a visit to a dermatologist may be your best bet.
Topical retinoic acid, a form of vitamin A can help, and it can also be found in a multitude of anti aging products.
Sumayah Jamal, MD, PhD, assistant professor of clinical dermatology at New York University School of Medicine tells WebMD.com, "I can't think of anything better for fighting aging and acne than a retinoid. Prescription creams such as Retin-A, Renova, and Avage stimulate collagen production to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, exfoliate surface skin, and fade brown spots."
In addition to getting rid of acne, antioxidants are also important to ward off signs of aging and skin damage.
Dr. Jamal recommends, "To make sure you're getting of plenty of antioxidants start with your diet. Eating plenty of berries, green leafy vegetables ensures you get plenty of vitamins C and E for support from within to heal and defend the skin. You can also use a topical antioxidant serum to help prevent damage from exposure to environmental toxins like pollution and UV rays and help fight redness and uneven pigmentation. My favorite is Revaleskin Intense Recovery Treatment ($130, skinstore.com), which contains coffee-berry extract, one of the most potent antioxidants available. A few drops every morning before your moisturizer and sunscreen help fend skin damage to keep you looking younger longer."
