Acne is simply frustrating and can cause low self-esteem no matter what age you are.  If you thought the acne years have passed you by, “think again!”  Unfortunately, acne can follow us through the years; however, how it looks and how we treat it is not the same.

How Adult Acne Looks Different from Teen Acne

It is likely that as a teen, acne will appear as tiny bumps, blackheads, or whiteheads on the face.  They are very often found on the forehead.  Adult acne tends to appear on the lower part of the face, generally around the mouth and jaw line.  Unfortunately, the blemishes are deeper nodules or red papules in these areas.  It is still possible to get the fine little bumps you had during your teen years, but it is not as common.

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How Adult Acne Treatments Differ from Teen Acne Treatments

It is necessary to use adult acne treatments, rather than what you used when you were a teen.  While acne is caused by clogged pores, the underlying cause of these clogged pores differs from when you were a teen.

When a teen’s pores are clogged, it is generally caused by excess oil from puberty.  When an adult’s pores become clogged, it is generally the cause of dead skin cells.  Therefore, it is important to use adult acne treatments that will target the dead skin and shed the dead skin cells that trap oil and bacteria.

Over the counter products tend to contain salicylic acid and benzyol peroxide.  The problem is these chemicals are drying to an adult’s skin and are better for teens that generally have whiteheads.  They are not as helpful for an adult’s deeper acne.

Adults also have different skin types than teens.  As a teenager, you likely had oily skin.  As an adult, you may have normal to combination skin.  Sometimes, adults have dry and sensitive skin.  This is another reason why you should be careful on the acne treatment you choose.  Most over the counter acne creams are very drying and can be a huge problem for adults.

Adult Acne Treatments to Try

• Prescription creams that contain retinoid to unplug follicles
• Gels that contain 5% dapsone can help to reduce skin infection and inflammation
• Combination creams that combine benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics
• Birth control pills can regulate your hormonal fluctuations that can cause acne
• Oral antibiotics can be used as an anti-inflammatory

Prevention Steps are the Best Long Term Adult Acne Treatments

Prevention is the best treatment.  Since the main cause of clogged pores in adults is from dead skin cells, you should use a face wash or moisturizer that contains alpha hydroxy acids that can be used to exfoliate the skin and slough off old skin cells.  Sloughing off the old skin cells will help to prevent blockages; therefore, preventing acne.  Use sunscreens, moisturizers, and cosmetics that are non-comedogenic, as they do not contain ingredients that will clog the pores.

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