Educate Yourself on Adult Acne

Acne causes the sebaceous glands of the skin to become inflamed or infected, which leads to reddened skin and the pimples and breakouts commonly associated with this condition. Although acne most often affects teenagers and improves with age, some individuals experience acne well into adulthood or have flare-ups several years after their initial dealings with teenage acne. If you suffer from adult acne, your dermatologist can offer acne treatment to reduce discomfort and cosmetic concerns associated with breakouts.

How Adult Acne Is Different

Adult acne may persist from the teenage years into adulthood, or develop spontaneously at any time in your 30s, 40s, or 50s. This type of acne can be caused by many of the same factors as teenage acne, but treatments that worked in your teenage years may no longer effectively address adult acne. Furthermore, rather than the scattered individual pimples and blackheads common among teenagers, adult acne is more often associated with deeper inflamed pimples and cysts, which cause facial pressure or pain.

Causes of Adult Acne

Adult acne may be caused by one or more factors, some of which are similar to the causes of teenage acne. These factors can include hormonal changes and imbalances, stress, skin irritation due to skin or hair care products, and certain medications that may trigger acne as a side effect.

Treating Adult Acne

There are several adult acne treatment options you and your dermatologist can explore. The most common solutions for adult acne include topical medications, such as retinoids, dapsone, benzoyl peroxide, and antibiotics. Women who suffer from hormonally-triggered adult acne may find oral birth control treatment an effective acne treatment solution; alternatively, oral antibiotics and other medications may help to treat acne in adult men and women.

If you’re seeking effective treatment to put an end to your adult acne, your dermatologist in Arlington Heights can help. Please call Arlington Dermatology today at 847-392-5440, or click through our website to learn more about treatment options for acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.