Adult acne

Often called the dark side of acne, adult acne is one those embarrassing topics for adults, largely because most people get rid of it naturally as they grow older. Official statistics show that acne affects 25 percent of all adult males and 50 percent of adult females at some point in their lives. That makes it a pretty big problem, especially in today’s world, where social life is very important and physical appearance plays a crucial role in everybody’s careers. A face full of red spots is bad enough for a teen, but infinitely worse for an adult.

One of the first things that can be gleaned from the statistical data is the fact that acne is not exactly uncommon among adults. Adult acne is usually split between severe cases of teenage acne that continues into adult life, and dormant acne that flares up in adults between 30 and 40 years of age. There are also cases when people developed acne for the first time as adults, although such cases are somewhat rare and triggered mostly by chemicals or chronic physical pressure on the skin. The causes of adult acne are not entirely understood by science. It is believed that hormones are responsible in some cases, and therefore can be managed with hormonal treatment. In any case, adult acne warrants a trip to the doctor.

Regardless of its roots, adult acne has the same M.O. as the common forms. The sebum, an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands attached to hair follicles, mixes with dead skin cells and plugs the follicle. Thus, bacteria start thriving in the closed environment and the follicle swells with white cells and bacteria killing each other inside. Attempts of solving the situation by squeezing open the pimples will worsen the situation by exposing unprotected flesh to more bacteria.

Adults suffering from acne should avoid strong cleaning agents containing strong chemicals. Women should also be careful about their make-up, while men should try to shave without damaging their skin in the process. Exposure to dust and pollution should be avoided and skin should be kept as clean as possible.