Is There a Cure for Adult Acne?

If there’s any upside to acne, it’s knowing that you’re not alone in your struggle. Indeed, the vast majority of the world’s population has suffered or suffers from acne to varying degrees. Acne symptoms tend to be most severe and frequent during adolescence when hormones are raging, and many people start to see a decline in their acne as they move past puberty.

However, plenty of adults struggle with acne past their teens, into their twenties, and beyond. This phenomenon is simply known as adult acne. Even those who never experienced acne as teens can suddenly find their skin breaking out (this is known as adult onset acne).

Dealing with acne is difficult at any age, but adult acne comes with its own set of challenges, interfering with work, relationships, and one’s mental health. So, if you suffer from adult acne, chances are you want to do something about it as soon as possible. The good news is that there are multiple ways to clear up your acne. The trick is finding the right methods for your skin.

Let’s discuss the difference between acne and adult acne and how to get rid of your breakouts as a grown-up.

Adult Acne vs. Acne

The only difference between adult acne and acne is the time it appears in one’s life. The skin condition itself, along with its causes and triggers, remain the same. As mentioned earlier, the reason acne is so prevalent in teens is that this stage of life is marked by high hormonal activity. All of this internal turbulence and stress can cause the body to produce an excess of oil and cells, which can block pores and create whiteheads and blackheads. It follows, then, that overactive hormones in adulthood can also lead to acne. This is why adult women may break out during menstruation or pregnancy.

Of course, hormones aren’t the only factor to blame. Some people are simply born with naturally oily, acne prone skin. Additionally, the environment plays a role in triggering breakouts. Stress, makeup, exercise, and other diseases or skin conditions can also lead to or aggravate acne symptoms. Whether you’re 15 or 50, determining which factors result in your pimples can help you avoid or at least minimize future breakouts.

Is There a Cure for Adult Acne?

Simply put, no. There is currently no cure for acne. While this news is unfortunate, dermatologists and medical researchers continue to study all types of acne and actively seek solutions for eliminating pimples once and for all. Until we figure out how to cure acne, though, there are plenty of ways to effectively treat adult acne.

What To Do About Your Adult Acne

If you suffer from adult acne, your first step should be to seek advice from your dermatologist. They can examine your skin and work towards finding the adult acne treatment regimen that works for you. So, what types of treatments might they prescribe for your adult acne? For mild to moderate cases, they might start you off with over-the-counter cleansers, creams, and lotions to help open up pores, dry out pimples, and promote healthy skin overall.

If your acne is more stubborn, they might prescribe stronger treatments. Some of the most effective acne treatment options for adults with severe breakouts include:

• Medicated creams composed of:
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Salicylic acid
  • Alpha-hydroxy acid
  • Vitamin A/Retinoids
• Oral retinoids
• Antibiotics (to fight infection)
• Androgen blockers
• Low-dose birth control pills (to temper hormone activity)

In addition to following your dermatologist-prescribed adult acne treatment routine, you can also make lifestyle changes that can help reduce your acne. These include getting more sleep, avoiding stressful thoughts and situations, washing your face only twice a day with a gentle cleanser, and patting it dry rather than rubbing it.

There may be no cure for adult acne, but you can still do something about it. The experts at Premier Dermatology Partners can help you find the right treatment for your skin. To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.