Skin Care Information

While it is true that acne most commonly appears during the teenage years, it is just as true that a large percentage of individuals suffer from adult acne. In fact, figures show that as much as 25 percent of men and 50 percent of women in their twenties up to their fifties still experience pimple flare-ups. Adult acne can have just as much negative psychological effects as adolescent acne - perhaps even more so. The stress of having a career or raising a family is bad enough. Having to deal with an unsightly skin problem at the same time would be even worse.

Adult acne can be caused by several things, one of which is mental stress. The body can react to stress by increasing the secretions of the skin’s sebaceous glands or by releasing more hormones from the adrenal glands. Oils from the sebaceous glands can block pores, while a greater amount of hormones in the body can cause hormonal imbalance - both of which can give rise to acne flare-ups or exacerbate an existing acne condition.

It is not surprising that women suffer from adult acne more than men do, since women are more prone to hormonal imbalance. It is known that changes in hormone levels can occur during menstruation and pregnancy. But men, too, are subject to hormonal changes, though not to the extreme level that most women undergo. In any case, hormones play a great role in the occurrence of acne in adults.

Lifestyle and environmental factors also contribute significantly to the emergence of adult acne. A diet that is poor in the necessary vitamins and minerals can wreak havoc on how the body’s organs functions. The skin, being the largest organ in the body, needs nutrients in order to work effectively. If the skin is unable to metabolize or secrete the waste products that it needs to because of poor nutrition, acne can result. Habits such as smoking and drinking can also affect the skin’s condition and its resistance to diseases like adult acne.

What is the best way to deal with adult acne? Like many other ailments, prevention is the key. Make sure that a proper diet is being followed; get enough rest; try to find ways to alleviate stress; maintain proper hygiene to prevent dust from accumulating and blocking the pores. Washing the face once or twice a day and using hypoallergenic or noncomedogenic cosmetics and other personal care products can go a long way towards preventing adult acne.

Treatment options abound for persons with adult acne, however mild or severe their condition may be. Dermatologists may recommend anti-acne medications to be taken in conjunction with other skin care products. More severe cases - such as those involving infection - can be treated with antibiotics to prevent complications. Very severe cases of adult acne have several therapeutic regimes, such as microdermabrasion and laser surgery. A person suffering from adult acne, whatever the level of severity, should consult a dermatologist or other qualified professionals to get the treatment option that is the most suitable for him or her.

Patricia Tyler is the editor of http://www.acne-community.com - the web site for learning more about and discussing acne treatments and many other acne topics.

Tags: acne, acne treatment, adult acneacne, acne treatment, adult acne

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The number people over 30 needing acne treatments has climbed to the extent that a report published in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology recommends raising the age for insurance coverage of the acne drug tretinoin to at least 40. The authors of the report, Drs. Steven Feldman and Alan Fleischer, dermatologists at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, add that many insurance companies refuse to pay for tretinoin prescriptions for patients older than 25.

Even if your insurance company leaves you to fend for yourself, you still have options for freeing yourself from acne and wrinkles. At first, coping with acne and wrinkles may seem like a cosmetic catch 22. Do you dry your skin with acne cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and worsen your wrinkles? Or, do you smear on the moisturizer to smooth the wrinkles, but cope with the zits brought on by the extra oil?

Before you get frantic, ask yourself a series of questions. Adult acne may be the result of hormonal flunctuations triggers by diet, stress or your environment.

1. Are you regular?

About 70% of your immune system is located in your intestines. If this area is blocked with waste, your immuno-defenses are down. So, instead of waste leaving your body via the rectum, it chooses to leave through the skin. Waste leaving the skin can cause an infection that presents itself as acne.

2. Are you tense?

Tension likewise reduces the vigor of the immune system. Take a few deep breaths throughout the day to calm your body. Take a long walk in the fresh air to wind down.

3. Are you eating all the nutrients you need?

Cases of acne have been improved with consuming foods containing zinc, essential fatty acids, vitamin A and a host of other nutrients. All of these vital nutrients are available in leafy green vegetables, fruits and olive oil.

4. Are you constantly thinking about a personal issue that you have not addressed?

Not resolving personal issues creates conflict and tension in the body. Again, these issues most be addressed to avoid undue stress within the body.

5. Are you exercising everyday?

Exercise reduces stress and gives you an opportunity to subconsciously contemplate challenges that you may be facing. Physical activity also keeps your muscles and intestines toned, which keeps encourages regularity.

6. Are you changing your pillowcase frequently?

Using a dirty pillowcase aggravates an acne condition. Your face naturally secretes oils during the night. These oils are sticky. So if you pillowcase if dirty, you are allowing your face to collect extra waste during the night, which could further clog your pores.

7. Have you moved recently or are you changing your job/career?

New demands or feelings of lose can sometimes accompany change. Transfer these emotions into something constructive by writing in a journal or envisioning how these changes are going to benefit you. Find comfort in these changes and opportunities for new beginnings.

8. (Women) Do you also experience excessive facial hair growth and erratic periods?

Conditions such as acne, excessive facial hair, and erratic periods could indicate an androgen disorder or other underlying hormonal imbalances. Your doctor can provide you with a series of endocrine tests to ascertain your hormone levels and what corrective actions you should take. Ricardo Azziz, M.D, who serves as Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Director of the Center for Androgen-Related Disorders at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, estimates that 80 percent of women with excessive androgen levels suffer from an endocrine disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Azziz adds that women with PCOS often have insulin resistance and are at increased risk for developing Type II diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include “Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne” (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work “Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we’re still not getting this dieting thing” (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005. For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com

Tags: accutane, adult acne, hormones, How to get rid of acne, zitsaccutane, adult acne, hormones, How to get rid of acne, zits

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Adult, teenage and baby acne have something in common; no one likes the problem. Adult, teenage and baby acne problems are surrounded by myths.

Adult, teenage and baby acne myth #1: This myth concerns babies. People believe babies do not have actual acne but at least 30% of babies are born with acne.

Adult, teenage and baby acne myth #2: This myth applies to teens. It doesn’t hurt to pick at or pop the zits. This can lead to scarring so it is better to leave them alone.

Adult, teenage and baby acne myth #3: This myth is about adult, teenage and baby acne. The reason anyone has acne is because they are not clean enough. Over washing can actually make the acne worse.

Adult, teenage and baby acne myth #4: This myth concerns adults and teens. While some think a person’s diet causes acne, others believe this is not true unless a food allergy is the source of the problem.

Adult, teenage and baby acne myth #5: This myth applies to babies. If a baby has acne, he will be more likely to suffer from it as a teen. This is not true and often a baby who has acne will have blemish-free skin when he becomes a teenager.

Adult, teenage and baby acne myth #6: This myth has to do with teens. You should let acne disappear by itself. There are many treatments available and you can contact a dermatologist if needed.

Adult, teenage and baby acne myth #7: This myth applies to adults. You will outgrow acne problems. Not everyone outgrows acne and it is best to seek treatment.

There are many myths about adult, teenage and baby acne. Know the facts.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com. He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and acne treatment information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Tags: acne, adult acne, Baby acne, clear, myths, peel, remedies, skin, solutions, teenage acne, treatmentacne, adult acne, Baby acne, clear, myths, peel, remedies, skin, solutions, teenage acne, treatment

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