8 Simple Steps for Treating Adult Acne
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.
