Adult Acne
Acne is bad enough when it strikes with puberty. But when it continues or strikes again in
adulthood, it can be a real nuisance. Acne is a skin condition that usually begins around the
time of puberty. More than eighty percent of teenagers and preteens will develop acne to some
extent. But it can affect people of every age, gender, and race. It affects both males and
females, but boys are more likely to have severe acne and to have acne that continues into
adult acne.
The scientific name for the condition is acne vulgaris because acne usually
strikes in plainly visible locations such as the face, neck, chest and back. Acne is an age
old problem that has likely been plaguing people of all ages for centuries.
What Causes
Adult Acne?
Acne is an inflammation of the skin that can form in adulthood just as
easily as it forms in pubescence. Acne is caused by a number of factors. Contact with an oily
substance such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum is a common cause of acne, as is
the use of certain medications and steroids. However, acne is most often cause by the
secretion of androgens. Acne occurs most often to teens and preteens because these androgens
are initially secreted at the onset of puberty. But these sex hormones are secreted into
adulthood as well and can continue to cause problems with acne. Poor dietary habits and lack
of exercise also contribute to adult acne.
Androgens are male sex hormones but they are
secreted by females as well. Androgens stimulate the production of oil from the skin's oil
glands. Acne occurs when these oil glands become overactive and the exit from the gland is
blocked, causing the oil to build up in the gland and swell. A bacteria called
Propionibacterium acnes normally colonizes this swollen gland causing the development of
inflammation and pus. In particularly severe cases, the glands may burst into the skin and
produce cysts.
How Do I Treat Adult Acne?
Over ninety percent of acne patients,
both teens and adults, respond to treatment, although the treatment may need to be continued
for months or even years. Here are a few of the most common herbal, homeopathic, and
traditional methods that can be used to treat adult acne.
Adult Acne Products
Home
Therapy: Organic Apple Cider Vinegar swabs and other astringent cleansers work to remove the
oil buildup that may become blocked in the skin's glands. These products may cause dryness,
itching, and redness, so be sure to use them only on problem areas.
Herbs
Herbs such as
chamomile, lavender, juniper, bergamot, dandelion root, and burdock root can be used to reduce
toxicity and improve the overall condition of the skin. Echinacea and poke root are often used
for their anti-inflammatory properties and red clover may be beneficial for its estrogenic
action. Witch hazel has excellent astringent properties and may be very effective on adult
acne.
Acupuncture
Stagnant of Chi in the channels of the face is said to be the cause
of acne. Acupuncture performed on these points of the face may help relieve adult acne.
Surgery
In moderate to severe cases of acne, doctors may use surgery to open up the blemishes
and remove blackheads and whiteheads. Unlike medication treatments, the effects of acne
surgery are usually more immediate. And surgery is also effective in reducing the development
and visibility of adult acne scars.
