Acne is most often associated with teenagers. Unfortunately, for some people it does not only end when with puberty. In fact, you may not know it, but you or someone you know may suffer from a common acne condition known as adult acne.

There is no clear consensus on the actual cause or causes of adolescent or adult acne, however, hormonal fluctuations and genetic predisposition are thought to be two of the main causes. There are even certain medications that can also bring about acne breakouts. One thing is for sure, poor hygiene does not cause acne.

As with adolescent acne, the right treatment for adult acne will depend on the type of acne you have. For the most part, adult acne breakouts are brought about after stressful situations or during hormonal fluctuations. However, for some people adult acne is more than just a simple pimple, in fact, some acne sufferers experience severe acne, like nodulocystic acne, throughout most of their lives.

Treating Adult Acne

A well rounded acne remedy for adults depends on finding the right acne products for a complete and effective acne skin care routine. Adult acne skin care is oftentimes daunting because of the wide range of products that are available on the market today. These products are mostly geared towards adolescent acne, however, much to your surprise, they can also be used to treat adult skin.

Keep in mind, however, that older skin is much thinner and requires a skin care routine that is gentle and apt for aging skin. If you want to keep your skin from harmful chemical agents, choose products that are fragrance free and oil free.

Acne is usually treated with products that contain ingredients that can irritate mature, dry or sensitive skin. In cases like this you have two choices. First you can look for products that are especially geared towards these types of skin or, you can reduce the frequency with which you use these acne products. You may have to buy several products, but they will be well worth the investment.

Your basic skin care routine should include exfoliation cleansing, and moisturizing. When exfoliating, procure to only do it once a week and only add a toner if your cleanser does not remove all of the debris on your skin. After you moisturize, use an acne product to spot treat areas that are prone to breakouts.

This routine should help you maintain your skin acne free. Nevertheless, there are more stubborn cases of adult acne that will require a tougher approach. In such cases, you may need a prescription cream or oral medication to treat acne breakouts.

Unfortunately, if you use stronger medication you are also increasing the possibility of irritation. Some specialists may recommend slow-release formulas that can help you deal with this type of problem. There are stronger treatments, both prescription and over the counter, which include:

*Birth Control Pills & DHT Inhibitors

These treatments deal with hormonal problems.

*AHAs

These alpha hydroxy acids include both glycolic acid and lactic acid.

*Accutane

This product may cause severe side effects. Consult with your doctor about its use.

*Antibiotics

*Azelaic Acid