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Simple Solutions for Adult Acne The easiest and most affordable ways to banish blemishes 
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting approximately 40 to 50 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Washington, D.C. Although it’s more common among teenagers and young adults, it can occur at any age. “Around 60 to 70-percent of adults have experienced acne at some time,” says Dr. Gloria Xu, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. However, despite the fact that profuse pimples are just as embarrassing and uncomfortable for 60-year-olds as they are for 16-year-olds, reliable information about acne is surprisingly hard to come by. Want smoother skin? Here’s the rundown on what acne really is, what causes it and expert tips on the easiest and most affordable solutions to make it go away. How to Avoid It According to the AAD, the exact cause of acne remains a mystery. However, like many diseases, there are both environmental and genetic components, Xu says. “A recent study found that if one parent had acne, one out of four children will also have acne,” she says. “If both parents had acne, the chances increase to three out of four.” Research also has shown that hormone imbalances, certain medications and cosmetics, diet and stress can trigger or make acne worse. To prevent the latter, do all the standard things that keep people healthy, such as drink water, eat well, exercise, take a multivitamin and get enough sleep, says Sandy Johnson, MD, Johnson Dermatology, Fort Smith, Ark. As for diet, some people will suffer acne eruptions when eating nuts, fish, hormone treated foods (milk, chicken) or a high-protein diet, or after taking creatine supplements; however, eating greasy foods doesn’t lead to acne unless you rub the grease on your skin. “If someone has acne around the mouth, it is often perioral dermatitis (a red, bumpy rash) and one should avoid tartar control toothpaste, tooth whiteners, products with red dyes (cinnamon gum and Dr. Pepper) and foods that are high in nickel like certain tomatoes and breads,” Johnson says. “If the skin around the nose or eyebrows is involved, it may seborrheic dermatitis (a flaky, scaly, itchy condition) and I would advise antidandruff shampoos and over-the-counter Clotrimazole, an anti-fungal.” Anyone who is prone to acne should be sure to use oil-free, non-comedogenic cosmetics, lotions and sunscreens, Xu says. And oral contraceptives may help decrease hormonal flare-ups in women, for whom adult acne is more common, by reducing androgen levels. How to Treat It By now you should know that to avoid scarring, picking and popping is a no-no. Instead, Johnson advises putting a cool washcloth on a pimple to decrease swelling. But you should also avoid vigorous washing, as it can irritate your skin and make acne worse. Dermatologists recommend gently washing the affected areas twice a day with mild cleanser and lukewarm water to help remove excess sebum. As for topical treatments, Johnson thinks everyone should use products containing retinol (Vitamin A), which treats and prevents acne by opening pores, but also prevents wrinkles. Although prescription-strength versions (Retin-A, Differin) are more effective, they can be irritating so start with a milder over-the-counter version. (Pregnant women should not use retinoids, as they can cause birth defects.) Alternative products that slough away pore-clogging dead cells are those that contain glycolic acid (Murad, Reviva) or salicylic acid (Oxy, Noxzema, Stridex). However, the most common spot-treatment for mild red papules and pustules is benzoyl peroxide (BPO), which comes in a wash, gel or cream. It doesn’t unclog pores, explains Xu, but it can help control inflammation and bacteria. Although BPOs won’t bleach skin, they can bleach clothes or towels, so it’s best to use it at night. “But before putting anything on your face, test it out on your forearm,” Johnson says. If cheap over-the-counter treatments aren’t enough, invest in a visit to the dermatologist to discuss oral antibiotics and stronger medications – a single prescription drug could solve the problem. “And many products have coupons or discount programs,” Johnson says. “For example, you can obtain a coupon for one of my favorite medications, Epiduo – a combination of Differin and benzoyl peroxide – online at Epiduo.com, which enables you to purchase the medication for $20 or less.” |
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