Acne flare-ups can be annoying and embarrassing but they can be treated.  There are lots of good acne treatments on the market today, so talk to your dermatologist to find out which ones will work best for you.

Acne skin care products can be classified into three broad categories:  Preventative, Over-the-Counter, and Prescription

Preventive or General Acne Skin Care Products:

Preventative acne skin care products are ones that are used as an acne-prevention measure.  These acne skin care products include cleansers, make-up removers, and similar products that help prevent acne breakouts.  For those individuals prone to acne, these products should be part of your daily routine to head off acne breakouts before they occur.

These acne skin care products work to act against the causes of acne by limiting the production of sebum (oil) and preventing clogging of your skin’s pores.  These products essentially prevent the oil from getting trapped in the pores and hamper the growth of the bacteria that leads to acne.

General acne skin care products also include exfoliation products like skin peels.  These products work by removing dead skin cells, reducing the possibility of pore-clogging and bacteria development.

Over-the-Counter or Specialized Acne Skin Care Products:

These specialized, or over-the-counter, acne skin care products do not require a doctor’s prescription.  Most of these acne skin care products are based on Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid, both of which fight against the bacteria that causes acne.  You should start with a product that contains a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide to see how your skin responds.

Alpha-Hydroxy-Acid based moisturizers are also a popular products.  You may need to try a few to find a brand that works best for you.

Prescription Acne Skin Care Products:

These acne skin care products are prescribed by your dermatologist.  They include ointments that can be applied to the affected area, or oral antibiotics, or just about any topical treatment.  Your doctor may also prescribe a hormone-based treatment (since hormonal changes are also known to cause acne). Such acne skin care products are known to be very effective in some cases.  Finally, your dermatologist’s may suggest a minor surgical procedure to treat your acne.

Always consult your dermatologist before trying any acne skin care products to learn of their benefits and drawbacks for your particular skin type.

As a teenager, acne often poses a huge dilemma. Although it is true that acne usually occurs during puberty, it is probably just as true, just that there are a growing number of individuals who suffer from acne well into their adulthood.

Adults in their twenties, and older, still experience acne flare-ups. Adult acne can have just as many negative effects on a person as teenage acne. The effects in adults is often amplified. Living with adult acne can cause undo stress on work and family from trying to cope with an unsightly skin problem.

Mental stress can be one of the main causes of adult acne. It is also no surprise, that women suffer more often from adult acne than men. Women often have a lot more stress in their daily routines, and are prone to hormonal imbalances during their menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Just as teenage hormones play an important role in the development and exacerbation of acne, hormones can play a similar role with adult acne.

The environmental factors that surround a person, coupled with the individual’s lifestyle can also play an important role in the appearance of adult acne. A poor diet or behavior such as smoking and drinking can effect the skin’s condition and resistance to adult acne and other diseases.

Prevention is the only way to deal with adult acne. Sticking to a proper diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting rest, is a good way to start treating adult acne. The attempt to reduce stress and maintain proper care and hygiene can also help to prevent acne.

But what about the pimples you already have?

There are many treatments for people who have adult acne.

Anti-acne medications, skin care products, and even laser surgery are options that are available to treat adult acne. Visit your doctor or dermatologist to learn what treatments will be most affective for your skin type. Adult acne is very treatable, so act now.