Help for My Adult Acne

I always thought acne was just for teenagers, boy was I wrong. There were so many years in there where my skin looked so good... smooth and clear. Now all of a sudden, my acne is back! What in the heck is going on? Why does my skin look almost as bad as it did when I was a teenager?

Turns out all the things I was told as a kid (eating chocolate and greasy food) has nothing to do with adult acne. Although these foods don't help, they, as well as stress, are not the main culprits of my acne. It's my fluctuating hormones!!!

Some women find that they begin to break out about a week before their menstrual cycle. Apparently, this problem will dissipate once I hit menopause (something I'm not really looking forward to), but could get worse during the transition into menopause. Isn't it fun to be a woman?

During the menopause transition, there is an increase in estrogen-androgen (male sex hormones) ratio. A study showed that women who had acne had a higher level of androgens circulating their system, then those women without acne.

Hormones aren't the only reason for breakouts though. Some medications, greasy makeup, and touching your face (bacteria) can also cause adult acne.

So what's a girl to do?

One thing to try are over the counter acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur. These medications help reduce the oil production in your skin, which in turn makes your aging skin even drier... so remember to just put the medication on the pimple, not all over your face. Try looking for a medication specifically for adults.

If you are into facials, you could visit your esthetician and ask for a Glycolic treatment, or a Salicylic treatment, however, these treatments should only be performed on those with oily skin. If your skin is dry, do not ask for these treatments as they will dry your skin further.

Another reminder is to wash your face carefully and gently. As we age, we need to remember to treat our skin kindly. Don't scrub it or rub it vigorously. This will only make the problem worse.

If you are still not getting anywhere, you could try visiting a dermatologist for a prescription antibiotic. There are several antibiotics that ease acne symptoms, however they have other side effects to contend with.

Always remember that the bout with adult acne won't last forever, just as it didn't when you were a teen. As you ease through the menopause transition and your hormones begin to regulate, the problem should also begin to ease.

In the meantime, a dab of coverup will do the trick.

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