Acne is a condition that is mainly associated with teenagers. Sadly enough, some people will carry this burden with them even after puberty. Although you may not know it, adult acne is a very common condition.

Experts have not agreed on the cause or causes of adolescent or adult acne, but hormonal fluctuations and genetic predisposition are thought to be two of the main causes. Certain medication can also bring about acne breakouts. One thing is for sure, however, poor hygiene does not cause acne.

Just like when treating adolescent acne, the right treatment for adult acne will depend on the type of acne you have. For the most part, adult acne is brought about sporadically after stressful situation or during hormonal fluctuations. However, some cases of adult acne are more than just pimples. In fact, some people can suffer from severe acne, like nodulocystic acne, 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. It may get a little scary trying to find the right product for your adult acne skin care regimen. Having so many products to choose from makes it a complex task that is oftentimes reverted to a trial-and-error system of all the wrong types of products. These products are usually geared towards teenagers, however, the best products can also be used to treat adult skin.

Keep in mind that skin becomes thinner with age. Therefore, your skin care routine should become much more gentle as you age. In order to keep skin safe from harsh products, choose products that are fragrance free and oil free.

Most acne products are made with ingredients that can irritate mature, dry or sensitive skin. In these cases, you can either choose products that are especially geared towards these types of skin or 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. You should exfoliate at least once a week and only add a toner if your cleanser does not remove all of the debris on your skin. After you have moisturized your skin you should use an acne product to spot treat areas that are prone to breakouts.

This routine should be enough to keep your skin acne free. Nevertheless, there are more stubborn cases of adult acne that will require a tougher approach. In cases such as this, you might 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 doctors may prescribe slow-release formulas that have helped deal with this problem. There are stronger treatments, both prescription and over the counter, which include:

*DHT Inhibitors and Birth Control Pills

Both of these treatments deal with hormonal problems.

*AHAs

These alpha hydroxy acids include lactic acid and glycolic acid.

*Accutane

This product is known to cause severe side effects, so before using this product, consult with your doctor about its use.

*Antibiotics

*Azelaic Acid