You may think that you are immune to acne just because you have survived the teenage years. Think again. Adult acne can strike at any time due to a variety of external and internal factors. Stress, fluctuations to your hormone levels, and changes in your environment can all contribute to adult acne flare ups. The good news is that you are not helpless in dealing with these annoying breakouts. Here are some ways that you can treat adult acne.
Regular Cleansing
The cornerstone of good skin health is a proper cleansing routine. Your cleansing routine should not be overly complicated. A gel-based cleanser is the best choice for skin that is prone to acne. A dime-sized portion is large enough to clean your face. Be sure to use lukewarm water so that you do not further irritate the inflamed skin. Using a circular motion, gently massage the cleanser into the surface of the skin. Rinse the product off with the warm water and then pat dry with a clean and dry towel.
Daily Exfoliation
Exfoliation is a critical component of good skin care practices. This process works by speeding up the rate in which skin cells turn over. Daily exfoliation works by sloughing away dead skin cells and penetrating into the pores to remove dirt and grime. The most popular leave-on exfoliation products include the active ingredient beta hydroxy acid (BHA) such as salicylic acid.
Benzoyl Peroxide
There is no shortage of effective treatment options when looking to get rid of adult acne. Benzoyl peroxide is particularly popular because it is available in varying degrees of strength. You can purchase this product over the counter in strengths under 2.5%. For more severe cases of adult acne, benzoyl peroxide is available in greater strengths in prescription form. By bringing oxygen to the pores, the treatment kills acne-causing bacteria. As a result, the treatment reduces the number of harmful bacteria on the skin to stop acne in its tracks.
Azelaic Acid
Another popular topical treatment for acne that shows great promise is azelaic acid. This treatment is available as a gel, lotion, or cream. Azelaic acid is a naturally-occurring substance that boosts the rate in which skin cells turn over. When combined with other treatments, azelaic acid is a powerful tool in your arsenal to fight off adult acne. This treatment is available through a prescription or over the counter in smaller amounts used in more comprehensive skincare products.
Moisturizing Products
Many individuals erroneously believe that using a moisturizer will exacerbate the acne problem. The truth is actually the opposite of this belief. Because many of the most popular acne treatments steal away the skin’s natural moisture barrier, it is vital that you use a good moisturizer to deliver this hydration back to the skin. For example, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are both known to strip away moisture as they treat acne. By using the right moisturizer for your skin type, you can bring this hydration back to the skin. This hydration will ensure that the skin does not dry out and that it does not become even more irritated. Be sure to read the label and choose an oil-free moisturizer.
High-Tech Solutions
If all of these options fail, you may want to consider the use of some of the high-tech solutions on the market. Light therapy employs the use of lasers to minimize acne breakouts. Vacuum therapy is another popular option to treat severe acne. A less invasive way to treat acne is through the use of chemical peels that penetrate into clogged pores to release dirt and grime and clear up existing breakouts while preventing future flare ups.
You do not have to settle for breakouts as an adult. With the right preventative and treatment measures, you will be well on your way to a clear and fresh complexion.