| Adult Acne Adult acne affects 25% of all adult men and 50% of adult women at some time in their adult lives. One third of adults affected with facial acne also have acne on their body. These are the official statistics, but I personally don't know many adults who have not had a zit or two in their adult lives. People can develop unpleasant acne or have an acne recurrence in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. Dermatologists are seeing more adult acne than in previous decades. An article in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2004 stated, "Recent epidemiological studies show that there appears to be an increase in post-adolescent acne, and that the disease is lasting longer and is requiring treatment well into the mid forties." Regardless of when someone struggles with acne, it can be difficult to cope, and can cause depression and social anxiety in an adult the same way it can in a teen. Causes of Adult Acne Although the causes of adult acne are unknown, possible causes include hormones, cosmetics, stress, and an increase of resistant bacteria. Women in particular often experience premenstrual flares, often around the mouth. Treatment of Adult Acne There are many adult acne products, however, in my experience, the overall best treatment for adult acne is identical to the best treatment for teen acne, benzoyl peroxide. But benzoyl peroxide must be administered in a very specific manner to achieve total clearing. |
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