Adult acne is a unique problem that requires a unique solution.
Acne, the scourge of teenage years is living longer. Dermatologists report increasing numbers of men and women over the age of twenty with adult acne. According to the Academy of Dermatology, 70 million adult Americans will suffer from acne - more than 50% of women and about 25% of men.
The cause of adult acne is thought to be multifactorial including stress, environmental toxins, hormonal changes and the use of anti-aging products. Whatever the reasons adult acne it is a painful and frustrating experience.
Adult acne often occurs on different parts of the face (chin, jaw and temples) than teenage acne which is found in the oily facial T-zone.
The developer of the Clear Clinical Acne Treatment Program has seen an alarming increase in adult acne cases being referred to her clinic. The weapons at her disposal, including topical creams and internal medications such as Accutane, were often too drying or too strong for adult acne patients. Therefore her solution was to develop the Clear Clinical Acne Treatment Program.
The Clear Clinical Acne Treatment Program takes the best of time-tested anti-acne ingredients in a combination with moisturizing anti-aging components. Adult acne must be treated with products that are effective without drying the skin.
Here are some common questions and concerns about adult acne:
- Why me?
Over 90% of us will have acne at some point in our lives. Many people will continue to have acne as adults. There are likely many factors that play a role in adult acne: genetics, hormones, the environment, stress and using the wrong skin products. There are two groups of people who have adult acne. The first group consists of those individuals who have acne as teenagers and continue to have acne as adults. The second group comprises people who do not have acne during their teenage years but develop it later as adults.
- How do I know if it's my hormones?
Some people with acne might have an underlying hormone problem. A hormone problem is more likely the cause of your acne if you also have problems with scalp hair loss, an increase in hair growth on the face, chest or back and irregular periods in women. If you have any of these problems you should see your doctor for assessment.
- If I pick at my acne will it heal faster?
Often picking, popping or pricking your acne bumps will cause more scarring than the acne itself. It can even result in an infection. The best thing to do is to keep your hands off and use the Clear Acne Treatment Program twice daily.
- If I eat chocolate will I break out?
There have been no conclusive studies that associate eating chocolate with acne. In general, a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and water is important to maintain clear skin. Conversely, if your diet consists only of chocolate bars then your skin will reflect your lack of inner health due to poor nutrition.
- For women: why do I break out at certain times of the month?
Many of the factors that cause acne, such as oil production, are under the control of hormones. Hormones fluctuate throughout the month, regulating a normal monthly cycle. This is why it is common to see an increase in acne just before or during your period.
- Will skin products make me break out?
If you are using the right products for your skin type they will help to control your acne. You are certainly taking the right step in using Clear ATP. Also make sure that your makeup is formulated for your skin type so that you won't break out.
- For sports enthusiasts: make sure your equipment and behavior is not making your acne worse.
Acne on the back and shoulders can be aggravated by wearing clothing that doesn't allow the skin to breathe. Avoid polyester fabrics and stick with more "breathable" fabrics like cotton. It is a good idea to shower immediately after working out.
- What about the birth control pill and acne?
Some oral contraceptives have been found to be helpful in treating acne whereas others can make it worse. It is best to consult with your doctor about the birth control pill.
- What can I do about acne scarring?
There are a number of treatments available for scaring laser treatments, intense pulsed light and injectable fillers. In general, glycolic acid peels and microdermabrasion will result in only minimal improvement in scarring. For more information, visit www.dlkonavenue.com.
- Will I get scarring?
Some acne lesions might scar. This is often associated with deeper acne lesions, picked lesions and infected acne lesions. The best thing is to get your acne under control fast and to keep your skin clear.
- What acne treatments are available?
There are many treatments available ranging from over the counter treatments to prescription medications. Unfortunately, many of these are not designed for adult skin or sensitive skin and might result in flaking, redness and irritation. Oral medications for acne consist of antibiotics and Accutane but these have been associated with a number of side effects including blood, liver and kidney problems, increased pressure in the brain, fetal heart and brain defects, irreversible night blindness, skin pigment changes, increased sun sensitivity, skin rashes, increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, bone problems, depression and possibly suicidal behavior.
- What should I do with blackheads?
Don't pick! The best treatment is prevention! Use the Clear ATP and consider Diamond microdermabrasion which helps removal without trauma. Beware of harsh manual extraction as this can lead to scarring! For more information, visit www.dlkonavenue.com.