Adult Acne: How to Prevent It

Zits aren’t just for teens. Adults of all ages suffer from acne from time to time. What causes adult acne and how can we prevent these annoying red blemishes that mar our faces? According to webmd.com, changes in hormone levels (like those in menopause) and taking or stopping birth control are two possibilities. Some medications also cause acne. Yet a common culprit is bad skin care. Not washing skin enough OR washing skin too much can cause acne.

Dermatologists recommend washing your face twice a day with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, then patting skin dry.

Acne-fighting lotions: As well as fighting wrinkles, retinoid creams work to clear skin of acne. For spot treatments, try benzoyl peroxide at a lower concentration like 2.5% or 5% rather than the maximum over-the-counter strength of 10%. Apply sparingly, since overuse can dry skin.

Cosmetics: Sometimes makeup can cause breakouts. Look for skin care and cosmetics that clearly state they’re noncomedogenic (meaning they don’t clog pores) or non-acnegenic, meaning they don’t cause acne. Certain BB and CC creams will be noncomedogenic, providing skin improvement along with cosmetic improvement.

Prescription Medication: Some birth control can help acne caused by hormone fluctuations (and some cause it) so your doctor might have to try you on different birth control pills. And certain antibiotics like clindamycin (which also comes in a topical version) keep acne bacteria under control. Two other prescription drugs, Aldactone and Isotretinoin are clearing acne from the inside out.

Light Therapy: PDT or light therapy uses lasers and light to clear skin of acne. These usually require multiple treatments and maintenance treatments to keep skin clear. The best thing is to ask your dermatologist, who can look at the history of your skin and current state to recommend the best course of action. You don’t have to live with adult acne!