Acne is no fun for adolescents, most of whom develop at least an occasional pimple.  But acne can be devastating for adults. Acne can redevelop in your later years, or even make its first appearance. Either way, we don’t want them!

There are 2 types of adult acne:

-Persistant acne: lasts in your mid 20s, often inflamed with lesions.

-Late-onset acne: even after having clear skin as an adolescent, you can develop your first acne as an adult. It can be as severe as persistant acne, or mild.

No matter how old you are, acne results when oil glands in your skin secrete too much sebum, a natural moisturizer you start producing in puberty. When your pores become clogged with excessive amounts of sebum and skin cells, it fosters the growth of infection causing bacteria. Pimples, nodules and cysts form as your immune system attacks the infection.

Adult acne is more difficult to resolve than teenage acne, products that worked then can be too drying, you may need stronger medication.

OTC options:

- acne remedies with sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur

-topical retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives

-moisturizers and foundations that contain proven acne fighting ingredients (salicylic acid)

If these don’t work, consult your dermatologist.

If you still have persistant or late onset acne, don’t despair. There’s no reason for this common and distressing condition to damage your self esteem. Today’s treatments are so effective that almost all cases of adult acne can be resolved.