Adult Acne

Pimples are to puberty what wrinkles are to old age. Most of us dont expect to be battling blemishes after our teenage years. But adult acne is more common than you may think, especially in women aged in their thirties, forties and fifties.

Adult acne is caused by factors such as hormonal imbalance, poor diet, reactions to cosmetics and poor hygiene. The problem begins with the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, which make an oily substance called sebum. Sebums job is to lubricate and protect the surface of the skin, but if you produce too much sebum, your skin will be oily. Too little sebum and its likely to be dry.

Treatments vary depending on whether the condition is teenage or adult acne. The latter, which usually occurs in women, often involves menstrual irregularities and requires a different approach.

One study on teenage acne involved tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil, which is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. In this Australian study, 124 patients with acne applied either a 5 percent tea tree oil gel or a 5 percent benzoyl peroxide lotion (an antiseptic). Both treatments significantly reduced the acne. The tea tree oil took longer to work, but caused fewer side effects such as minor skin irritations. Although this study used a 5% solution of tea tree oil, experts often suggest using up to a 15% concentration in order to gain better results.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil, an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, is another worthy acne remedy. It inhibits the main type of toxic bacteria that is thought to be implicated in acne and also helps to control the excessive secretion of sebum on which this toxic bacteria that causes acne thrives. Just dot lavender oil onto individual acne blemishes.

Another underlying problem with acne is that dead skin cells can block the glands that produce sebum. Fruit acids, also called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), can exfoliate these cells. The most commonly-used AHAs are glycolic acid and lactic acid.