Acne in Adults

Just when you thought your bad skin days were over, adult acne strikes. Just when you've successfully navigated the ravages of adolescence on your skin, you wake up and find acne. There are different causes of adult acne. The new trend in medical circles is to discuss acne as a hormonal imbalance. Hormonal changes related to starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne. Isotretinoin has become one of the most effective treatments available for patients with severe or cystic acne. Excess emotional strain on the body can contribute to hormonal changes that have been known also to cause acne.
Severe Acne
Severe acne can cause scars which will never disappear. All but the most severe grades of acne are controllable although not curable. The most severe type of acne consists of cysts and nodules. Vigorous treatment of more severe types of acne can help prevent facial scarring.
Acne Treatment 
There are many products sold for the treatment of acne, many of them without any scientifically proven effects. The primary products used to treat acne are a pharmaceutical grade glycolic acid solution and a topical antibiotic. By applying a chemical solution to the skin, known as a chemical peel, mild scarring and certain types of acne may be treated. Topical antibiotics are used in the treatment of acne and are often prescribed along with a retinoid or benzoyl peroxide.
The cost and duration of acne treatment with topical applications and oral antibiotics make standard therapy far from ideal. This is why researchers have been studying the effects of specific peak wavelengths of light in the treatment of acne, with very successful results.
Acne Drugs
Most acne drugs only mask the symptoms of acne and do nothing to stop the real cause of acne. There are even herbal based acne medications, such as tea tree oil. Today with proper treatment, acne can usually be dealt with successfully and controlled before it becomes totally unsightly. If a vigorous approach of study and application is made, the effects of acne can be greatly reduced and in some cases overcome entirely.