What causes adult acne?
Adult acne is a result of fluctuating hormones that occur naturally as we mature. Certainly pregnancy can sometimes worsen or improve adult acne because it profoundly affects hormones. In addition oral contraceptives have also been proven to improve adult acne.
What are the best treatments?
Adult acne is treated by dermatologists in the same manner as adolescent acne. The dermatologist will choose from various systemic and topical antibiotics. Other topical treatments consist of use of Retinoids, benzoyl peroxides and other agents such as sulphur, salicylic acid, glycolic acids. Many of these traditional treatments are very effective, however, acne is an inflammatory disease and initially many of the treatments exacerbate the inflammation. This means that initially patients looks and feel worse before they see improvement. The new approach is to use topical anti-inflammatories in addition to traditional ingredients to accelerate resolution and to prevent the initial pro-inflammatory worsening phase. Studies show tremendous benefits with this new anti-inflammatory approach and it will change the way physicians and patients treat acne.
Can anything be done about acne scars?
Acne scars traditionally have been an incredibly difficult problem because they are usually multiple and located on the face. These scars are usually described by doctors as atrophic, which means indented. The usual treatment has consisted of dermabrasions, acid peels, surgery, as in skin grafts, and laser. None of these modalities have been totally satisfactory and sometimes they create additional problems. A new discovery using topical alpha lipoic acid and DMAE in studies indicates that the indented scars can show as much as 80% improvement in six to twelve months of twice daily use. This combination was also studied looking at scars that resulted from plastic surgical repair of cleft lip and palate on children. This double blind placebo controlled study indicates an 80% to 90% improvement of scars when compared with placebo in this 18-month study.
What products do you recommend for adult acne?
Recommended Prescription Products:
Ask your dermatologist about the following and other options:
- Retinoids
- Topical Antibiotics
- Prescription Benzoyl Peroxide
More Recommended Products:
- Out Patient Therapy Pore Refining Cleanser
- Out Patient Therapy Pore Refining Toner Pads
- Out Patient Therapy Acne Treatment Gel Cream ($55)
- Out Patient Therapy Pore Refining Concealer
- Out Patient Therapy Pore Refining Moisturizer Oil Free
For Acne Scarring on the Face
- Alpha Lipoic Acid Face Firming Activator
For Acne Scarring on the Back, Chest or Arms
- Alpha Lipoic Acid Body Toning Lotion
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