Acne during Adulthood: Causes and Remedies

Adult acne is an example of past problems that come back to haunt you. It is more serious in the case of men who had acne during their childhood, but also in the case of pregnant and post-menopausal women.

There are many different forms of acne -- from white heads and blackheads to pimples and cysts. Several regions of the body can be affected by acne, but it most often appears on the face. Usually, inflammation and swelling of the skin is experienced.

The causes that lead to acne are well known. A buildup of sebum and dead cells in the secretory glands of the skin creates a favorable environment for bacteria to turn those regions into their territory. They multiply and feed on the dead cells, releasing chemicals which are harmful to the skin, causing irritation and eruptions.

In the case of adults, the disturbance of sebaceous gland activity can also be rooted in hormonal problems - most often related to gonadotropin or the sex hormones. Progesterone and estrogen level variations during pregnancy are also among the factors underlying an acned complexion - though it is usually a mild form of acne which heals easily when the pregnancy period is over.

Menopause-related acne has basically the same cause, as menopause is characterized by a fall in the secretion of female sex hormones. On the other hand, more sebum is secreted, the conditions being thus quite favorable for the occurrence of acne.

Stress can make acne problems worse in the case of adults, so it is best to avoid having a chaotic life. Apart from the usual changes in the appearance of the skin, adult acne can be accompanied by hair loss and irregularities in the menstrual cycle.

Medicines are available for keeping adult acne under control by regulating hormone secretion. Anti-androgens such as Spironolactone and even oral contraceptive pills can be effective in tackling acne, either by shrinking sebaceous glands or by regulating the levels of certain hormones in the body. In spite of the widely popular success of such methods, however, a doctor's advice is strongly recommended before opting for one.

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