Acne affects some teenagers during puberty, and it also affects adults - that's what's called adult acne. There are some factors that can affect if one will get acne, such as heredity or if a person tends to have oily skin and hair. Acne is a skin disease/condition whereas the body overproduces oil in the sebum glands, and bacteria and dirt (which everyone has) gets mixed with the oil - the result is a clogged pore, which could lead to blackheads and whiteheads.
Adult acne differs from teenage acne, in that its mostly hormonal, and it affect the t-zone part of the face, the forehead, cheeks and chin, and along the jaw line. There is no cure for acne, but there are products such as over-the counter products you can use for mild acne, such as benzoyl peroxide, or sulphur-based products. For moderate to severe acne, you can be prescribed antibiotics such as minocycline. I would not recommend Accutane, from what I've read it can cause liver damage, and that is a big risk factor. Apparently Accutane works very well though.
I for one have struggled with acne all my life. I had it when I was a teenager. It's embarassing. As an adult, when I was 29, I started getting acne again. In my 30s I went to a dermatologist and was prescribed Minocycline, an antibiotic. At first, they worked like a charm then after awhile it lost its efficacy.
I'm in my 40s now and I still have it. It's very frustrating, and I struggle with it on a daily basis. Sure, you can cover it up with makeup but you can still see traces of it and when you don't have makeup on it's very noticeable. I've tried every OTC product imaginable, nothing has worked. It's like putting a band-aid on a problem that's inside the body.
Right now, I take 1-2 Vitamin E pills and up to 3 Vitamin C pills a day and I bought a machine that cost $80 which is a high-frequency wand, which is a hand-held wand, for home use I imagine. It comes with 3 different glass electrodes. I try to use it at least once a week, and it does seem to be helping my skin somewhat, but it's not completely gone. Its pretty painful to use though, the frequency has to be high enough to be effective.
I hope that I've helped someone out there who may be struggling with acne like I am, by telling my story about having it and what sort of treatments I've taken.
thx LillyP
Very informative list on Acne.
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