Causes of Acne in Teenagers and Adults

Acne is skin lesions on the face, neck, back or practically anywhere on the body caused by excess oil clogging in the skin. As a result of hormonal changes, the sebaceous gland, or oil gland, produces an excess of oil, clogging the pores of the skin. Acne affects an estimated of 17 million people in the United States each year. Adolescents are most prone to acne, however because of the causes of acne, the skin condition may occur on anyone regardless of age or race.

Acne among adults can normally be classified into three types.
1. Acne that recurs after adolescence.
2. Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood.
3. Acne that appears after clearing during times of high hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menstrual cycles.

Causes of Adult Acne

Many medications have been known to cause acne in adults. Some of these are anabolic steroids which are used illegally by athletes. Some medications used to treat epilepsy and tuberculosis have been known to be causes of acne. Medications containing lithium or iodine have also caused acne in adults. Other causes of adult acne, as discussed earlier, are hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy or menstrual cycles in women.

Contrary to popular belief, foods such as chocolate do no have a great effect on the formation of acne. There is also no scientific proof that stress plays a major role in adult or teenage acne.

It is recommended that severe cases of acne be treated by a dermatologist. Early treatment of acne may also prevent future acne from occurring. There are many remedies available proven to avoid the clumping of cells in the follicles and reduce the oil production in oil glands. Many acne medications are topical, although you may be prescribed a systemic medication or possibly a combination of both. The most common ingredients found in over the counter treatments are benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid and sulphur. These medications are available in a variety of forms, such as gels, creams, soaps and lotions. Acne treatments need to be continued for best results, it is not a one-time treatment.

The most effective treatments in preventing and healing acne get to the root of the problem by helping to reducing the hormone by-product DHT, which causes excessive oil production.

Pore cleansing techniques are also helpful in preventing acne. It works more effectively while pores are open. This can be done by steaming your face. The recommended use is 2 to 3 times a week. It has been shown that effective use of lotions or creams can be used to help prevent and treat acne. This will prove helpful among most teenagers and adults alike.