Statistically, women are twice as likely as men to suffer adult acne, implicating a hormonal component to this often frustrating condition. Sources also report that the prevalence of adult acne is on the rise, with the problem continuing past patients' 40th year.
What Causes Adult Acne?
The answer to this question varies according to the individual; but hormones, certain cosmetics, and increasingly-resistant bacteria may all come into play. One thing that is not to blame is a "dirty face" - poor hygiene is almost never to blame for acne. In fact, lots of scrubbing and washing may irritate your skin more and worsen the acne.
Acne occurs when a pore becomes clogged with oil or skin cells - it's not the result of dirt on your face getting into your pores. If the pore remains open, a blackhead forms. The black color comes from oxidation of the skin cells, not dirt from outside. Once the pore is clogged, it may become infected and form a red pimple.
Women may notice a flare-up in their acne right before their menstrual period, which shows the role that hormones play in acne. In fact, male hormones are said to be the cause of acne in both genders, but women's hormonal levels change and fluctuate more than men's.
Treatment Options for Adult Acne
As you work with your health care provider to find a treatment that's right for you, these are some of the options you will probably discuss.
* Over-the-counter acne medications may help, especially those containing benzoyl peroxide.
* Sulphur is an effective topical treatment - it's usually applied as a lotion or in a soap.
* Retinoid creams are said to be effective. It's good to bear in mind that these creams usually take a month or two to show results.
* Hormone therapy works well for some adults. Usually, the birth control pill is the most easily obtainable means of hormonal control in women; some of whom have found remarkable improvements in their skin after starting "the pill."
* Natural supplements are also an option for acne sufferers. Hormone-regulating herbs like Vitex may help, and taking a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement may also be of benefit.
* Switching cosmetics may solve the problem, either because the old cosmetics harbored bacteria that was infecting the skin, or because of irritants in that particular brand.
* Diet may also play a role, although the "chocolate and pizza give you zits" philosophy is probably not valid. Still, eating a healthy diet is important to overall health, and that includes the skin.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Tips on Treating Baby Acne
Baby acne is not uncommon, but it often catches new parents off guard. It appears like "the usual" acne - red bumps, some with white heads. What causes a baby to get acne? Is there anything you can do about it?
What Causes Baby Acne?
The exact cause of acne is tricky to pinpoint with any age. With babies, acne, if it occurs, shows up from 2 to 4 weeks of age. It is usually attributed to hormonal shifts and surges that occur in the womb and during childbirth. These hormonal changes and shifts affect baby's skin for weeks after birth.
In rare instances, baby acne can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance or disorder.
Other possible causes include irritation from detergents, spit-up, or that ubiquitous baby drool.
Some experts suggest that baby acne may indicate allergies, particularly allergies to foods such as dairy products or soy. These substances can reach babies through the mother's milk or in formula.
Will It Go Away?
Baby acne can last up to six months, with breakouts flaring and subsiding. You might notice that baby's acne flares when he or she is sick or teething. It will eventually go away; in the meantime, here are some treatment options.
What Can I Do About My Baby's Acne?
If you suspect a hormonal imbalance or problem - such as baby acne that goes on for months - you will need to discuss treatment options with your doctor. For baby acne that is not the result of hormone problems, here are some common and alternative treatments.
Note: Experts warn not to put any adult acne treatments on baby's skin, such as retinoid creams, benzoyl peroxide, or medicated cleansers.
* Topical treatments - Most of the time, babies with acne just need a gentle wash twice a day, either with plain water or with a mild soap. If the acne is severe, your doctor may prescribe a gentle, medicated topical treatment that is intended for babies.
There are some natural treatments you can employ, too. If breastfeeding, applying some breast milk to the affected areas with a cotton ball may help. Some plain yogurt mixed with a little honey - 1/4 teaspoon of honey per 2 tablespoons of yogurt - makes a gentle, probiotic cleanser for baby's skin. If possible, rinse baby's skin with filtered or distilled water. Tap water may have harsh chemicals that might worsen the problem.
* Dietary considerations - If you're a nursing mother, consider cutting out dairy and soy products to see if your baby's skin improves. You can also try eliminating citrus fruits.
If you feed formula, you might seek out a hypo-allergenic formula that is not dairy or soy-based. * Of course it’s important to get advice from your pediatrician before cutting out any essential foods from your diet while breastfeeding.
* Environmental adjustments - Baby's clothing, bedding, and toys should be washed with mild, hypo-allergenic detergent. Brightly-colored fabrics may contain irritating dyes, so natural fabrics are probably best to avoid allergic reactions.
Babies need some fresh air and sunshine, too - health professionals point out the benefits of moderate sun exposure for baby's health. And fresh air is good for everyone's skin.
What Causes Baby Acne?
The exact cause of acne is tricky to pinpoint with any age. With babies, acne, if it occurs, shows up from 2 to 4 weeks of age. It is usually attributed to hormonal shifts and surges that occur in the womb and during childbirth. These hormonal changes and shifts affect baby's skin for weeks after birth.
In rare instances, baby acne can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance or disorder.
Other possible causes include irritation from detergents, spit-up, or that ubiquitous baby drool.
Some experts suggest that baby acne may indicate allergies, particularly allergies to foods such as dairy products or soy. These substances can reach babies through the mother's milk or in formula.
Will It Go Away?
Baby acne can last up to six months, with breakouts flaring and subsiding. You might notice that baby's acne flares when he or she is sick or teething. It will eventually go away; in the meantime, here are some treatment options.
What Can I Do About My Baby's Acne?
If you suspect a hormonal imbalance or problem - such as baby acne that goes on for months - you will need to discuss treatment options with your doctor. For baby acne that is not the result of hormone problems, here are some common and alternative treatments.
Note: Experts warn not to put any adult acne treatments on baby's skin, such as retinoid creams, benzoyl peroxide, or medicated cleansers.
* Topical treatments - Most of the time, babies with acne just need a gentle wash twice a day, either with plain water or with a mild soap. If the acne is severe, your doctor may prescribe a gentle, medicated topical treatment that is intended for babies.
There are some natural treatments you can employ, too. If breastfeeding, applying some breast milk to the affected areas with a cotton ball may help. Some plain yogurt mixed with a little honey - 1/4 teaspoon of honey per 2 tablespoons of yogurt - makes a gentle, probiotic cleanser for baby's skin. If possible, rinse baby's skin with filtered or distilled water. Tap water may have harsh chemicals that might worsen the problem.
* Dietary considerations - If you're a nursing mother, consider cutting out dairy and soy products to see if your baby's skin improves. You can also try eliminating citrus fruits.
If you feed formula, you might seek out a hypo-allergenic formula that is not dairy or soy-based. * Of course it’s important to get advice from your pediatrician before cutting out any essential foods from your diet while breastfeeding.
* Environmental adjustments - Baby's clothing, bedding, and toys should be washed with mild, hypo-allergenic detergent. Brightly-colored fabrics may contain irritating dyes, so natural fabrics are probably best to avoid allergic reactions.
Babies need some fresh air and sunshine, too - health professionals point out the benefits of moderate sun exposure for baby's health. And fresh air is good for everyone's skin.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
How Acne Affects Emotions and Self-Esteem
For some reason, the effect of acne on a person's emotions and self-esteem is often left unaddressed. When you go to your dermatologist, for example, he or she will rarely ask you if you feel depressed, anxious, or even hateful of yourself. The dermatologist deals with the surface of a person - his or her skin - by trade. But some acne sufferers - especially teens - may have some very intense emotions under their skin's surface.
While acne can present a struggle at any age, teens tend to be the most vulnerable to the negative emotional impact of acne. Teenagers are still forming and growing, and the image they form of themselves can be influenced permanently. Adults suffering from acne may still experience some difficult emotions, but they usually have a more mature self-image and a different perspective on the world than teenagers.
It is worth noting, however, that adults - especially women - may suffer emotionally if their acne occurs during menopause or other significant hormonal shifts associated with ageing. The woman may feel unattractive anyway, and the acne may only make it worse.
When a teen has acne, several things can happen that affect his or her self-esteem, such as:
* Being made fun of at school. Whether it's friendly teasing or mean taunting, having your peers make fun of your face can incite all kinds of negative emotions.
* Being misunderstood, either deliberately or genuinely. A lot of times, people without acne will accuse you of not washing your face, or assume you have poor hygiene. But any teen with acne can tell you, it's not an issue of not washing! Acne comes from within, and is the result of a complex interplay between hormones, environment, stress level, and nutrients.
* Being ignored or snubbed by the opposite sex. This may not seem like a big deal to a grown-up, but teens with acne often feel ugly or unworthy of attention from the opposite sex.
* Teens with acne may sit at home rather than going out with friends, embarrassed that someone will see their pimples. Acne can make them feel like a social outcast.
Emotionally, a teen may become depressed and angry, even to the point of self-hatred, when he or she experiences this kind of attack on his or her self-esteem. In fact, studies have shown that even when acne is improved, the negative feelings and depression can linger on. This indicates that acne may have a lasting effect on the emotions and self-image.
The sense of injustice that a teen may feel when suffering acne ("Why can't I be like so-and-so? Why me?") can manifest as angry and aggressive outbursts.
While acne can present a struggle at any age, teens tend to be the most vulnerable to the negative emotional impact of acne. Teenagers are still forming and growing, and the image they form of themselves can be influenced permanently. Adults suffering from acne may still experience some difficult emotions, but they usually have a more mature self-image and a different perspective on the world than teenagers.
It is worth noting, however, that adults - especially women - may suffer emotionally if their acne occurs during menopause or other significant hormonal shifts associated with ageing. The woman may feel unattractive anyway, and the acne may only make it worse.
When a teen has acne, several things can happen that affect his or her self-esteem, such as:
* Being made fun of at school. Whether it's friendly teasing or mean taunting, having your peers make fun of your face can incite all kinds of negative emotions.
* Being misunderstood, either deliberately or genuinely. A lot of times, people without acne will accuse you of not washing your face, or assume you have poor hygiene. But any teen with acne can tell you, it's not an issue of not washing! Acne comes from within, and is the result of a complex interplay between hormones, environment, stress level, and nutrients.
* Being ignored or snubbed by the opposite sex. This may not seem like a big deal to a grown-up, but teens with acne often feel ugly or unworthy of attention from the opposite sex.
* Teens with acne may sit at home rather than going out with friends, embarrassed that someone will see their pimples. Acne can make them feel like a social outcast.
Emotionally, a teen may become depressed and angry, even to the point of self-hatred, when he or she experiences this kind of attack on his or her self-esteem. In fact, studies have shown that even when acne is improved, the negative feelings and depression can linger on. This indicates that acne may have a lasting effect on the emotions and self-image.
The sense of injustice that a teen may feel when suffering acne ("Why can't I be like so-and-so? Why me?") can manifest as angry and aggressive outbursts.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Types of Acne and How To Manage
A pimple is a pimple, right? Not necessarily. Acne actually takes various forms, and how you treat it can be different depending on what kind you have. Here is some information on the basic types of acne and how to treat them.
Whiteheads or Comedos
These are perhaps the least noticeable of the acne types. They are small, white bumps under the skin without redness or pain. They are closed, meaning the material clogging the pore is trapped beneath the skin's surface. It's tempting to squeeze or pick at these, but experts warn that this can introduce unnecessary irritation and open the skin to infection. Here are some tips for treating whiteheads.
* Leave them alone. Don't pick at or squeeze them.
* Wash your skin twice a day with a cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide.
* Moisturize your skin (even if it's oily) with a hypo-allergenic moisturizer. Consider one containing jojoba oil - it's said to help regulate the body's natural oil production.
Blackheads
Blackheads are slightly open, allowing some of the clog to be excreted from the pore. It's this open nature that accounts for the black color - this happens when your skin cells oxidize in the presence of air. Treating blackheads involves the same as above, except it's a good idea to remove the clog with the following suggestions:
* Gentle exfoliation may help remove blackheads.
* Masks or exfoliants that contain salicylic acid tend to be especially effective.
Papules
Papules do not have a "head," but they are red and swollen. Do not squeeze a papule, say experts; that can cause swelling, irritation, and scarring. Attempts to squeeze could force the infection deeper into the skin. Treat papules the way you would whiteheads, but be very gentle and do not rub or scrub or exfoliate the skin.
Pustules
When you think of a pimple, this is usually what comes to mind - a red bump with a white head that is just begging to be squeezed. If you must squeeze a pustule, medical professionals advise gently poking the white head with a sterilized needle and draining the pus with tissue-covered fingers.
Besides (or instead of) squeezing pustules, you can also follow the tips for treating whiteheads above.
Cysts and Nodules
This type of acne should never be squeezed either, say health professionals. Cysts are painful, red and swollen. In addition to gentle cleansing and skin care, some other tips for treating cysts may include:
* Applying cortisone cream to reduce swelling
* Seeing your dermatologist for a cortisone shot or other steroid treatment
When It's Not Acne
Some skin conditions can mimic acne, such as:
- Rosacea (various types)
- Skin allergies
- Eczema
There are also more severe, unusual types of acne that do not necessarily respond to conventional acne treatment. If you are uncertain as to whether or not you have "typical" acne or something different, your dermatologist should be able to diagnose the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Whiteheads or Comedos
These are perhaps the least noticeable of the acne types. They are small, white bumps under the skin without redness or pain. They are closed, meaning the material clogging the pore is trapped beneath the skin's surface. It's tempting to squeeze or pick at these, but experts warn that this can introduce unnecessary irritation and open the skin to infection. Here are some tips for treating whiteheads.
* Leave them alone. Don't pick at or squeeze them.
* Wash your skin twice a day with a cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide.
* Moisturize your skin (even if it's oily) with a hypo-allergenic moisturizer. Consider one containing jojoba oil - it's said to help regulate the body's natural oil production.
Blackheads
Blackheads are slightly open, allowing some of the clog to be excreted from the pore. It's this open nature that accounts for the black color - this happens when your skin cells oxidize in the presence of air. Treating blackheads involves the same as above, except it's a good idea to remove the clog with the following suggestions:
* Gentle exfoliation may help remove blackheads.
* Masks or exfoliants that contain salicylic acid tend to be especially effective.
Papules
Papules do not have a "head," but they are red and swollen. Do not squeeze a papule, say experts; that can cause swelling, irritation, and scarring. Attempts to squeeze could force the infection deeper into the skin. Treat papules the way you would whiteheads, but be very gentle and do not rub or scrub or exfoliate the skin.
Pustules
When you think of a pimple, this is usually what comes to mind - a red bump with a white head that is just begging to be squeezed. If you must squeeze a pustule, medical professionals advise gently poking the white head with a sterilized needle and draining the pus with tissue-covered fingers.
Besides (or instead of) squeezing pustules, you can also follow the tips for treating whiteheads above.
Cysts and Nodules
This type of acne should never be squeezed either, say health professionals. Cysts are painful, red and swollen. In addition to gentle cleansing and skin care, some other tips for treating cysts may include:
* Applying cortisone cream to reduce swelling
* Seeing your dermatologist for a cortisone shot or other steroid treatment
When It's Not Acne
Some skin conditions can mimic acne, such as:
- Rosacea (various types)
- Skin allergies
- Eczema
There are also more severe, unusual types of acne that do not necessarily respond to conventional acne treatment. If you are uncertain as to whether or not you have "typical" acne or something different, your dermatologist should be able to diagnose the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Friday, January 2, 2015
What Causes Acne?
You may have heard it said that no one really knows what causes acne. While causes of acne may be individualized to an extent, some actual causes can be identified. It depends a bit on the type of acne you experience, your age, and your lifestyle. Here are some of the possible causes and triggers of acne.
Causes
Causes are different from triggers. For example, clogged pores may cause acne; but something triggers the pores to get clogged, or triggers them to become inflamed.
Some possible causes of acne may include the following.
* A high-glycemic diet - Studies show a connection between high insulin levels in the body and the development of acne. Eating foods that convert quickly to sugar in the body - that is, high-glycemic foods - causes the body to produce large amounts of insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable. This large amount of insulin in the blood may cause or worsen acne - some health professionals have been known to call acne "diabetes of the skin"!
* Hormonal shifts - When you hit puberty, wean a baby, begin menopause or perimenopause, take birth control pills, etc., you experience hormonal shifts. Hormonal shifts are actually a common, normal, and relatively frequent occurrence during the average lifetime. After menopause and into old age, hormones tend to become more stable and not as subject to fluctuations. But that can take a while! In the meantime, hormonal changes may cause various types of acne, such as rosacea or localized breakouts.
Hormones may be responsible for increased production of oil or sebum on the skin, which is one of the contributions to clogged pores.
* Stress - While it's somewhat controversial, some conjecture that stress plays a role in acne. This may be due to the stress hormones that are produced when you suffer chronic stress. These hormones, particularly norepinephrine and epinephrine, are male hormones and are implicated in the development of acne. Also, during stressful periods or chronic stress, the immune system may be less effective. This could make the skin more vulnerable to bacterial infections and therefore acne.
Triggers
Triggers may be more individualized than causes; a trigger might be an allergy or sensitivity that is unique to certain sensitive individuals. Other triggers are more common. Here are some better-known acne triggers.
* Food allergies - For allergic individuals, eating problem foods creates inflammation, and inflammation plays a key role in acne development.
* Hair products - Hair products are often overlooked as a possible skin irritant, but acne triggered by hair products is more common than most people realize. Acne triggered by styling gels, conditioners, etc. tends to occur along the hair line or the jaw and neck.
* Telephones - The bacteria build-up that may occur on telephone receivers can infect skin with acne-causing bacteria. A tell-tale sign is acne along the jaw, chin, and ear, occurring on the side you use most when you hold the phone to your ear.
Causes
Causes are different from triggers. For example, clogged pores may cause acne; but something triggers the pores to get clogged, or triggers them to become inflamed.
Some possible causes of acne may include the following.
* A high-glycemic diet - Studies show a connection between high insulin levels in the body and the development of acne. Eating foods that convert quickly to sugar in the body - that is, high-glycemic foods - causes the body to produce large amounts of insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable. This large amount of insulin in the blood may cause or worsen acne - some health professionals have been known to call acne "diabetes of the skin"!
* Hormonal shifts - When you hit puberty, wean a baby, begin menopause or perimenopause, take birth control pills, etc., you experience hormonal shifts. Hormonal shifts are actually a common, normal, and relatively frequent occurrence during the average lifetime. After menopause and into old age, hormones tend to become more stable and not as subject to fluctuations. But that can take a while! In the meantime, hormonal changes may cause various types of acne, such as rosacea or localized breakouts.
Hormones may be responsible for increased production of oil or sebum on the skin, which is one of the contributions to clogged pores.
* Stress - While it's somewhat controversial, some conjecture that stress plays a role in acne. This may be due to the stress hormones that are produced when you suffer chronic stress. These hormones, particularly norepinephrine and epinephrine, are male hormones and are implicated in the development of acne. Also, during stressful periods or chronic stress, the immune system may be less effective. This could make the skin more vulnerable to bacterial infections and therefore acne.
Triggers
Triggers may be more individualized than causes; a trigger might be an allergy or sensitivity that is unique to certain sensitive individuals. Other triggers are more common. Here are some better-known acne triggers.
* Food allergies - For allergic individuals, eating problem foods creates inflammation, and inflammation plays a key role in acne development.
* Hair products - Hair products are often overlooked as a possible skin irritant, but acne triggered by hair products is more common than most people realize. Acne triggered by styling gels, conditioners, etc. tends to occur along the hair line or the jaw and neck.
* Telephones - The bacteria build-up that may occur on telephone receivers can infect skin with acne-causing bacteria. A tell-tale sign is acne along the jaw, chin, and ear, occurring on the side you use most when you hold the phone to your ear.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Managing Acne With Nutrition
While the old adage that "eating chocolate gives you zits" is considered out-of-date, new evidence indicates that your diet does play a role in the health of your skin. If you are suffering from acne or someone in your family is having trouble with it, here are some nutritional tips that may help.
Acne in Babies
Nutritional approaches to managing baby acne usually involve changes in the mother's diet or in the formula type, since baby acne usually occurs in newborns. For nursing mothers, here are some tips:
* Cut out dairy and soy products from your diet (these two substances are common allergens in newborns).
* Cut out citrus fruits from you diet as well, as citrus fruits can transfer to breast milk and may cause skin inflammation.
* Take in healthy amounts of good fats like flax and olive oil.
For those who feed formula, check with your pediatrician to make sure no allergies to soy and/or dairy present in the formula are worsening the acne.
Teens
As a teen, it can be really tempting to indulge in junk food. And many teens have those amazing metabolisms that allow them to eat pizza and nachos three times a day and not gain weight! But nutritional tips for acne healing still apply to teens.
These include a recommendation to eat low-glycemic foods.
Some interesting studies have shown a connection between insulin levels and acne - higher insulin correlating with increased acne. If you eat lots of sugar and refined grains, your insulin levels will increase in order to keep blood sugar levels stable in the midst of an influx of sugar. The increased insulin levels may worsen acne. So in a very real sense, sugar may make your acne worse.
Low-glycemic foods include lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables. Whole fruits have a lower glycemic level than juice.
Here are some specific ways you can incorporate or substitute high-glycemic foods with low-glycemic ones:
* Homemade popcorn instead of potato chips or corn chips
* Granola instead of sugary cereal
* Naturally-sweetened beverages instead of sugary drinks like colas
* Whole grain pasta instead of refined semolina pasta
* Whole grain breads (homemade if possible) instead of white
Adults
Many of the dietary guidelines for teens apply to adults, too - insulin may still play a role in adult acne. So switching to low-glycemic foods might be a good idea (it's considered a healthier diet anyway). Other tips for adults include:
* Include healthy fats in the diet
* Take a high-quality multi-vitamin supplement
* Limit sugar and refined grains
* Emphasize high-fiber foods
Acne in Babies
Nutritional approaches to managing baby acne usually involve changes in the mother's diet or in the formula type, since baby acne usually occurs in newborns. For nursing mothers, here are some tips:
* Cut out dairy and soy products from your diet (these two substances are common allergens in newborns).
* Cut out citrus fruits from you diet as well, as citrus fruits can transfer to breast milk and may cause skin inflammation.
* Take in healthy amounts of good fats like flax and olive oil.
For those who feed formula, check with your pediatrician to make sure no allergies to soy and/or dairy present in the formula are worsening the acne.
Teens
As a teen, it can be really tempting to indulge in junk food. And many teens have those amazing metabolisms that allow them to eat pizza and nachos three times a day and not gain weight! But nutritional tips for acne healing still apply to teens.
These include a recommendation to eat low-glycemic foods.
Some interesting studies have shown a connection between insulin levels and acne - higher insulin correlating with increased acne. If you eat lots of sugar and refined grains, your insulin levels will increase in order to keep blood sugar levels stable in the midst of an influx of sugar. The increased insulin levels may worsen acne. So in a very real sense, sugar may make your acne worse.
Low-glycemic foods include lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables. Whole fruits have a lower glycemic level than juice.
Here are some specific ways you can incorporate or substitute high-glycemic foods with low-glycemic ones:
* Homemade popcorn instead of potato chips or corn chips
* Granola instead of sugary cereal
* Naturally-sweetened beverages instead of sugary drinks like colas
* Whole grain pasta instead of refined semolina pasta
* Whole grain breads (homemade if possible) instead of white
Adults
Many of the dietary guidelines for teens apply to adults, too - insulin may still play a role in adult acne. So switching to low-glycemic foods might be a good idea (it's considered a healthier diet anyway). Other tips for adults include:
* Include healthy fats in the diet
* Take a high-quality multi-vitamin supplement
* Limit sugar and refined grains
* Emphasize high-fiber foods
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Acne Is Not Just A Teenage Problem
Some dermatologists have noticed an increase in the incidence of adult acne. And newborn babies can also develop acne. While teens are still subject to this skin problem, they are definitely not the only demographic to experience acne.
Acne forms as a result of clogged pores - just how and why those pores get clogged remains something of a mystery. Although people with dry skin can get acne, too, it's usually attributed to excess oil being produced by the sebaceous glands. Hormones also play a role, with hormone imbalances and changes often accompanying break-outs.
Teenagers
Because of the hormonal changes that are occurring in teenagers' bodies, acne is considered a normal part of teen development. That doesn't make it any easier to deal with, though, and despite the fact that acne is considered normal, teenagers may find that many of their peers don't have acne, making them feel "freakish." In fact, acne is implicated in social problems, depression, and anxiety in teenagers.
Treatment for teen acne may involve topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoid creams (Retin-A), oral medications, or medicated cleansers. Sometimes, a teenager's doctor or health professional will suggest supplements that are intended to regulate hormones, or may suggest dietary modifications.
Babies
This is one group of acne sufferers that doesn't suffer any negative social effects from acne! Newborn babies do sometimes develop pimples shortly after birth, usually around 2-3 weeks of age. While worrisome to parents, baby acne is considered a normal developmental phase and is not usually cause for concern.
Experts warn that putting lotions, oils, or over-the-counter topical acne treatments on babies is not a good idea, and can worsen the acne or cause other problems. Scrubbing baby's skin, especially with harsh soap, may also exacerbate the problem. Generally, washing baby's face with a mild soap once a day and keeping his or her skin dry and clean are sufficient. Baby acne clears up on its own over time.
Adults
You were hoping to outgrow your acne...but instead, here you are in your 20s, 30s, or 40s and still experiencing break-outs. Adults can be just as embarrassed and emotionally affected by their acne as teens.
Dermatologists agree, though, that acne - including adult acne - is highly treatable. Doctors who are treating adults with acne may be more inclined to look to balancing the hormones as a treatment. Retinoid creams or topical benzoyl peroxide may also be prescribed or purchased over-the-counter. Adults who see alternative or natural health professionals may make dietary and lifestyle changes as well.
Acne forms as a result of clogged pores - just how and why those pores get clogged remains something of a mystery. Although people with dry skin can get acne, too, it's usually attributed to excess oil being produced by the sebaceous glands. Hormones also play a role, with hormone imbalances and changes often accompanying break-outs.
Teenagers
Because of the hormonal changes that are occurring in teenagers' bodies, acne is considered a normal part of teen development. That doesn't make it any easier to deal with, though, and despite the fact that acne is considered normal, teenagers may find that many of their peers don't have acne, making them feel "freakish." In fact, acne is implicated in social problems, depression, and anxiety in teenagers.
Treatment for teen acne may involve topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoid creams (Retin-A), oral medications, or medicated cleansers. Sometimes, a teenager's doctor or health professional will suggest supplements that are intended to regulate hormones, or may suggest dietary modifications.
Babies
This is one group of acne sufferers that doesn't suffer any negative social effects from acne! Newborn babies do sometimes develop pimples shortly after birth, usually around 2-3 weeks of age. While worrisome to parents, baby acne is considered a normal developmental phase and is not usually cause for concern.
Experts warn that putting lotions, oils, or over-the-counter topical acne treatments on babies is not a good idea, and can worsen the acne or cause other problems. Scrubbing baby's skin, especially with harsh soap, may also exacerbate the problem. Generally, washing baby's face with a mild soap once a day and keeping his or her skin dry and clean are sufficient. Baby acne clears up on its own over time.
Adults
You were hoping to outgrow your acne...but instead, here you are in your 20s, 30s, or 40s and still experiencing break-outs. Adults can be just as embarrassed and emotionally affected by their acne as teens.
Dermatologists agree, though, that acne - including adult acne - is highly treatable. Doctors who are treating adults with acne may be more inclined to look to balancing the hormones as a treatment. Retinoid creams or topical benzoyl peroxide may also be prescribed or purchased over-the-counter. Adults who see alternative or natural health professionals may make dietary and lifestyle changes as well.
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