Different Treatment Options for Adult and Teenage Acne
When you think about who suffers with acne, do you picture spotty teenagers with oily skin and greasy hair? You’re right, because acne occurs in about 85% of teenagers, affecting more boys than girls. This is because acne is caused by the over-activity of the sebaceous glands that secrete oil onto the skin during puberty. During adolescence there is a sharp increase in the production of androgens in the body which stimulate the sebaceous glands. This is why acne affects more teenagers than adults.
Having acne at any age can be very emotionally upsetting. Who wants to peer in the mirror and see an acne ridden face reflected back at them. For teenagers, especially, it is a vulnerable time when they are very concerned with their looks and with how other people see them. Having acne can be a very embarrassing condition which can really knock a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem. This does not mean that adults have no problem with spots, but that they are better able to deal with them. They probably laugh it off and say that they are turning into teenagers!
So why are adult acne treatments different from teenage acne treatments? To start with, adult acne is slightly different to teenage acne. Teenagers have the tendency to suffer more with blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules, whilst adults tend to have more papules and cysts. Whilst teenage acne is predomiantly caused by an over-production of sebum, adult acne can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, stress, coming off birth control pills and reactions to cosmetics. For these reasons, adult acne tends to affect more women than men. It’s not unusual for a woman to get spotty around the time of their periods, during pregnancy and during menopause. Another possible cause of acne in adult women could be polycystic ovary syndrome.
So what are the main differences between adult acne treatments and teenage acne treatments?
1.As teenage skin is usually more oily, acne products aimed for teenagers contain ingredients that cause the skin to produce less oil. Unless your skin is very oily, adults should stay away from teen marketed products as these can be too drying. You should look for brands that are aimed at the adult market.
2. Over-the-counter medication to treat teenage acne is usually the same as treating adult acne. However, a teenager will be be prescribed a lower dosage of prescription only medication, based on his or her body weight.
3. Oral contraceptives are sometimes prescribed to treat adult acne in women to help balance the hormonal fluctuations that cause acne around menstruation. Some women, especially if post-menopausal, are recommended Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) if they are also experiencing other symptoms.
Using prescription only or over-the-counter medication is the same treatment strategy whether you are a teenager or adult with acne.
If you want to know more about adult acne treatments or about acne scar remedies, please visit my Clear Skin Guide website.
