I am an adult! Why am I still battling acne? Adult acne can be frustrating and embarrassing but more than half of adults suffer from acne at some point in their adulthood. Since it is so common, what can be done about it?

Acne usually occurs when oil and dead skin cells get clogged in a pore and mix with bacteria. Adult acne can be caused by stress, hormones, birth control pills or bad cosmetics. This is why women are more likely than men to suffer from it. First, take a close look at your make-up. If you suffer from acne outbreaks, avoid make-up that is oil based. Choose products that are labeled noncomedogenic. Certain medical conditions and prescription medications can also cause acne. If you have other symptoms of a hormone imbalance or if your acne began when you started a new medication, consult your physician.

Adult acne often manifests itself differently than teenage acne. Adult breakouts are often mild or moderate and do not usually result in scarring. Blackheads and whiteheads are less common. Adult facial acne is usually seen on the chin, lower cheek and below the jaw line rather than all over the face as is common in adolescents.

As an adult with acne, you might choose to visit your dermatologist. A dermatologist can diagnose the condition on your face as acne or a very similar appearing skin condition called rosacea. Rosacea often appears with acne and can be caused by some acne medications. However, it is a separate condition and needs to be treated differently. A dermatologist can prescribe an effective topical or oral treatment for both acne and rosacea.

If you are confident that your skin condition is adult acne, you might choose to visit your local drugstore and try some of the over the counter treatments available. There are many kinds available but I suggest you do some research either by reading or searching the internet to learn what different ingredients can help or hinder the problem. I’ve suffered from adult acne for twenty years and made many mistakes. After many failed treatments, including professional help from a dermatologist, I took matters into my own hands and began researching everything about skin care. I was shocked to learn that many of the products marketed as acne treatments actually made acne worse.

I began seeking more holistic approaches to treating acne and found some relief but it takes time to see results. You first need to determine if the problem is just topical, such as bacteria clogging the pores of the skin, or you may suffer from nutritional problems. Some doctors recommend avoiding all dairy products for one month or more to eliminate extra hormones, which are pumped into commercially prepared dairy products. Switching to raw milk would eliminate this step. Another possible problem could be wheat products. Again, you should avoid them for a month and see if there are any changes. Most American’s diets lack many of the necessary vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and other nutrients required for new and proper cell growth.

The most important step you could take would be to keep a journal of everything you eat for a month as well as what products you use on your skin. If you see poor eating patterns, lack of exercise or rest, a life overloaded with stress or any other obvious problems, you should take steps to change bad habits and replace them with good ones. Do not forget to drink AT LEAST one half gallon of water per day.

No matter which acne treatment you try first, be sure to wash your face only twice a day with a mild cleanser. Also, use an oil-free, paraben-free moisturizer and limit sun exposure. Take the time to learn more about the ingredients in your cosmetics. There is a wealth of information available for anyone who wants vibrant, healthy skin.

Adult acne can be embarrassing. It is not a life threatening medical condition but it may have significant ramifications. Suffers of adult acne may have low self esteem and lack the self confidence to succeed. With all of the products available to treat adult acne, there is no reason to suffer. Visit your favorite health food store, drugstore or dermatologist soon and get the help you deserve.

Oral antibiotics like tetracycline do not work quickly against acne as they do against sore throats and earaches. It may take three to six weeks before your face shows any improvement. Eventually, you will have fewer pimples and reduced inflammation.

Occasionally, acne bacteria develop a resistance to tetracycline, which explains why some people fail to respond to it. This was revealed by Dr. Fredric Haberman, a dermatologist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.

The most common side effects of tetracycline are diarrhea, discoloration of the nails, dizziness, nausea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite or vomiting. Consumer Guide’s “Prescription Drugs” said these usually disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.

What you should worry about are major side effects which include darkened tongue, difficulty in breathing, joint pain, mouth irritation, rash, rectal or vaginal itching, unusual bleeding or yellowing of the eyes and skin. These should be reported to a doctor.

To make the most out of your medicine, Consumer Guide suggests the following:

Ideally, this medication should be taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after a meal. It should be taken with a full glass of water in order to avoid irritating the throat or esophagus (swallowing tube). If this drug causes stomach upset, however, you can take it with food (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).

Avoid consuming dairy products (milk, cheese, etc.) with¬in two hours of any dose of this drug. Avoid taking antacids and laxatives that contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium within an hour or two of a dose.

Avoid taking any medication containing iron within three hours of a dose. These products chemically bind tetracycline in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, preventing the drug from being absorbed into the body.

Tetracycline works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant. It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced intervals day and night. For example, if you are to take four doses a day, the doses should be spaced six hours apart.

It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms disappear before the end of that period. If you stop taking the drug too soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and the infection could recur.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding an infant. Tetracycline crosses the placenta and passes into breast milk. If used during tooth development, this drug can cause permanent discoloration. It can also inhibit tooth and bone growth in the fetus. It should not be used for infants or for children less than eight years of age.

• Alcohol Based Cleansers: Many so-called acne treatments contain large amounts of alcohol, and other chemical agents. They may come in the form of cleansing pads, spot treatments, or wash products. The unfortunate thing is that these cleansers may work for a time. It’s unfortunate because, if you knew what these products were really doing to your skin, you likely wouldn’t buy them.

  An alcohol based cleans dries out the skin (sometimes to the point of injury the skin itself). It may provide a quick fix to reducing your acne problem for a short time, but when you quit using the product you should expect your acne to come back three-fold. Even worse, the longer you use this type of product the more injury and irritation you are causing to your skin.

• Chemical Cleansers That Also Claim to Moisturize: The next type of cleanser to look out for is the acne products that also claim to moisturize. Unless the product is sold as a two part system, with a cleanser and a moisturizer, the claim to moisturize likely means that oils have been added to the cleanser. This can actually make your acne worse. Cleanser is for cleaning and moisturizer if for moisturizing. It is difficult to make a product that effectively does both.

The root cause of acne has long been speculated by Scientists. Bacterium is not the root cause of acne, but rather an unclear inflammatory deficiency. There are some products in the market that treat light cases of acne, but this does not mean that the skin decease can’t get worse.

Acne is not caused by bacterial infection, but bacteria does play a part in making the situation worse. Propionibacteria are microbes that are part of the skin. It keeps the skin from being invaded by other harmful bacteria.

P. acnes will grow within the blocked pore or follicle if they are clogged. Bacteria will produce chemicals that alter the composition of the oil, which makes the skin more irritated and create inflammation.

Acne can change from minor to difficult stages

Acne symptoms are characterized by non-inflammatory and inflammatory. A small number of blackheads and whiteheads on the face are normally provoked by non-inflammatory acne. These symptoms are caused by a quite light form of acne and can therefore be treated with products bought over-the-counter. This is normally an acne treatment for minor forms of acne, but does not prevent the possible development towards more difficult stages.

Inflammatory acne occurs when whiteheads become inflamed pimples and pus develop. Inflammatory acne can develop into a large cyst that can erupt and cause disfiguration of the cutis. Some of the consequences acne causes are deep pitting scars on the face, back, neck and just bout any other place of the body. Heal skin lesions caused by acne can be more complicated for severe stages of acne.

Researchers have newly discovered that acne vulgaris is set off due to a non-specific inflammatory response of our natural immune system to a stimulus.

Deficiency is due to lacking essential fatty acids (Linoleic acid) in the sebaceous glands, because of a dilution effect of an over-production of sebum. The lacking fatty acids lead to a perturbation of the barrier function within individual follicles and induces the release of Cytokines from keratinocytes.

Cytokines are pro-inflammatory proteins part of our natural essence. They are significant components of the immune system that perform as inter cellular mediators.

Cytokines can generate an inflammatory cascade that leads to connective tissue destruction by stimulating the creation of prostaglandis and collagen enzymes. Inflammation occurs therefore prior to and behave as casual factors in the hyper-proliferative changes contemplated in acne wounds, as opposed to secondary consequential events.

Acne Vulgaris should be characterized as an inflammatory skin disorder as opposed to keratinocyte/ hyper-proliferative disorder.

Research has proven that topical solutions, with the correct elements, have efficient outcomes when treating all types of acne as well as effectively diminishing scars.

Researchers have found that acne vulgaris is not caused by bacteria but rather a non-specific inflammatory response of our natural immune system to a stimulus. Inflammatory reactions can create the development of acne in all stages and result, in some cases, with difficult scarring on the areas affected. It is crucial to find a product that will help your body to keep the right balance of components necessary to prevent this from occurring.

Often thought of as a skin condition exclusively for teens, adult acne is also common problem among 80 percent of adults according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Whether your acne started as a teen or you developed it later on in life, adult acne is not the result of bad genes. Adult acne can be the result of hormones, the makeup of your skin, medical conditions, and even your diet to name a few.

Hormones

A change or imbalance in your hormones is one of the main causes of adult acne in women. Menstruation cycles, pregnancy, or menopause cause estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels are reflected in the condition of their skin. Women with adult acne often develop depression and anxieties, which further aggravates the problem. Acne in adult men and women can also be caused by hormone changes brought on by the normal aging process and stressful life experiences.

Medical problems

Several health issues can be responsible for adult acne. When your body is unable to rid itself of extra hormones, it causes a hormonal imbalance that triggers acne. The toxins found in your intestines can be picked up into your circulatory system, which can also have a significant impact on the appearance of your skin. Adult acne may also be a side effect of using the wrong medication or using it in the wrong amount. One of the most common culprits for women is the use of a birth control pill that does not match their hormonal system.

Dietary deficiencies

Zinc, beta-carotene, vitamin B complex, as well as vitamins A, C, and E are just a few of the vitamins that control the appearance of your skin. Having a deficiency in one or more of these nutrients can initiate adult acne. Many recent studies also indicate that particular food items such as milk products or foods high in sugar or carbohydrates can trigger acne. Food allergies can also appear in the form of acne. This can easily be determined by seeing an allergist and eliminating the instigator from your diet.

Skin Friction

Friction against your skin, infected hair follicles, sebum, and blocked pores might also be responsible for the acne on your skin. A pore blocked by sebum or dirt is often referred to as a blackhead. When a pore is clogged up, it infects and swells until it breaks the wall of the pore. This causes a painful and ugly pimple. If the pimple breaks, the infection can block other pores spreading the acne. Hair follicles can become infected and cause pimples the same way. If excess oil (sebum) runs in your family, there is a greater chance that you will have it as well. Chemicals such as chlorine or cosmetics can also block your pores.

Acne causes many emotional issues for adults making treatment extremely important. Because of the way treatments for teenagers are designed, they do not work well for adults. Effective treatments need to address the cause of the acne instead of just the symptoms. Your diet, your skin, and your environment are just a few contributing factors of adult acne.

Article after article; commercial after commercial; they fill up our airwaves and our online mailbox, all trying to sell us the best acne products and acne solutions. But do they really work? What is the total truth about all of the hype behind so many suggestions? Finally, here are your answers.

What is interesting is that people spend millions of dollars every year trying and testing the many different treatments on the market. Out of all of them, we have found that what the many celebrities say is actually true. Proactiv by far works as well or better than other over the counter acne medications. It really does what it says it will do. And so many stars have endorsed it, and some without pay, that we have included it as one of the best acne products and a big step toward finding your acne solutions.

But other than this product, what can you do yourself, at home, that will clear up your acne condition? This is really a very easy thing, but you have to be diligent to do this every day:

• Wash your face at least two times a day and more if you have oily skin.

• Wash your hair frequently and keep it off your face.

• Wash your hands many times during the day just in case you should inadvertently touch your face.

• Study up on what so many celebrities agree on - try Proactiv. They have a money back guarantee. You literally have nothing to lose and more than likely you will have found a product which is a part of your acne solutions because we feel it is one of the best acne products.

• Whether you use our recommendation or not, you should always try to keep a mildly acid pH on your skin. This will create an environment on your skin which will not be good for the proliferation of bacteria. You could take an oral medication which will also do this, but many times there are side effects to other areas of your health so it just is not worth it.

• Do not use on your face or in your diet: coconut oil, cocoa butter and wheat germ oil. They plug up your pores either on the outside, if applied directly to the skin or on the inside when taken internally. Also, be careful with salt and sugar.

• Exfoliate with a gentle anti-acne, non-oily exfoliate. This cleans out the hair follicles. You can look for the best acne products all day long, and if you do not do this, they will not work as well. Make exfoliating a big part of your acne solutions.

Of course I’m sure you’ve heard all of those suggestions before. And let me add, I’m sure that you’ve heard to get more sleep, don’t eat junk food, exercise and on and on and on. But most people don’t take seriously that you can do so much yourself, if you would really take to heart what was mentioned here. If you do them all, you will alleviate this acne condition you are dealing with for good. Honestly, you can find the best acne products and if you don’t change a few very important lifestyle changes, the acne condition will return. Make sure that part of your acne solutions, you follow the above suggestions. And try Proactiv. The money back guarantee is amazing and the company is honest about it. You have nothing to lose.

Every now and then a consumer product makes its way to the marketplace that changes the way we look at things. And that has now happened regarding acne medication. The name of the breakthrough product is ZENMED. And from what we have heard, seen and gotten testimonies about, it is really a scientific coup for those that are in the business of fighting acne.

This Derma Cleanse System which this company has formulated is now becoming world famous. It not only combats acne from the outside, but from the inside as well. And the scientists that worked on this amazing acne fighter have incorporated cutting edge western civilization technology with the tried and true miracle working Chinese remedies of the eastern culture. Combined, they make one of the most dramatic working, effective acne remedies available today. And that is good for all of us!

ZENMED’S Derma Cleanse System (which just recently has added a bonus sebum regulating moisturizer!) is formulated for all different types of skin. It consists of three very easy and simple to understand steps which will combat acne in a way that you’ve never experienced before.

Their Skin Support System is a vital, nutrient filled cleanser which will dramatically clear up rosacea. You will see before your eyes the redness and inflammation that this skin disorder causes, disappear. What you’ve wanted for so long is finally here. This is a product that with a money back guarantee, it will clear up your rosacea. ZENMED, where have you been my whole life?

I’m sure at this point you are impressed with their system to alleviate your acne skin condition. But the amazement does not stop there. They also have a Scar and Hyperpigmentation Treatment Kit! Yes, it’s true. Finally someone cares about those that deal with pigment discoloration due to acne and those that are left with unsightly scars! This dual action system is now known amongst ‘acne gurus’ that it is the best anywhere. This system truly is a medication and acne system which is a miracle worker. Nothing reduces scars and hyperpigmentation like ZENMED!

Another product which is manufactured by this company is their Body Acne Combo. This solution is perfect for treating acne all over the body. So if you have acne on your shoulders, chest and back, this will work like no other product you’ve ever tried. Then there is a very unique and such a powerful formula which is available for scars and stretch marks. This amazing product rebuilds the skin from a deep place to actually create new skin structure! Every product produced by this company is not just to alleviate a number of skin conditions, but to rebuild and renew your skin so it is clearer and smoother than it’s ever been.

Some of the best supplements for treating acne are vitamins. These are essential nutrients that the body must have from external sources, i.e. food or supplements, in order to operate efficiently. Here is a quick summary of what your body needs in order to stay acne free…

Beta Carotene - Vitamin A

Beta carotene is an antioxidant that is the precursor to vitamin A, known to effectively help clear acne. Beta carotene is sourced from vegetables and can be taken as a supplement. The strong acne drug accutane is derived from vitamin a, yet has negative side effects. Beta carotene is the natural source of vitamin a, and is absorbed better than regular vitamin a.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is proven to maintain optimal skin health by destroying free radicals in cells. It also has a proven healing action on acne scars. As vitamin e is fat soluble, you do need some fat in your diet to absorb the nutrient. This means you should take vitamin e with your main evening meal, which generally contains the most fat.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C improves the action of vitamin e and beta carotene, and is also an antioxidant, although this time is water soluble. Vitamin C promotes properly hydrated skin and clean cells free of damaging agents that cause acne at the cellular level. Chromium can improve the action of vitamin c so is worth taking with the vitamin c for enhanced performance.

If you wanted to know what is the best vitamin for acne, then these three; vitamin a, vitamin e and vitamin c is your answer.

Victims of acne need not endure the psychological distress caused by the condition. Although acne may be difficult to cure and recurrence is common, a good dermatologist can ease the pain of the acne years with today’s wonder drugs.

“Acne is an important dermatological problem of the young; 80 percent of the population between 10 and 30 years, may show some signs of acne and about seven percent of all new dermatological consultations are for acne. Acne tends to be more severe in males. Apart from pain, disfigurement and scarring, it has marked psychological effects. Indeed, what might be a few minor lesions to a laborer could be disastrous to a model or air hostess. The disease occurs at a vulnerable time for adolescents and there could be nothing more destructive than for the doctor to assure the patient that ‘you will grow out of it; I wouldn’t worry about it,’” according to Dr. John M. Wishart of the Department of Dermatology of the Auckland Hospital in New Zealand.

“The last few years have seen a number of extremely effective agents become available for the treatment of acne. It may be said quite confidently that the worst aspects of acne need no longer be suffered and that it is negligent to do so. Although it is difficult to prove the assertion, dermatologists have a strong feeling that early and tho¬rough treatment of the condition may lessen complications of later pain and scarring,” Wishart added.

But before you rush to the drugstore, a word of warning. Desperate consumers are the favorite targets of quacks and acne has its own share of quackery. Be wary of people who promise instant cures. There is no fast way out of acne. Depending on your condition, Wishart said it may take about a month of treatment before results are visible. And even with treatment, relapses are common.

“To avoid acne, you have to choose your ancestors because acne is to a large degree inherited. And if you’ve got bad acne in your family, the chances of you getting it are quite high,” explained Dr. Peter W. Gould, former president of the New Zealand Dermatological Society.

What are some of the quack cures for acne? A popular one is vitamin A megadoses. While retinoids or vitamin A derivatives have found their greatest use in dermatology, particularly in the treatment of acne, vitamin A supplements are both ineffective and hazardous. This was established in 1979 by the Food and Drug Administration Advisory Panel on Vitamins and Mineral Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use.

“Taking large doses of vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy skin, at one time was thought to be a way to reduce acne. Megadoses of vitamin A, however, have never proved to be effective in treating most cases of acne. In fact, excess amounts of this fat-soluble vitamin can cause a variety of health problems,” said Dr. Susan Baker of the Boston Children’s Hospital in Parents’ Guide to Nutrition.

Dr. Myron Winick, director of the Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, said some of the side effects of too much vitamin A are headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and brain damage.

“While vitamin A helps acne, the doses required are dangerous to your liver and eyes. That’s why other vitamin A derivatives were developed which are more effective but less toxic. The problem is, if you get people to buy vitamin A over-the-counter, they tend to overdo it and take too much,” added Gould, a member of the British Association of Dermatology. (Next: Other unproven acne remedies.)

For beautiful skin, use Lumnaderm, a whitening cream that eliminates freckles, unsightly age spots, sun spots, blemishes and hyperpigmentation. When used as directed, Lumnaderm will balance uneven skin tones and illuminate your skin. For more information, visit http://www.lumnaderm.com.