A Bumpy Ride Towards Aging

Picture this; the snow-white clear skin that you have been proud of since your teen years has suddenly poofed into a wicked witch's warty face upon reaching the age of 30! "Acne, at my age?" This is often the distressed statement of pockmarked men and women in their 30's to 40's afflicted with adult acne.

This problem is surely not the work of a vengeful sorcerer. Acne vulgaris is what this most common skin disorder in the United States is scientifically called. Statistics has it that 15 million people in US alone are afflicted with acne. It is an embarrassing problem among teenagers. But this condition is not only limited to those awkward years. Adult acne is also prevalent, especially among people in the age group of 25 to 40.

Acne is a disease that resulted from the accumulation of sebum, a highbrow term for oil, underneath the skin. When this happens and the desquamation (human's way of molting) process goes wrong, the pores become clogged. Aggravation will continue and soon infection sets in. A bad bug called Propionibacterium acnes causes this infection. Overproduction of oil and mismanagement of the process of shedding cells equals bunged pores. Clogged pores plus P. acnes, the scoundrel, equals breakout. Those pesky zits are produced just as easy as that.

One of the pushing forces that may cause the occurrence of acne includes the elevation of levels of testosterone among adolescents. No, it's not Toblerone misspelled. No matter how many anecdotes you've heard about chocolate addiction causing zits to dominate your face, there's really no enough scientific basis to prove this. Testosterone is a chemical produced by the body that increase sebum production and change the keratin of the hair follicles. Testosterone is an androgen. Androgen is a hormone produced in high levels among males. This is the reason behind the worse cases of acne among teenage boys more than girls.

Adult acne is called acne rosacea. It is characterized by the following: unsightly thick, red skin on the nose and cheeks, pus-filled blisters, small red bumps, and small red blood vessels seen on the skin surface. It is more commonly linked to increased levels of stress. Isn't it interesting how the body reacts to this stimulus? NOT. When exhausted, like Gizmo getting wet, our skin could actually give birth to little monsters! Though they are not as troublesome as gremlins, they could be just as annoying as well. Seriously, pimples can be difficult to deal with, and can cause depression and anxiety in an adult the same way it can in a teen. Pressure from work and family responsibilities is thought to possibly affect the normal balance of our hormones. And hormones messed up means having to put up with bumpy complexion caused by adult acne.

Aside from stress-triggered hormonal imbalance, hot foods alcohol consumption, and smoking are also considered to exacerbate adult acne. This may help you reconsider your food preferences and habits.

Acne lesions are commonly found on the face, but they can also pop out anytime on the neck, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, and upper arms and legs. Adult acne is more persistent than teen acne. It is because adults are consistently exposed to the many factors that cause breakouts. Another hitch of adult acne is permanent scarring. It is an evidence of the inevitable reality that with the coming of age, the skin loses its erstwhile ability to repair itself. As if there's a need to be reminded of that when your face starts to wrinkle already. Now here's more to shriek in terror for, especially those in their mid-20's: adult acne causes PREMATURE AGING. Isn't that just nerve-wracking? Enough of the endless yada's regarding how adult acne could further destroy us. As how master Yoda puts is, educated we must be with the crusade towards clearer AND younger skin. Or at least skin that is just our age we must maintain.

At the first sight of those wicked pimples together with gray hair and wrinkles (talk about aging signs overkill), just like with teenagers, impulse dictates squeezing. But you very well know that squeezing is a big no-no. How old are you? You surely don't need any more marks of time's passage.

In severe cases, consulting a dermatologist would best help in dealing with adult acne. The dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic, vitamin A derivative like Isotretinoin or other acne drug available. More women may be afflicted with adult acne than men. Pregnancy is another story if you are prescribed anti-acnes, especially Isotretinoin.

Proper skin care may not guarantee a flawless complexion. But a good skin care regimen may aid in warding off bacteria that worsen adult acne. If you love scrubbing for its squeaky-clean feel, think twice. It can render more damage to your already-blemished skin.

Another hint especially for women: use NON-COMEDOGENIC products. Non-comedogenic basically means anything that does not clog skin pores or cause acne. Do your homework and look for as many non-comedogenic versions of the skin care products you use. It's worth it, you'll see.

If stress is linked with adult acne, then, disengaging yourself from stressful activities might work wonders, right? A day away from work or catching up on one of your hobbies won't hurt.

There's this bold Jean Kerr reacting on a classical quotation.

"I'm tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin-deep. That's deep enough. What do you want, an adorable pancreas?"

It doesn't mean the depreciation of a pleasing personality. Such reaction only imparts a message of giving value to what boosts your self-esteem. If it's a clear complexion along with your aging gracefully, so be it. No adult acne should put a shame on your face and get in your way of becoming more confident.

Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

Charlene J. Nuble 2005.

For up to date links and information about acne, please go to: http://acne.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/

---

Powered by Feedzilla

Contact Us Today For Ad Information...

Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Cheap Domain Names

Are You Addicted To Your Acne Trigger?

An acne trigger is any thought, location, feeling, food, emotion,... Read More

Acne Cure Remedy - Common Causes of Acne

Just because of acne? Do you feel like a vampire... Read More

Control Your Acne With Effective Acne Treatments

Acne is not a problem confined to adolescence; in fact,... Read More

More Ways to Deal With Acne

The "cures" for acne vary dependant on the type and... Read More

Back to School With Clear Skin

Backpack? Check. Notebooks? Check. Ink-pens? Check. Clear Skin? Mommmm!If you... Read More

Busting Acne Myths Requires Individualized Treatment and More Research

If you have acne, you know the deal- everybody has... Read More

Acne Treatment: 7 Things You Must Know!

Let me ask you this...Are you suffering from acne?Do you... Read More

New Accutane Requirements

Starting January 1, 2006 people with severe acne who need... Read More

Water and Sunlight Helps to Clear Acne

Drink More WaterThe skin stores around 12% water. It is... Read More

Acne and Skin Problem Myths Debunked

Isn't skin a wonderful thing to have?An obvious benefit of... Read More

Herbal Therapy for Acne Treatment

Because prevention is the best way to protect your skin... Read More

Achieving Clear Skin

There are many ways to achieve clear skin. If you... Read More

Herbal and Other Treatments as a Cure for Acne

The best acne cures are often at your fingertips.Instead of... Read More

Dermatologist: The Most Qualified Physician for Skin Problems.

The skin is the largest and most visible organ of... Read More

Lets Dispel Some Acne Myths

It is the bane of a person's existence. Everybody gets... Read More

Solutions to Rosacea & Acne Rosacea - Treatments That Eradicate the Redness

Rosacea, or acne rosacea, is clinically defined as a chronic... Read More

Acne & Wrinkles at My Age?

Puberty brought bouts of acne. In your 20s, finding Mr.... Read More

What is Milia - Whiteheads-Acne

MILIA (whiteheads)Milia are deep seeded white bumps that form when... Read More

Effective Treatment Options Available for Moderate to Severe Acne

Suffering from even a minor acne flair up can wreck... Read More

Acne and Vitamin Supplements

For years, scientists, doctors, biologists, dermatologists, and dieticians have searched... Read More

Acne Skin Savers Your Mom Never Told You About

Undoubtedly your mom told you about the straw that broke... Read More

Frugal Home Remedies for Acne

Acne is a problem that strikes people of all ages,... Read More

Essential Fatty Acids for Eczema and Other Skin Disorders

Many people suffer from eczema and various skin disorders that... Read More

Do these Zits Mean Anything? An Acne Treatment That Uses Modern Science and Ancient Wisdom

In 2001, after comparing over 250 studies and 150 drugs,... Read More

Acne: Diminished Self-confidence in Teens - You Can Get Rid of Acne Effectively with NO Scarring

Acne refers to a skin condition where pores on the... Read More