Thursday, January 8, 2009

Adult Acne: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

By Alexander Chase

Although many people seem to think that acne is a problem for teens only, there are actually many people who end up dealing with acne during adulthood. This is known as adult acne. About 80% of all adults who are in their twenties and thirties end up dealing with some adult acne, and this is especially a big problem for women, who are the most commonly affected by acne as an adult. The type of acne that adults get is essentially the same as the acne seen in teenagers, but many times there are different causes for this type of acne. So, here's a closer look at the causes of adult acne and ways to holistically treat it.

Reasons For Adult Acne

If you are dealing with adult acne, no doubt you are wondering what actually actually triggers it. Here are just a few of the causes of adult acne.

The Hormone Connection - First of all, you'll find that there is definitely a hormone connection to adult acne when it comes to women. Many adult women end up dealing with adult acne as a result of fluctuations in hormones. This can occur as women go through their menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and even when women go off their birth control pills.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - Another cause of adult acne in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome. This is a hormonal disorder where male hormones are produced in larger amounts than normal. Because of the hormonal imbalances that are caused by this condition, Acne is a common symptom.

Medications and Chemicals -- Some medications and chemicals can also cause adult acne. A variety of medications, such as epilepsy medication, anabolic steroids, medications that contain lithium, iodine, and rifampin, are known to cause acne in adults. Chlorine and other chemicals can also cause breakouts.

Pressure and Friction -- friction or pressure to the skin can cause acne breakouts as well. Usually acne occurs where purse or backpack straps chafe the skin or where the face has something held against it, such as a violin.

Holistically Treating Adult Acne

If you are dealing with adult acne, treating it holistically is the best option. Sure, there are medications out there, but many of them can cause more problems while others come with bothersome side effects. This is why holistic treatments have become so popular in recent years. Holistic treatment can include eating a very healthy diet as well as drinking plenty of water. You should drink 8-10 glasses of water a day and you should eat a healthy diet. Vitamins and herbs can be important to holistically treating acne as well. Some of the best vitamins include vitamins C, A, B, and D. Various herbal supplements, such as chlorophyll, echinacea, and tea tree oil can be helpful for the holistic treatment of acne as well. - 16463

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