Acne is mostly commonly known to affect teenagers. Sadly enough, some people will carry this burden with them even after puberty. You may not have realized it, but you or someone you know can actually suffer from a common acne condition that doesn't affect teenagers, but adults instead.

Most experts haven't agreed on the actual cause of adolescent or adult acne, however, hormonal fluctuations and genetic predisposition are thought to be two of the main causes. And sometimes a certain medication can bring about an acne breakout. One thing is for sure, poor hygiene does not cause acne.

As with adolescent acne, the right treatment for adult acne will depend on the type of acne you have. For the most part, adult acne is brought about sporadically after stressful situation or during hormonal fluctuations. However, some cases of adult acne are more than just pimples. In fact, some people can suffer from severe acne, like nodulocystic acne, most of their lives.

How to Treat Acne in Adults

A well rounded acne remedy for adults depends upon the appropriate acne skin care routine with the right acne products. Adult acne skin care is oftentimes daunting because of the wide range of products that are available on the market today. These products are usually geared towards teenagers, however, the best products can also be used to treat adult skin.

Keep in mind that skin becomes thinner with age. Therefore, your skin care routine should become much more gentle as you age. In order to keep skin safe from harsh products, choose products that are fragrance free and oil free.

Acne is usually treated with products that contain ingredients that can irritate mature, dry or sensitive skin. In cases like this you have two choices. First you can look for products that are especially geared towards these types of skin or, you can reduce the frequency with which you use these acne products. You might have to buy several products, but it will be well worth the investment.

Your basic cleansing routine should include cleansing, exfoliation and moisturizing. You should exfoliate at least once a week and only add a toner if your cleanser does not remove all of the debris on your skin. After you have moisturized your skin you should use an acne product to spot treat areas that are prone to breakouts.

This routine should help you maintain your skin acne free. Nevertheless, there are more stubborn cases of adult acne that will require a tougher approach. In cases such as this, you might need a prescription cream or oral medication to treat acne breakouts.

Unfortunately, the use of stronger medication also means a higher possibility of irritation. There are slow-release formulas that have helped deal with this problem. There are stronger treatments, both prescription and over the counter, which include:

*Birth Control Pills and DHT Inhibitors

These treatments deal with hormonal problems.

*AHAs

These alpha hydroxy acids include lactic acid and glycolic acid.

*Accutane

This product may cause severe side effects. Consult with your doctor about its use.

*Antibiotics

*Azelaic Acid