Adult Acne – Types & Differences
Adult acne is one of the most commonly treated skin diseases, according to doctors. It’s chronic, and it affects over 80% young adults as well as middle-aged adults.
Not all acne is created equally. It can be divided into red pimples, and blackheads and whiteheads. Each type of acne has different treatments.
Blackheads and whiteheads are also called comedones, and they are most commonly found on the shoulders and face. Regular cleaning and good hygiene can help clear up this type of acne.
Knowing what causes blackheads and whiteheads can help you treat them more effectively. Why does acne happen? Blackheads form when follicles are filled with oil and dead skin cells, which then turn dark because the melanin in the skin cells oxidizes.
Whiteheads are formed in much the same way, except there’s only a tiny opening to the surface of the skin. No air reaches the follicle, and the dead skin cells and sebum don’t turn black.
Consistent skin care is essential to fight acne. There’s no magic bullet to make acne disappear, but good care helps to improve the health of the follicles, which reduces breakouts.
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by eating certain foods, so eating a restricted diet won’t help you.
Having “dirty” skin doesn’t cause it either. Therefore, vigorous scrubbing won’t get rid of acne, and it can irritate the skin further. The best way to get rid of acne is to cleanse with a mild soap or facial cleanser once a day, which removes the dead skin cells and oil that causes acne.
Don’t use oil-based makeup, choose water based makeup that’s labeled non-comedogenic (which means it won’t clog pores).
Proper acne treatment of whiteheads and blackheads takes time, anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Some people treat their acne with benzoyl peroxide, which is an antibacterial and may also decrease the oxidation of the melanin in the hair follicle. It can be used to prevent pimples, or treat a mild breakout.
Other treatments include Retin-A, antibiotics, extraction, and isotretinoin. For a severe case of acne, consult your physician to find out which treatment is best for you.
There’s no need to suffer with acne. It affects almost all of us at some time, and there are plenty of good treatment options. A doctor can start you on the right treatment, and can clear up most mild to moderate cases. Severe cases, or those that resist other treatments, may need the help of a dermatologist.