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Acne is a condition that is mainly associated with teenagers. Sadly enough, some people will carry this burden with them even after puberty. Although you may not know it, adult acne is a very common condition.

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 certain, poor hygiene does not cause acne.

Just like when treating 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.

Treating Acne in Adults

A well rounded acne remedy for adults depends on finding the right acne products for a complete and effective acne skin care routine. It may get a little scary trying to find the right product for your adult acne skin care regimen. Having so many products to choose from makes it a complex task that is oftentimes reverted to a trial-and-error system of all the wrong types of products. These products are generally geared towards adolescents, but rest assured that they 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. If you want to keep your skin from harmful chemical agents, 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 these cases, you can either choose products that are especially geared towards these types of skin or 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 skin care 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. However, there are cases of stubborn adult acne that will require a tougher approach. In such cases, you may need a prescription cream or oral medication to treat acne breakouts.

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

*DHT Inhibitors and Birth Control Pills

Both types of treatment deal with hormonal problems.

*AHAs

These alpha hydroxy acids include glycolic acid and lactic acid.

*Accutane

This product has been known to cause severe side effects, so consult with your doctor about its use.

*Antibiotics

*Azelaic Acid