Acne is the most common skin complaint in the world. And it is not restricted to teenagers. Adult acne is a common but rarely discussed complaint that is thought to affect around 25% of adult men and up to 50% of adult women at some time in their adult lives. And adult acne treatment is often sought although the cause, namely the existence of the acne, is rarely talked about.

Why the sudden interest in adult acne? It’s difficult to know for sure exactly why adult acne seems to be on the rise. In their 1999 study "Prevalence of facial acne in adults," Goulden and Cunliffe found that the mean age of patients treated for acne had increased significantly over the course of a decade, from 20.5 years to 26.5 years. This could mean one of two things: Either more adults are getting acne, or more adults are seeking treatment for their acne. One can make a compelling case for either statement, but most likely both are true. While some recent studies have suggested that incidences of adult acne are increasing, others suggest that adults (particularly women) are simply more concerned about their skin than they used to be.

Much like teen acne, adult acne (if severe enough) can cause social anxiety and even depression. One of the leading causes of adult acne is hormonal and most onsets of adult acne can be treated properly as to alleviate the symptoms and prevent breakouts. Skin care is crucial to preventing major breakouts so make sure you follow a clean skin regimen. See your doctor if it doesn't go away within a few weeks.

To start with, let's discuss what acne is and what causes it. Acne is the blocking of pores (follicles) with sebum (oil). Sebum normally drains to the surface of the skin but it gets blocked and bacteria starts to grow. Both whiteheads and blackheads are a direct result of the trapped oil. The cause of pimples is unknown since there are no findings that show exactly why a pore collapses on itself. Causes of adult acne and teen acne can include hormones, vitamin deficiency, stress, diet, evolutionary biology and many more.

Which treatment is best depends on which type of acne you have. It may well be worth a visit to dermatologist. They often have samples they could give you to try. People can spend a fortune on over-the-counter medicines when there is maybe one single prescription drug that could solve the problem. Be sure to use oil-free, non-comedogenic lotions or sunscreens. Use something very simple to wash your face. But it would be best to see a doctor to prevent possible acne scarring.

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