There's nothing more frustrating than breaking out well beyond your teenage years. While up to 70 percent of women experience hormonal breakouts close to their menstrual cycles, according to Acne.org, others simply struggle with it every day. Since treating female adult acne is different from treating teenage acne, you will use specially formulated creams, lotions and, in more severe cases, medications to target your skin's issues.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
You can buy effective acne treatments for adults at most drugstores. These solutions are topical, which means you rub them onto your skin; most are gels and creams. Typically, they use either benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin or erythromycin; topical antimicrobials; or a combination.
Many cosmetic firms are also incorporating salicylic acid into moisturizers and foundations. While the salicylic acid concentrates are comparable to those offered over-the-counter to teens, the cosmetics also include other ingredients like alpha hydroxy that make them gentler on mature skin, according to Skincarephysicians.com.
Medications
Working with a physician, there are a variety of prescription options available. These differ from topical treatments and include a tretinoin, such as Retin-A. Topical retinoids, such as Renova, Tazorac (Tazarotene) and Avita, are typically prescribed for those suffering from microcomedone (a pre-acne lesion) and blackheads.
If the acne is largely hormonal, birth control pills that minimize hormonal fluctuations may do the trick. Otherwise, prescriptions for tetracycline, an oral antibiotic, are available. Often, an oral antibiotic is prescribed in combination with a topical retinoid cream. Once the condition is under control, the antibiotic is no longer required.
In severe cases, an oral isotretinoin, such as Accutane, can be prescribed. This medication requires careful patient management for women, as accidental pregnancy while on Accutane has severe birth defect risks.
Tips
Cleanse your face gently and pat (don't rub) your skin dry. Use non-comedogenic products or non-acneogenic makeup. In short, these won't exacerbate your condition. And make sure these products aren't just for skin, evaluate the products you use on your hair as well.
If you have a particularly bad flare up, see your doctor. She can inject some corticosteroid into the acne lesion. This not only minimizes the potential for scarring, it also helps the flare up heal more quickly.
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