Many people think that acne problems are limited to the teenage years. However, adults struggle with acne as well. Acne is caused when bacteria accumulates on the skin and pores become clogged. Excess oil production can also cause adult acne. People struggling with this issue should get acne under control to minimize the risk of scarring. If you already have scars, once acne is under control, these impurities can be treated by a dermatologist.
Step 1
Apply topical treatments to the skin. These treatments are best for mild cases of adult acne. Over-the-counter products with the active ingredients lactic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur are the most effective.
Step 2
Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss using prescription topical medications. Retin-A, Differin and Tazorac are commonly prescribed to treat mild to moderate acne in adults. Apply the products and directed. Acne treatments typically take one to two months before results appear.
Step 3
Request oral medications if skin doesn't respond to topical treatments. Antibiotics are used to treat moderate to severe acne. The medication kills bacteria and improves skin inflammation. Antibiotics typically take three to four months to clear up acne.
Step 4
Use isotretinoin to get rid of adult acne. This medication is usually reserved for severe cases of acne. Although this medication is very effective, side effects are serious. Women can't become pregnant while taking this drug because of birth defect risks. Talk with your doctor about serious side effects before taking this product.
Step 5
Treat acne scars. Once acne is under control, a dermatologist can examine your scars and make recommendations for treatment. Several treatments are used to get rid of scars, including laser treatments, microdermabrasion and soft filler injections. Talk with your doctor about which treatment is best, based on your acne scars.
Tips and Warnings
- If acne always appears a few days before your menstrual cycle, consider taking oral contraceptives to clear up acne. Oral contraceptives that contain norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol may get rid of acne in women, according to MayoClinic.com.
- Scarring treatments aren't usually covered by health insurance. Discuss pricing with your doctor to choose a treatment that is effective and affordable.
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