Acne rarely lasts into adult hood, but when it does it can still cause embarrassment. Many of the main stream methods for getting rid of acne, from acutane, to antibiotics, have unwanted side-effects or limited results.
For best results, you have to go beyond the treatment of acne into prevention.
Look for Underlying Causes
If you have severe acne as an adult, it could be as simple as being overweight, having a genetic predisposition, or being menopausal—but it could also be a manifestation of a more serious disease, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (which causes infertility) or Cushing’s syndrome.
Talk to your doctor to rule out underlying diseases, especially if you are overweight.
Treat Acne From Within, Manage Acne On The Outside
Most treatment of acne revolves around its external presence.
Acne is caused by blocked pores, either sweat ducts or hair follicles. Oil, sweat, dirt, and dead skin can all contribute to the blocked pores. Bacteria like Staphococus aureus or Propionibacterium acnes then grow and create inflammation that leads to inflammatory lesions. Acne lesions can cause scarring and discoloration of the skin.
Creams, gels, and sprays are often recommended for treatment of acne. Typical ingredients include antibiotics, steroids, and other ingredients such as rubbing alcohol which can dry out the skin. For severe and chronic cases of acne, hormone controlling medicines and antibiotics are sometimes taken orally.
More holistically, natural treatment of acne outbreaks can include exfoliation (to remove dead skin and free blocked pores), natural antibiotics like tea tree oil (applied externally), and aloe vera.
But getting rid of acne also means getting rid of the cause.
Some foods, such as sugar and dairy, are associated with increased rates of acne. Cutting back on these foods may help with getting rid of acne.
If you have trouble reducing them in your diet, consider cutting them back at times when you are at higher-risk for acne. Acne can also be triggered by high levels of testosterone and pre-menstrual hormones. At these times it may help to cut back on sugar and dairy, even if you don’t usually.
It may help to go on an anti-inflammatory diet as well. Foods such as bright colored berries, turmeric, walnuts, and evening primrose oil may help reduce the inflammation that causes acne.
What are your best acne fighting tips?
