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Acne is a condition that is mainly associated with teenagers. Unfortunately, for some people it does not only end when with puberty. In fact, you may not know it, but you or someone you know may suffer from a common acne condition known as adult acne.

There is no clear consensus on the actual cause or causes 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.

As with adolescent acne, the right treatment for adult acne will depend on the type of acne you have. For the most part, adult acne breakouts are brought about after stressful situations 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.

How to Treat Acne in Adults

A well rounded acne remedy for adults depends upon the appropriate acne skin care routine with the right acne products. Adult acne skin care is oftentimes daunting because of the wide range of products that are available on the market today. These products are mostly geared towards adolescent acne, however, much to your surprise, 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. Choose products that are fragrance free and oil free.

Most acne products are made with ingredients that can irritate mature, dry or sensitive skin. In cases like this you have two choices. First you can look for products that are especially geared towards these types of skin or, you can 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. When exfoliating, do it at least once a week and use a toner to remove any debris that was not removed when cleansing. After moisturizing, use an acne product to spot treat areas that are prone to breakouts.

This should be enough to keep your skin acne free. Nevertheless, there are more stubborn cases of adult acne that will require a tougher approach. In cases dealing with severe acne, 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. There are slow-release formulas that have helped deal with this problem. There are some stronger treatments, both prescription and over the counter. These include:

*Birth Control Pills and DHT Inhibitors

Both types of treatment deal with hormonal problems.

*AHAs

These alpha hydroxy acids include lactic acid and glycolic acid.

*Accutane

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

*Antibiotics

*Azelaic Acid