Acne is most often associated with teenagers. Unluckily enough for some people it doesn't end with puberty. Although you may not know it, adult acne is a very common condition.

Most experts haven't agreed on the actual cause of adolescent or adult acne, however, hormonal fluctuations and genetic predisposition are thought to be two of the main causes. Certain medication can also bring about acne breakouts. One thing is for sure, however, 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. Nevertheless, some cases of adult acne are more than just a simple pimple or two. In fact some people have severe acne, like nodulocystic acne, throughout their lives.

Treating Acne in Adults

A well rounded acne remedy for adults depends on finding the right acne products for a complete and effective acne skin care routine. It may get a little scary trying to find the right product for your adult acne skin care regimen. Having so many products to choose from makes it a complex task that is oftentimes reverted to a trial-and-error system of all the wrong types of products. 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. In order to keep skin safe from harsh products, choose products that are fragrance free and oil free.

Acne is usually treated with products that may irritate mature, dry or sensitive skin. In these cases, you can either choose products that are especially geared towards these types of skin or 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 you have moisturized your skin you should use an acne product to spot treat areas that are prone to breakouts.

This should be enough to keep your skin acne free. However, there are cases of stubborn adult acne that will require a tougher approach. In such cases, 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. Some doctors may prescribe 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 of these treatments 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