Acne, for some people, is something that can be a lifelong battle, long after the teenage years have passed. If you are someone who is plagued with acne, especially in your adulthood, rest assured, you are not alone. Did you know that acne affects more than 70 million people and 90% of all teenagers? It is one of the most common skin problems, which is an ongoing condition, characterized by periodic breakouts. There really is no “cure” for acne. The trick is learning to “control” it. What is acne? There are three main types of acne, usually fueled by the P. Acnes bacteria:

• Comedenal acne: low bacterial activity, mostly clogged pores, often seen as small bumps under the skin.
• Papulopustular acne – More bacterial activity with pimples, often with a white and red pimple surrounding the pimple area.
• Cystic acne: increased bacterial activity, with large bumps (like a marble under the skin) with or without whiteheads, and may be a systemic problem (meaning treatment may be more than topical).

Technically speaking, this is what causes acne: Often related to hormones, acne occurs when there is an increase in sebum or oil production on the face (it can also affect the chest and back). The pore becomes clogged and P. Acnes bacteria begin to grow in the sebum. When the sebum escapes into the surrounding skin, inflammation occurs and this is how the pimple forms. When treating acne, there are three general goals:

• Prevention: Keeping pores open through exfoliation and retinoids helps skin work better. Homemade exfoliating products and retinoids promote skin renewal. Regular professional exfoliating treatments also help speed up cell renewal in the upper layers of the skin.
• Minimize inflammation: Regular use of a low percentage of salicylic acid helps liquefy sebum and can keep inflammation at bay.
• Scar prevention: Keeping acne under control is important to help prevent scarring and pitting that lingers long after acne clears up.
• Acne Treatment Tips
• Keep skin clean with good hygiene. Wash your face twice a day (more than that which can damage the skin and cause extra sebum production) with a mild face wash, especially if you are using other products like salicylic acid or retinoids.
• Leave the pimple alone. Resist “picking” or “popping” any pimple. This can actually increase the lifespan of the pimple, make it redder or larger, and/or increase the likelihood of scarring.
• Mineral makeup is strongly recommended over oil-based cosmetics. Many store brands of makeup are petroleum-based, which is similar to putting putty in your pores, clogging them over time.
• Don’t sleep with makeup on!
• Foods high in iodine (salty foods) tend to encourage breakouts. Eat a “good diet” with lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Learn to manage your stress. Breakouts can definitely be stress (and hormone) related.

As mentioned above, there is no cure for acne. But there are effective treatments that can help you stay in control of your acne. Below are general suggestions on how to treat acne, however please note that treatment varies on a case-by-case basis and it is recommended to get a professional opinion on how to best manage your acne.

• Retinoids, homemade exfoliants, and fruit amino acids can all be used in atopic acne treatments.
• Glycolic acid tends to be a very popular product promoted for acne-prone skin, but it can be one of the most irritating alpha hydroxy acids. Mandelic acid is not only less irritating but also has an antibacterial function to decrease P. Acnes bacteria.
• The most stubborn cystic acne may need oral treatment such as antibiotics. Oral treatments are prescribed and must be performed under the supervision of a licensed physician.

Acne can be persistent, but once a person develops a plan of attack, acne can become very persistent. When the acne is manageable, you will notice that it will weigh less on your mind and hopefully less on your face.