Adult Acne?
Don't Give Up!

By Laura Cooksey

Most people believe that their acne will disappear when they become adults. However, millions have this dermatological affliction into their 20's, 30's, 40's and even 50's. Having spent many visits to the dermatologist, having popped an unthinkable amount of antibiotics and having spent thousands of dollars on topical products with little or no effect, most suffers give up hope.
The ubiquitous Proactiv is, theoretically on the right track. However, there are many different skin types and conditions and your skin condition is forever changing, especially with the use of exfoliants and antimicrobials, which are necessary for clearing your acne.

Many common treatments such as laser, microdermabrasion, light therapy, or just a prescription of Retin-A or antibiotics, without the treatment described below, will usually have short term, little or no effect on those with resistant acne.

The most reliable way of getting your skin under control requires teamwork with the clinician and their first step should be to gather information about your medical history and personal habits, examine your skin and assess your skin type and its present condition. Then your skin should be tested for sensitivity to antimicrobials and exfoliants to determine an initial regimen of homecare.

This protocol will change as your skin adapts and a change in frequency of application, potency or change in the active ingredients will be made. Every two weeks, an in-office treatment of extracting the pimples, pustules and blackheads will be required for approximately twelve weeks. Some will clear much quicker and the more stubborn cases may take longer. However, the right acne specialist can get more than 90% of difficult cases completely clear or at least significantly clearer.

Your partnership with the clinician is critical. In order to be successful, the acne client has two important responsibilities, consistency in proper homecare and communicating regularly and accurately with the acne specialist. A good clinician welcomes your questions and comments and wants to hear from you.