Fortunately for most, acne is a minor problem caused by the over production of oil within the skin and the clogging of pores. The clogging is usually caused by a particular type of bacteria, which usually reacts well to treatment.

Alternative Treatments for Acne

The best advantage of alternative acne treatments is that they have limited side effects. There are several herbal combinations that have a proven track record of helping reduce acne. One such herbal combination is the paste made of basil leafs and sandalwood. Another popular alternative acne treatment is the application of the paste made of strawberry leaves. There are several other herbal combinations available on the market that effectively improves acne breakouts.

A contributing factor in the cause of acne is the deficiency of essential vitamins needed by the skin. Deficiencies in Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Pantothenic Acid can lead to acne flare-ups. Eating well-balanced portions of vegetables, fruits and vitamin supplements help treat acne issues. When it comes to naturopathy for acne, the main forms of treatments are herbs, skin cleansers and vitamin supplements. A major advantage being that these are less costly forms of alternative acne treatments.

Another recent alternative acne treatment is light. Acne laser treatment programs, which include the use of ultraviolet light, are now being used more and more to clear long term acne problems.

Unlike other types of acne treatments, some of the alternative acne treatments require a strict following of the treatment regiment. These usually are not that difficult to follow, however like anything dealing with your health, it’s wise to seek the help of a qualified professional before trying something you don’t fully understand or have concerns about.

The reason we get acne is because oil glands become overactive and pores become blocked. Acne is a condition that afflicts boys, girls, women and men. Although most prevalent in our teenager years when hormones are most active, acne will rage whenever the timing is most inappropriate.

Heredity factors can also play a role in who gets acne, who doesn’t, and how severe the acne breakouts become. Those who are genetically inclined to acne will often get more severe cases than those who are simply going through their “growing-up” acne phase. Hereditary sufferers also have a more difficult time clearing up acne blemishes.

Fighting Acne

Blemishes that occur on the skin are often unsightly and embarrassing, so acne prevention and treatment should be our first line of defense and what we focus on most. Keeping your hands away and reducing the amount of face rubbing you do helps prevent acne, because it limits the amount of dirt and oils we push into and contaminate our pores with. Proper health is also very important. Diet, exercise and sleep all help to reduce stress, which can cause all types of health issues including acne.

Using a mild soap to keep your face clean is a great start at preventing acne breakouts. If you have an outbreak, home remedies, over the counter medications and prescription medications can all help. There are also several topical creams and soaps used to treat acne. Most can be found in the cosmetics department of your grocery store or pharmacy section. Benzoyl peroxide creams, vitamin A and zinc are all used to help treat acne.

For more severe cases a prescription oral antibiotic may be prescribed along with a topical cream that is stronger than the over the counter medications. Always, always, always talk to your doctor before trying prescription treatments.

Regardless of age, young or old, acne is a condition that we never outgrow.  No matter how old we get, acne still finds its way to embarrass us. Studies estimate that adult acne breakouts affect 20% of men and 30% of women in the 20 – 60 age group; as well as older adults too.

Natural Causes of Adult Acne

Just like in your teen years, adult acne is a condition where the sebaceous glands, that are attached to your hair follicles, produce too much of an oily substance called sebum. The sebum, along with dead skin cells, clog your pores, attract bacteria, become inflamed and “voila” an acne lesion is formed.

Unfortunately for some it’s not just sebum that causes their acne woes.  Adult acne breakouts can also occur in individuals that are over sensitive to certain hormones. The overproduction of androgen, a male hormone, and estrogen, a female hormone, can cause adult acne as well.

Not So Natural Causes of Adult Acne

These over production of natural, internal variables like sebum and hormones are not the only causes of adult acne. External factors like foods, chemicals, and pharmaceutical products may also be a cause of adult acne for some individuals.

Foods: long considered a cause of acne by many, there are those that just don’t buy it. However, tell that to folks who eat chocolate or greasy foods and seem to breakout. Maybe there isn’t a ton of scientific evidence to prove the acne diet connection, so the debate will continue. Until it’s resolved, if certain foods seem to make your adult acne breakouts worse, then just try to limit them the best you can.

Chemicals: these things are in just about everything we use on the outside of our body, as well as, ingest into our body. Sodium 
Laureth 
Sulfate and Sodium 
Lauryl 
Sulfate are cleaning detergents; both of which are in most of your common hair care shampoo and conditioning products. These “engine degreasers” leave a nasty film on your skin that can close your pores. Sadly, these are just a few of the thousands of chemicals and fragrances that we come into contact with daily the mess with our skin.

Pharmaceutical: better known as medications, can induce adult acne. Unfortunately as many people grow older their intake of drugs increases, as does their adult acne because a nasty side effect of some drugs is acne. Drugs known to induce acne in adults include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to “bulk up”), some anti-epileptic medications, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium and iodine-containing medications. Also, drugs that mess with your hormone levels, such as those used by women during menopause tend to cause acne breakouts as well.

Adult Acne Isn’t the End All

If you never had acne as a kid growing up, then a dermatologist who can investigate the underlying cause should examine acne that appears for the first time in adulthood. Let your dermatologist know if you’ve started any new medications first, since these were probably prescribed for other health reasons. Next work through changes that you have made to your diet recently and then talk about any new products you might be using.

At the end of the day your adult acne is just that, acne. It’s not the end of the world and with treatment and care can be controlled. Don’t let your adult acne embarrass you and keep you locked away.