Adult Acne

While adult acne and juvenile acne involve infections generated by the same bacteria, skin conditions with adult acne can be very different requiring different forms of acne products. Adult onset acne (acne that begins in the adult years) usually involves normal or combination skin or even dry and/or sensitive skin, rather than the oily skin that is typical of juvenile acne. Most acne products are developed for juvenile acne and contain high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid and other agents that can be excessively drying and potentially irritating to adult skin. This can further inflame adult acne. Adult skin may not tolerate persistent use of these harsh acne product ingredients and new or increased skin sensitivity may become problematic. At Skintactix we have developed products specific for your skin type. We have develped products that work for all types of adult acne. In the sidebar, you can select the right kit for you by selecting the kit that best describes your skin type.

Acne and Premature Skin Aging:

Acne infections stimulate skin production of hydrogen peroxide which generates volumes of free radicals. The chemical rebuilding involved in healing infections and repairing the skin damage caused by infections, also generates volumes of free radicals. In this manner acne and especially adult acne causes premature aging of the skin, just like the volumes of free radicals caused by sun exposure. Control of acne is not only important to the appearance of the skin today, it is an important strategy to prevent premature aging of the skin in the future. If skin damage has already become a problem, achieve control of the acne first (with one of the Skintactix acne product kits above) and once this is accomplished, address the issue of skin rejuvenation. (See the Acne & Premature Skin Aging page and the Free Radical Damage page for additional information on this subject.)

Benzoyl Peroxide and Premature Skin Aging:

Benzoyl peroxide creates free radicals in the skin and is known to cause premature skin aging, just like repeated sun exposure or persistent acne. Damage is determined by the concentration of benzoyl peroxide and the frequency of use and the duration of the use of acne prouducts containing benzoyl peroxide. It has also been associated with increased risks of skin cancer. In 1995 the FDA issued warnings regarding the use of benzoyl peroxide and changed its status from safe to uncertain. For these reasons Skintactix does not use benzoyl peroxide or any other ingredient that might damage or prematurely age the skin. (See the Acne Tips and Benzoyl Peroxide Skin Damage pages for additional information.)

Causes of Adult Acne:

There are a number of factors that may initiate adult acne. Stress can be a major factor, via the production of cortisol, a steroidal hormone that promotes acne. Coffee consumption, like stress, promotes the production of cortisol. Other issues may be involved, such as smoking, low consumption of free fatty acids, hormone supplement, etc. Achieve control of adult acne with Skintactix products and reduce those factors that may promote a recurrence of acne. (See the Acne Tips page for additional information on factors that promote acne.)

If follicle congestion, whiteheads and/or blackheads are involved refer to the page on Acne & Essential Fatty Acids as this could be a factor in the development of adult onset acne.

Since adult acne promotes skin damage that leads to premature skin damage and skin aging, it is especially important to select acne products and acne treatment that controls adult acne in a gentle, yet effective manner.