It's time to celebrate: Acne - be it mild, severe, or rosacea acne - need never be a part of your life again. Let's examine some of the many treatments, and find the cures that will work for you.

Although acne is most common in teens, adult acne is a challenge for many women in their 20s, and some women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Its basic cause is the body's overproduction of sebum, combined with personal factors such as hormonal fluctuation, stress, rosacea, the accumulation of bacteria, and even outside causes such as oily makeup, sunscreens, and pore-clogging moisturizers.

Lifestyle Remedies

Your first treatment, regardless of the type of adult acne you have, is to make sure all your cosmetics and creams are labeled as oil-free, greaseless, water-based, or non-comedogenic.

Next, do what you can to relieve stress in your life. That may mean taking up exercise, if you're not already doing so (check with your doctor first, please), learning yoga, or setting aside a time each day for a hobby or a walk around the block.

Do some detective work to determine if outside triggers are aggravating your acne. Many people have reactions to red wine, chocolate, caffeine, or sulfites in dried fruit. Cut down on any foods that make you feel flush.

Symptoms that Signal a Doctor's Care

If your acne is accompanied by changes in your hair (hair loss or excess hair growth) or irregular periods, it could be signaling an underlying condition. Definitely see your doctor. She can quickly and easily test you to make sure it's just acne¹.

You'll also want to see the doc if you've tried over the counter medications, herbal treatments, or natural remedies without success, especially if you're experiencing lesions or cysts. She can give you a prescription acne medication tailored to your individual issues. She may prescribe a topical vitamin A treatment, an oral antibiotic, or, for the most severe acne, a drug called isotretinoin (brand name Accutane). Isotretinoin has lots of side effects, so your doctor will want to monitor you closely if this treatment is chosen².

Laser treatments, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion have been effective for many people, and should be administered by a dermatologist or a certified skin care professional.

Non-prescription Acne Treatments

One of the best acne treatments is Proactiv^® Solution. Available online, this is a strong benzoyl peroxide-based system³ consisting of a cleanser, a toner, and medication. They also have oil-free sunscreen and moisturizer.

Another popular medication is the Murad Acne Complex^®. The kit comes with a salicylic acid bacteria-removing cleanser, an exfoliating treatment gel, and an oil-free lotion with retinol to moisturize and medicate⁴. Many adults have had excellent results. You can find Murad on the web or at your local pharmacy.

Clean & Clear^® Advantage^® Acne Control Kit is another powerful treatment. With a benzoyl peroxide-based cleanser, a salicylic acid moisturizer that dissolves oil, and a transparent gel medication, it promises to start working in one day.

Self-care Tips

1. Don't irritate your already delicate (yes, acne-prone skin is delicate!) skin by scrubbing too hard, washing too much, or over-using drug store products. If a treatment doesn't work when used according to package directions, it's time to try a heavy-duty acne cure like the ones listed above.

2. Keep your hands away from your face.

3. Keep your hair clean and off your face.

4. No squeezing pimples or picking at blemishes.

5. Acne medication can make you more sun sensitive. Best to just stay out of the sun.

Herbal and Natural Acne Treatments

Tea tree oil, made from the melaeuca tree of Australia, is a natural antibiotic, anti-fungal, antimicrobial and antibacterial. You can find it at the health food store, and it comes in a variety of strengths. Used externally, tests have shown that 5% tea tree oil works almost as well as 5% benzoyl peroxide⁵.

Topically applied chamomile and lavender have soothing effects on the skin, and can be useful on mild acne.

A diet rich in the mineral zinc and the vitamins A and E can be helpful in treating acne. If you choose to take them in the form of supplements, check with your doctor first.

Some of the popular, natural treatment products include Sea Results Overnight Perfecting Peel, and Acne Spot Treatment - both by H20+ Sea-derived Skincare; Clarifying Toner and Facial Steam Bath, both by Dr. Hauschka; Radiance Revealed Skin Refining Microderma-Scrub by Garden Botanika; and the 5-product acne treatment from the Arbonne Clear Advantage System.

And that's why we're celebrating. No matter what kind of acne you have, or how serious it is, there's a cure out there, just waiting for you.

      Footnotes

      ¹ SkinCarePhysicians.com/AcneNet

      ² MayoClinic.com

      ³ and ⁴ See the individual websites for a complete list of ingredients

      ⁵ en.Wikipedia.org