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Adult Acne: A Bumpy Ride
Towards Aging
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by: Charlene J. Nuble
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Picture this; the
snow-white clear skin that you have been proud of since your teen years
has suddenly poofed into a wicked witch's warty face upon reaching the
age of 30! "Acne, at my age?" This is often the distressed statement of
pockmarked men and women in their 30's to 40's afflicted with adult
acne.
This problem is surely not the work of a vengeful sorcerer. Acne
vulgaris is what this most common skin disorder in the United States is
scientifically called. Statistics has it that 15 million people in US
alone are afflicted with acne. It is an embarrassing problem among
teenagers. But this condition is not only limited to those awkward
years. Adult acne is also prevalent, especially among people in the age
group of 25 to 40.
Acne is a disease that resulted from the accumulation of sebum, a
highbrow term for oil, underneath the skin. When this happens and the
desquamation (human's way of molting) process goes wrong, the pores
become clogged. Aggravation will continue and soon infection sets in. A
bad bug called Propionibacterium acnes causes this infection.
Overproduction of oil and mismanagement of the process of shedding
cells equals bunged pores. Clogged pores plus P. acnes, the scoundrel,
equals breakout. Those pesky zits are produced just as easy as that.
One of the pushing forces that may cause the occurrence of acne
includes the elevation of levels of testosterone among adolescents. No,
it's not Toblerone misspelled. No matter how many anecdotes you've
heard about chocolate addiction causing zits to dominate your face,
there's really no enough scientific basis to prove this. Testosterone
is a chemical produced by the body that increase sebum production and
change the keratin of the hair follicles. Testosterone is an androgen.
Androgen is a hormone produced in high levels among males. This is the
reason behind the worse cases of acne among teenage boys more than
girls.
Adult acne is called acne rosacea. It is characterized by the
following: unsightly thick, red skin on the nose and cheeks, pus-filled
blisters, small red bumps, and small red blood vessels seen on the skin
surface. It is more commonly linked to increased levels of stress.
Isn't it interesting how the body reacts to this stimulus? NOT. When
exhausted, like Gizmo getting wet, our skin could actually give birth
to little monsters! Though they are not as troublesome as gremlins,
they could be just as annoying as well. Seriously, pimples can be
difficult to deal with, and can cause depression and anxiety in an
adult the same way it can in a teen. Pressure from work and family
responsibilities is thought to possibly affect the normal balance of
our hormones. And hormones messed up means having to put up with bumpy
complexion caused by adult acne.
Aside from stress-triggered hormonal imbalance, hot foods alcohol
consumption, and smoking are also considered to exacerbate adult acne.
This may help you reconsider your food preferences and habits.
Acne lesions are commonly found on the face, but they can also pop out
anytime on the neck, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, and upper arms and
legs. Adult acne is more persistent than teen acne. It is because
adults are consistently exposed to the many factors that cause
breakouts. Another hitch of adult acne is permanent scarring. It is an
evidence of the inevitable reality that with the coming of age, the
skin loses its erstwhile ability to repair itself. As if there's a need
to be reminded of that when your face starts to wrinkle already. Now
here's more to shriek in terror for, especially those in their
mid-20's: adult acne causes PREMATURE AGING. Isn't that just
nerve-wracking?
Enough of the endless yada's regarding how adult acne could further
destroy us. As how master Yoda puts is, educated we must be with the
crusade towards clearer AND younger skin. Or at least skin that is just
our age we must maintain.
At the first sight of those wicked pimples together with gray hair and
wrinkles (talk about aging signs overkill), just like with teenagers,
impulse dictates squeezing. But you very well know that squeezing is a
big no-no. How old are you? You surely don't need any more marks of
time's passage.
In severe cases, consulting a dermatologist would best help in dealing
with adult acne. The dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic, vitamin
A derivative like Isotretinoin or other acne drug available. More women
may be afflicted with adult acne than men. Pregnancy is another story
if you are prescribed anti-acnes, especially Isotretinoin.
Proper skin care may not guarantee a flawless complexion. But a good
skin care regimen may aid in warding off bacteria that worsen adult
acne. If you love scrubbing for its squeaky-clean feel, think twice. It
can render more damage to your already-blemished skin.
Another hint especially for women: use NON-COMEDOGENIC products.
Non-comedogenic basically means anything that does not clog skin pores
or cause acne. Do your homework and look for as many non-comedogenic
versions of the skin care products you use. It's worth it, you'll see.
If stress is linked with adult acne, then, disengaging yourself from
stressful activities might work wonders, right? A day away from work or
catching up on one of your hobbies won't hurt.
There's this bold Jean Kerr reacting on a classical quotation.
"I'm tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin-deep.
That's deep enough. What do you want, an adorable pancreas?"
It doesn't mean the depreciation of a pleasing personality. Such
reaction only imparts a message of giving value to what boosts your
self-esteem. If it's a clear complexion along with your aging
gracefully, so be it. No adult acne should put a shame on your face and
get in your way of becoming more confident.
About the Author: Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up
to date links and information about acne, please go to: http://acne.besthealthlink.net/
or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go
to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/
Source: www.isnare.com |
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