Adults are often taken by surprise when they experience adult acne and are, therefore, not very prepared to look for the right acne remedies. Although the causes of acne in adolescents and adults may be essentially the same, adult acne may require changes in the way it is treated. Because acne is a condition prevalent among adolescents, acne treatment preparations are developed for the kind of skin that adolescents have. Teens usually have oily skin so most acne preparations have ingredients in concentrations for that kind of skin condition. On the other hand, adult skin which is drier and does not have as much oil, may not respond well to these preparations. Because there is more commonality in the skin of adolescents and a wider variety in adult skin, treating adult acne can often be a process of trial-and-error until the most suitable medication is found. Some suggestions for treatments of adult acne are:

• Skin cleaners: Adult skin affected with acne should be kept clean of dirt and excess oils. Skin cleansers used for this purpose should be mild and gentle. Strong formulations and products with scrubbing beads and granules are not advisable because they can irritate sensitive skin.
• Skin creams and lotions: Products with retinol will help unclog pores and reduce fine wrinkles. To prevent discoloration and help acne scars fade, solutions with glycolic or salicylic acids are recommended. When acne breaks out, a product with benzoyl peroxide will help kill the bacteria that can cause infection and inflammation. For adults who are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, a wash with 2% salicylic acid is a good substitute.
• Prescribed treatments: Certain treatments will require a doctor’s prescription. Topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed to combat skin bacteria, fight infection and inflammation for adult acne. To help hormonal balance, oral contraceptives and blood pressure drugs are sometimes given.
• Mechanical treatments: Laser treatments are sometimes used to remove acne scars. Blue light therapy treatments can kill bacteria that cause acne. Professional advise is needed before availing of these types of treatments both for reasons of complexity and expense.
• There are also many natural home remedies which have been said to produce good results. Foremost among them are aloe vera cream and tea tree oil extract.

For adults who are prone to acne attacks, a good skin care regimen can prevent a lot of grief. Keeping the face clean with a good washing technique is the most basic way. To begin, it is important to keep the face clean throughout the day. Wash the face at least twice a day with a cleanser, or with water if the skin is too dry. Hot water dries the skin so warm water should be used instead. Washing for more than 1 – 2 minutes can dry the skin, so stick to that time limit. Use the hands and not a washcloth to wash the face. If a washcloth is essential, pick a soft one like the one made for washing babies.