Most people think of acne as a problem that teenagers have. However, acne is a skin condition that many adults have as well. To help you better understand this condition, here are some things you need to know about adult acne.

Know What Is Causing Your Acne

You might be the only adult in your family or circle of friends that struggles with acne, but you certainly aren't alone. In fact, more adults than ever have adult acne. According to recent statistics from the International Dermal Institute, up to 55 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 40 have acne. The increased numbers of adults with acne is associated with chronic stress.

When the body feels stress for prolonged periods of time, it increases hormone levels. This increase in hormones leads to more oil production in the skin, which is when acne occurs. Adult women as especially prone to getting acne, as they are under increased amounts of stress. This is especially the case for women who have children and work outside the home.

Know How to Treat Your Acne

To treat your adult acne, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. This type of doctor specializes in skin conditions. Since hormones are a factor when it comes to adult acne, the dermatologist might recommend an oral contraceptive that contains a combination of estrogen and progestin. A dermatologist might also prescribe certain medications for your acne. These medications usually contain retinoic acids or tretinoin and are available as creams, gels, or lotions.

If you already take birth control, or you don't want to take an oral contraceptive or prescription medication, another way to treat your acne is to reduce stress levels. Some simple ways to decrease stress include:

• Exercise
• Reduce caffeine intake
• Get adequate amounts of sleep
• Spend time with family and friends
• Listen to soothing music

Another way to treat your acne is to change your diet. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, a low-glycemic diet can prevent breakouts of acne. This finding occurred when over 2,000 patients were put on a low-glycemic diet to lose weight. About 87 percent of the patients on the diet had less acne.

A low-glycemic diet prevents blood sugar levels from getting too high. When blood sugar levels are high, it can lead to the production of sebum, which causes oily skin. Foods to eat on a low-glycemic diet include fresh vegetables, beans, steel-cut oats, and some fresh fruits.

Besides the above treatment options, a dermatologist will also stress the importance of keeping a good skincare routine.

For more information about seeing a dermatologist to treat acne, contact a local dermatology office, like Desert Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists.