We think of acne as a teenager’s problem; and in fact, it does affect teenagers more than anyone else. Unfortunately, 25% of adult men and 50% of adult women also suffer from acne well past the teenage years. Adult men are primarily affected by acne on the chest and back; adult women continue to suffer primarily facial acne, but may also get chest and back acne, to a lesser degree than most men.

Adult Acne Treatment

• Pay attention to the amount of water you drink every day. You only get to count water! Coffee, tea, soft drinks, flavored drinks – don’t count. There’s nothing better for you than just plain water. Add some lemon to it for a little flavor, but try and drink more water. If you are taking diuretic medication, talk with the prescribing physician, but in most cases you are still expected to take in plenty of water, even when taking diuretics.
• Watch what you eat. Avoid caffeine, sugar and refined carbohydrates, as well as processed foods. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Vegetables are best for you when they are raw or just lightly steamed.
• Do your best to banish blackheads before they become inflamed and break out as full-blown acne. In addition to thorough daily cleansing, two to three times a week, use an exfoliating scrub in the shower, such as a loofah, and a salicylic acid cleanser or alpha-hydroxy acid exfoliant. Don’t go crazy – gentle scrubbing is all you need, and consistent application. These chemical products work better to clean out pores than most scrubs. Ask for someone in your home to assist you if you have back acne that you can’t reach with a long-handle scrubbie.
• Moisturizer is not bad for acne, but be careful what kind you use. Try non-acnegenic or oil-free moisturizers and apply after bathing or showering.
• If you are experiencing severe back and chest acne, consider changing your laundry routine. Your skin may be irritated by the soap you use, or by inadequate rinsing. Try a gentler laundry soap and run an extra rinse cycle.
• Speaking of clothing – if you work out, try buying workout clothes that have a wicking effect and draw the moisture away from your skin as you work out. This may help reduce breakouts. Wash after every workout and wash all your other clothes frequently, as well. You want what touches your skin to be clean, and as dry as possible.

There are some people who have acne scarring on their faces that is embarrassing to them and they want to get rid of it.  However, many of the methods that are available nowadays are very painful and entail down time from work, which is not an alternative for many people.  The therapy is also not often covered by the insurance that the person might have, so in addition to losing work time, the entire cost of the procedure must be covered out of pocket.  Although there are often payment methods that people can use to cover the expense, this is still a big decision and commitment to smooth out the skin of the face.  For those with mild scarring, there are a few methods that may work to resolve their problem.  One of these is called the acne scar laser treatment.  For those who have deeper, pitted scarring, there are other methods, such as the acne scar removal treatment.

How Laser Treatment Works

Ablative laser acne scar laser treatments use lasers that remove the top layers of the skin. At the same time, it heats the underlying skin (the dermis) and stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers.  The skin that forms as the wound heals is smoother and tighter.  In this way, the scars are removed with the top layers of skin and the collagen stimulation helps with the healing process and to make the skin fuller and healthier looking once the healing has occurred.  The recovery with ablative laser therapy is painful, since the top layers have been taken off of the skin, and require the patient to recover at home rather than being able to go about day-to-day activities.

Laser resurfacing is a popular option. It removes damaged skin and allows younger-looking skin to take its place. It is effective for minor facial flaws. It has the drawback that the effects aren't permanent and have to be repeated. Nonablative lasers avoid injury to the surface skin and treat the underlying layer, This stimulates the production of collagen but requires less recovery time because the upper layer of skin isn't damaged by the treatment. They are less powerful, however, and usually require multiple sessions.

What to Expect from Laser Acne Scar Treatment

The procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery center or in a surgical suite in the doctor's office. No overnight hospital stay is required. Because the procedure can be painful, the skin is usually numbed with a topical anesthetic and you may be provided with a sedative to help you relax. You may be given general anesthesia if the planned laser treatment is extensive.

Ablative laser resurfacing procedures take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the technique used and the size of the area being treated. After the procedure, you'll look kind of like a boiled lobster! You'll feel like you have a severe sunburn, your skin may be raw, oozing and have blisters. You may have pain. The surgeon or the surgery center staff will advise you on postoperative care and followup.

Nonablative procedures are known as "lunch time" procedures because they don't damage the epidermis (the upper layer of skin) and patients don't have the boiled lobster look.

You may notice an immediate difference in skin quality and will likely continue to see improvement over the 6 to 12 months following your procedure. Although the effects of laser resurfacing can last for years, repeat procedures may be necessary.

Which laser acne removal is best for you?

This is something you'll need to discuss with your dermatologist and/or the surgeon you are consulting with about the procedure. Each has it's pros and cons and it really depends on how severe your acne scars are, what procedure will be most effective, and what you can tolerate in terms of recovery.

Witch hazel has marvelous properties and a long history of use as a medicinal home remedy. It isn't used only for acne, however - although it does work really well in treating it. If you're looking for a home remedy for acne, then witch hazel should be on the top of your list.

What is it?

Witch hazel is a shrub that grows naturally through most of the United States and many parts of Canada. Its medicinal uses were well known to native Americans. It was mainly used on sores, bruises and swelling. Because it has many useful properties, witch hazel can be found in many products, including shaving cream and hemorrhoid creams. It is possible to grow your own witch hazel shrub and prepare distillations and tisanes; however, there are many excellent and natural preparations available.

The essential oil of witch hazel is not sold as a consumer product, so don't look for it. What is sold under the label of "witch hazel" in your local drug store is most likely a distillate, and is often combined with alcohol, which acts as a preservative. Make sure you read the label if you are looking for an all-natural, gentle product. Do not purchase witch hazel that is for first aid use if you plan on using it for skin care. Many of the skin care products available over-the-counter do contain witch hazel. You'll find in many instances that witch hazel water is much cheaper and just as effective.

Treating acne with witch hazel

The astringent properties of witch hazel are what make it ideal as a home remedy for acne. It soothes and cools irritations, while tightening pores and soft tissues.

If you suddenly find yourself with a big pimple right before a big event, soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply every couple of hours. It will quickly calm the inflammation and reduce the size of the blemish.

You can also apply witch hazel daily, as you would any other over-the-counter toner product. Consistent use is intended to reduce the number of outbreaks; it will also shrink pores and tighten skin.

General use of witch hazel

If you're going to keep witch hazel water in the house, don't let yourself be limited to using it for acne! Witch hazel's properties are beneficial for a variety of home remedies.

• Use it on insect bites to reduce inflammation and irritation.
• Treat infant diaper rash by applying a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel water.
• Treat varicose veins by soaking wash cloths in witch hazel water, then apply to legs.
• Treat poison oak and poison ivy exposure.
• Heal bruises faster by dabbing on witch hazel three times a day.
• Many after-shave products contain witch hazel - skip the expensive product and just apply witch hazel directly.
• Heal and soothe cuts and bruises.

Once you discover all the wonderful things you can do with a bottle of relatively inexpensive witch hazel water, you'll wonder why it took you so long to discover this versatile beneficial herb!

This article is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Stop using this and any other home remedy if there are negative side effects. Consult a physician if the symptoms are not alleviated. Pregnant or nursing women should consult with a physician regarding the use of any herbal or other home remedy solution.

There are many prescription medicines to control moderate to serious acne. Some are topical (applied to the skin surface); others are taken orally, as pills, or subcutaneously (under the skin), as shots. All necessitate at least one visit to a dermatologist, a physician who specializes in skin problems. While your general physician can and may prescribe these medications and treatments, it is recommended that you see a specialist. Fortunately, the majority of these treatments have pros and cons that are comparatively simple to delineate.

Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Accutane is an oral medication that has been on the market for many years, so its effects are well known. It has been found to be one of the most effective, prescription medications for the treatment of moderate to severe acne. It's been utilized for cystic and other advanced forms of acne, and has been used safely by millions for that purpose. However, it does have a few potential side effects and risks. Isotretinoin is a synthetic molecule, a retinoid similar to Vitamin A, available in pill form. Normal dosage is once or twice per day for four to five months.

Pregnant women and women who may become pregnant are generally advised not to take isotretinoin. Several studies have indicated that it can result in birth defects. Women of childbearing age who are not using a reliable method of birth control may be told they are not eligible to take this drug, due to the risks of pregnancy during treatment.

Accutane has also been associated with depression and possible suicidal thoughts or plans in teenagers. Because teenagers are the largest population of potential users, there have been concerns regarding the extensive use of Accutane, given this potential side effect. Patients using Accutane should be aware of this risk. Family members should monitor mood and behavior, being aware of the signs of depression and suicidal ideas. The prescribing physician should be notified immediately if it is felt these are present and will most likely advise discontinuing use of the medication. This is felt to be a small risk, however.

Accutane functions to cut back oil production, unclog pores and kill the bacteria that contribute to acne. Typical side effects may include headache, excessive skin dryness, diarrhea and other minor problems. As with all side effects, everyone has a different reaction and some people experience no side effects whatsoever. Side effects, however, are a major reason for seeing a physician regularly during the course of treatment.

Oral Antibiotics

Acne is caused, in part, by a bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes). As a result, the disease can frequently be successfully overcome simply by taking antibiotics. As is the case with all potent antibiotics, some care is necessary when using these. Patients should be aware of the potential side effects and long-term implications.

Tetracycline (or its derivatives, doxycycline and minocycline) is one of the most commonly used antibiotics in the treatment of acne. Both forms have been in use for numerous years and can considerably alleviate inflammatory acne. Normal dosage is 5 to 10 grams per day at first, although it is cut back as treatment advances. Overall, the treatment may take several months. As with any medical treatment, tetracycline (or its derivates) carries some risk. Some patients' skin becomes sensitive to the sun during treatment. One instruction patients are given at the onset of treatment is to avoid excessive sunlight. You will be instructed not to tan, and to wear a strong sunscreen when you have to be out in the sun.

Erythromycin is another basic antibiotic treatment for acne. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and works effectively against Propionibacterium acnes. Like any powerful antibiotic, it can sometimes cause gastrointestinal irritation, which is one reason why it's a prescription drug.

Topical Treatments

A few topical antibiotics can attack the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria directly through the surface of the skin. They are typically employed to address less serious cases of acne. They may even be utilized in cases of acne vulgaris, a mild form of acne.

A number of retinoids are occasionally prescribed. They may be a compound equivalent to those used in over-the-counter medications, but in dosages high enough to warrant or necessitate a prescription and medical supervision. Adapalene is a gel or cream that is usually efficacious within two or three months. It can cause minor skin dryness and discomfort. It aids in unclogging pores to help treat acne. Tretinoin is a natural retinoid that has similar effects.

Anyone who has attempted over-the-counter medications or treatments and not experienced acceptable results has numerous additional alternatives. Almost all acne can be treated medically with success. Medical advances have made suffering from the many forms of acne a thing of the past. Consult with a medical specialist to research your alternatives for treatment.

Self-treatment of acne is the most common situation. Most acne is mild enough that over the counter, non-prescription medications work fine. Combined with a regimen of overall good skin care, they will do an effective job of clearing up acne in as short a time as possible.

Benzoyl Peroxide

One of the most common - and most effective - treatments possible for mild acne, benzoyl peroxide is used daily by millions. It works by helping combat the bacteria that is partly responsible for acne in the first place: Propionibacterium acnes. It also helps to remove dead skin cells from the area. If those don't move to the surface where they can be sloughed or washed off, they can accumulate, upping the odds of getting acne.

Benzoyl Peroxide has been in use for decades so the pros and cons are well known. One possible side effect is excessive drying of the skin. It can also bleach fabric, and so should be used with care when treating acne while dressed.

The risk of side effects can be minimized by using the proper amount. If a 2.5% concentration is working, don't assume that 10% is better, or will work faster. Higher dosage only increases the odds of side effects without any compensating value.

Salicylic Acid

This is the active ingredient in aspirin and part of the reason this simple compound is sometimes called a miracle drug. It has many uses and is safe and effective, used properly.

Often coming in the form of soaked pads, salicylic acid helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. It slows down the process of shedding dead skin cells inside the follicle, making build up and compaction less likely. It also helps remove them. This helps prevent bacteria build up in the sebum (skin oil) inside the pore.

It should not be combined with other treatments, unless recommended by your dermatologist. Excessive skin irritation can occur.

Resorcinol

Resorcinol is another popular OTC medication and is effective in many cases, especially when combined with other compounds such as sulfur. It functions by breaking down hardened skin, leading to more effective removal from the follicle and the area outside. That also produces lower odds of clogging, a major factor in acne formation.

It should not be used in conjunction with astringents such as alcohol.

Alcohol and Acetone

Both of these common chemicals are safe, but are generally much less effective than more modern treatments. Alcohol is a mild antibacterial and helps remove oil from the surface. Similarly, acetone is a degreasing agent and helps keep the surface clear. But the excess oil (sebum) that contributes to acne lies well under surface where it lends a growth medium for bacteria and helps clog pores. Removing surface oil is of limited benefit.

The small savings over other treatments is generally money wasted, except as part of an overall skin care regimen.