Although acne is known as the teenage curse, there are plenty of adults who also have to put up the inconvenience of the skin condition well into their older and wiser years.
If you're one of these people, you've probably experienced some level of frustration over the condition.
Sometimes all those spots and pimples can even make you feel like a teenager again: wanting to hide in your room and listen to depressing music.
But of course, you're a grown-up and you deal with it.
The fact is, there's no need to put up with adult acne.
This guide goes through just a few treatment approaches that have the potential to free you of the dreaded teenage curse for good.
Cleansing is King If you're thinking, 'This is pretty basic,' then good for you; you're already doing the right thing.
However you'd be surprised how many people neglect to wash their skin twice a day with a good quality cleanser.
A foam cleanser or one based on natural ingredients such as tea tree or witch hazel is ideal, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Use an exfoliating agent with microbeads a few times a week to gently scrape away dead skin cells and refresh the skin surface.
Hydration, hydration, hydration! Spots are caused by accumulation of excess oil, which is why many acne sufferers make the mistake of trying to keep their skin ultra dry and free of moisture.
This is wrong.
Extreme dryness actually stimulates the skin to produce more oil, which in turn leads to more spots.
What you need to do is apply moderate amounts of a water-based moisturiser to your face after a wash.
Have a chat with the chemist If cleansing and hydrating isn't quite doing the trick, don't give up.
Instead of fretting about which product to pick from the shop shelf, ask your chemist what he or she can recommend.
There is a bewildering range of "acne busting" creams, lotions and washes out there all claiming to have medicinal qualities.
A brief conversation with a professional might be all it takes to point you in the direction of a true gem.
And speaking of professionals, your GP can also help.
Some of the most effective acne fighting agents are only available on prescription, so don't be afraid to ask a doctor.
They don't all bite, you know.
Advanced treatments If all of this still isn't resolving your acne angst, then never fear.
It's time to pull out the big guns, dear.
There are beauty clinics up and down the country where you can go in for a more advanced and effective level of acne treatment.
Glycolic acid peels are one of the most popular procedures, with microdermabrasion - a more advanced exfoliation - and laser treatment also well-regarded.
What all these treatments have in common is that they target the upper layer of the skin, clearing away dead skin and scar tissue to reveal the acne-free layers below.
If you're one of these people, you've probably experienced some level of frustration over the condition.
Sometimes all those spots and pimples can even make you feel like a teenager again: wanting to hide in your room and listen to depressing music.
But of course, you're a grown-up and you deal with it.
The fact is, there's no need to put up with adult acne.
This guide goes through just a few treatment approaches that have the potential to free you of the dreaded teenage curse for good.
Cleansing is King If you're thinking, 'This is pretty basic,' then good for you; you're already doing the right thing.
However you'd be surprised how many people neglect to wash their skin twice a day with a good quality cleanser.
A foam cleanser or one based on natural ingredients such as tea tree or witch hazel is ideal, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Use an exfoliating agent with microbeads a few times a week to gently scrape away dead skin cells and refresh the skin surface.
Hydration, hydration, hydration! Spots are caused by accumulation of excess oil, which is why many acne sufferers make the mistake of trying to keep their skin ultra dry and free of moisture.
This is wrong.
Extreme dryness actually stimulates the skin to produce more oil, which in turn leads to more spots.
What you need to do is apply moderate amounts of a water-based moisturiser to your face after a wash.
Have a chat with the chemist If cleansing and hydrating isn't quite doing the trick, don't give up.
Instead of fretting about which product to pick from the shop shelf, ask your chemist what he or she can recommend.
There is a bewildering range of "acne busting" creams, lotions and washes out there all claiming to have medicinal qualities.
A brief conversation with a professional might be all it takes to point you in the direction of a true gem.
And speaking of professionals, your GP can also help.
Some of the most effective acne fighting agents are only available on prescription, so don't be afraid to ask a doctor.
They don't all bite, you know.
Advanced treatments If all of this still isn't resolving your acne angst, then never fear.
It's time to pull out the big guns, dear.
There are beauty clinics up and down the country where you can go in for a more advanced and effective level of acne treatment.
Glycolic acid peels are one of the most popular procedures, with microdermabrasion - a more advanced exfoliation - and laser treatment also well-regarded.
What all these treatments have in common is that they target the upper layer of the skin, clearing away dead skin and scar tissue to reveal the acne-free layers below.
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