Why is adult acne different than teen acne?

Acne, regardless of the age at which we are experiencing it, can be frustrating and hard on our self esteem. For those of us suffering with adult acne the frustration is compounded because we feel like the acne that we experience now seems to be different than what we experienced as a teen. For some the methods that helped years ago don’t seem to work or cause irritation now. So is there a difference? Should adults use different products than teens to fight acne?

As it turns out the cause of acne whether in teens or adults is the same. Hormones cause an over secretion of sebum in the skin. This sebum along with dead skin cells and bacteria get caught in a pore to cause a plug which can lead to a deep painful pimple, whitehead, or blackhead.

The difference isn’t what is causing the acne but the skin itself and how it changes as we mature. As we age two things happen. Firstly, pores become larger which can make skin oily. Secondly, the skin becomes less able to retain water. It’s this strange juxtaposition that makes it more difficult to maintain a good moisture balance in adult skin. This is also why using products designed for the very oily skin that acne prone teens are prone to may not be a good solution.

While we may still use some of the same products that a teen would use in your battle against blemishes there are some things to keep in mind when choosing an adult acne regimen:

Even now that we are armed with this information it is still important to understand that everyone’s skin is different and your skin care regimen must be created to work for your individual skin type. Not sure how to get started? Fill out our free online skin care analysis to receive a free personalized sample skin care regimen.

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So, it’s case of “it’s def me, not you” in this case. I haven’t tried any of the rec’s, yet, but I am definitely going to look in to them more. Have you guys tried any of these? Or have you even noticed a difference in your acne, if you get any? Lemme know, I’d like to know that I’m not the only one that notices these things.

They say “This extraordinary firming gel complex contains a multitude of hydrating botanicals, herbal extracts and omega 3 & 6 nutrients targeted to restore immediate hydration; firming and protecting the delicate eye area. The concentrated blend of Elder, Chamomile, Rose Hip Seed, Borage, Green Myrtle and Nettle, rapidly absorb; nourishing and toning tissue, increasing elasticity and renewing softness.” I say that this wonder soothes my eyes, has a light smell, isn’t sticky and helps reduce the puffiness of my eyes quickly. (*I like it enough that I even rec’d it to “Nadine Jolie” when she was looking for eye cream rec’s.)

In addition, I really like the philosophy behind this line – “Beauty and health begins with intention.”  Tammy Fender is an aesthetician who has journeyed throughout the US and abroad; researching and studying in the fields of botany, aromatherapy, holistic chemistry and medical science; specifically, the healing properties of essential oils, plants and vitamins. She says her “energy and meticulous attention to purity will be with you as you nurture yourself”, as she creates formulas to address one’s physical, emotional and spiritual well being. I personally appreciate a whole body approach to things over a topical salve, ya know?  It just soothes me, I guess. I’m happy that I had a chance to try it out.

Now, this is a bit on the higher end ($72), but a little goes a long way, so this bottle will last you for a good while. I do think you are paying some for the philosophy behind it, and you have to decide if it is important enough to pay that extra or not.

Another of the ways to cool down, and clean up, is with the Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion.  This astringent is “Sulfur and soothing Cucumber based, acne fighting formula that is non-drying and non-irritating”. You are supposed to use this after you have washed your face to get rid of all the extra dirt still there, but I will use this as soon as I come in from being hot and sweaty and just get all of the nasty dirt off of me quick – then I’ll wash properly at some point after that.  Even if I do use it after washing at night, cold or not, it just makes my face feel clean – with out being squeaky.  Now, I am not normally an oily girl, but this really does seem to help keep my skin form breaking out, at least from that.

Oh, and speaking of breaking out, Mario Badescu just launched a new “Acne Resource Center” on their site. It’s their central location for acne information, including its causes, how to get rid of it and even get introduced to their “tried and true acne treatment regimens”. It’s really got a ton of info with even videos of how to use some of the products.

Now, we all know I am not one to get out in the sun, but I still get dry arms and legs that I need some moisturizer on them – even coming in from the heat. When I read about Avon’s Skin So Soft Summer Soft Cooling Gel Moisturizer (*gawd, that’s a hell of a long name), I knew I had to try it.

I can’t stand a heavy moisturizer during the heat of the summer – it just makes me feel like I am smothering in it. That is what makes this so good – it is a gel and goes on so light. Since I keep it in the fridge, it goes on so cool that it can make my body temp feel like it goes down at least 5 degrees or so. Now, I don’t know if that is the case (*i’m betting it’s not), but it still feels so good.

It contains Aloe and Cucumber and had a light scent which goes away pretty quickly, after it’s absorbed. Now, we know I love me some Cucumber smell, but this isn’t really as detectable as that, just mostly a light, fresh scent.

I picked mine up earlier this summer on sale, but I see that they are running a 50% off “While Supplies Last” special for $3.99/6.7oz tube. If you are live anywhere like I do, even tho the calendar says summer is almost over, we still have some heated days ahead of us, so I would try to pick this up while you can, just to cool off and get rid of the heat dryness for now.

It’s a product from France, called the Talika Eye Therapy Patch.  You put this patch on and in 30min you look like a rested, functioning human being. They say, “This reusable patch, spectacularly reduces all trace of fatigue appearing under the eyes. It is a pleasant, effective, natural and comfortable solution for combating wrinkles, circles and under-eye puffiness. The results are visible and have been clinically proven by Dermatologists at the “Hôpitaux de Paris de la Salpétrière”.

I say, “You can keep these in the fridge for an added burst of coolness. Put these on and lay down – either to go to bed, or when you wake up in the morning feeling ‘under the weather’ – and in a little while, your eyes really do feel better.” Now, I don’t really have eye wrinkles – *knock on wood* – so I can’t really speak to the effectiveness on those, but it truly did reduce puffiness and lessen the darkness under my eyes when I had a chance to try them. (*You are not required to keep these in the fridge – in fact the carrying case makes it easy to take these with you.)

You can get these patches online for $62, which includes a jewel case with 6 pairs of patches, that can each be reused 3 times or so. There are also refills available for $56.

So, I was so happy when I found Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Skincare Lotion. This lotion has Aloe Vera as the number one, first, ingredient, so you are getting as much relief as with the gel, only with lotiony goodness. It absorbs quickly, and helps keep peeling to a minimum, in my experience. Seriously, even as pale as I am, if I put this on several times a day, after burning, I have found that I don’t peel like when I used the sunburn relief sprays or sticky gels. And, by leaving it in the fridge, it feels so good going on the burn – so cold and refreshing, it takes the heat right out of the burn.

The only downside I know of right now, is the fact that I used to be able to buy the large, regular sized bottles at my local Wal-mart, but I can’t find it there at all any more. Now, I have been lucky enough to find a travel sized bottle at CVS, so I grab a couple of those, just to have around.