Many adults are surprised to find themselves in need of an adult acne treatment. However, acne is not only an affliction for teenagers. Some adults who never had a problem with acne before suddenly find themselves breaking out on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are several solutions for adults dealing with bouts of acne. Before discussing options available for adult acne treatment, we'll talk about what causes acne. A blemish happens when a clog develops in one of the skin's pores. The clogs are usually caused by oil produced by the skin glands or by dead skin cells. After the clog is formed, bacteria begin to grown in the pore. This leads to a blemish. When the pore is open at the skin, the clog turns dark and is called a blackhead. A whitehead occurs when the skin is closed over the clog. Papules are red, inflamed blemishes, while pustules have white pus visible at the top. Nodules and cysts are more serious types of blemishes. They are deeper in the pore and often appear red and inflamed. Nodules and cysts can often lead to scarring.

Many adult acne treatment options are the same as those used by teens, while others are intended specifically for the needs of adult skin. Benzoyl peroxide is one popular treatment option. Benzoyl peroxide works by destroying bacteria that leads to acne. Salicylic acid is another well-known acne fighter. Salicylic acid helps keep pores clear of clogs. Many adults have found the Proactiv system works well with their skin.

There are also several adult acne treatment options available that can be obtained with a prescription from your doctor. Retin-A is a popular choice for adults, since it has the dual benefits of fighting acne and lessening wrinkles. Antibiotics kill the bacteria that lead to blemishes. Certain types of birth control pills have been successfully used in fighting acne.