Acne is a problem that afflicts millions of people regardless of their gender or age. While acne is a problem most people associate with teenagers, the truth of the matter is that acne can afflict anyone at any age. There are ways to treat adult acne, which is actually different than the type of acne that teens experience.

Adult acne is caused by many of the same things that cause acne when we’re younger, as in hormonal changes and blockages in the follicles of our skin. Acne in adults usually appears around the chin and mouth where with teens it can appear anywhere on the face, neck and chest.

There have been a lot of recent breakthroughs in the treatment of acne - especially for adults. It’s a good idea for adults to consider taking prescription medicine for persistent and severe acne problems. This can save you money in the long run. It’s also possible to receive samples from your doctor so you can find out what works best for the type of acne you have. Some of the more popular adult acne products are:

Proactiv Solution: This is a heavily marketed acne medicine. It is a bactericidal which means that it kills bacteria. It is benzoyl peroxide-based, and is specifically for mild to moderate types of acne. It is available over the counter.

TAZORAC: This is a retinoid and it is only available by prescription. It’s made for topical application in gel and cream form. The active ingredient is tazarotene, which is also used for psoriasis and sun damage to the skin.

There are also a good amount of different medications available via prescription to treat acne. The prescription medication is typically reserved for moderate to severe types of acne.  There are several different types of medicine and treatment methods that you can take advantage of.  A good resource for information on acne and different active ingredients can be found here.