Adult Acne Causes, Care, and Prevention

Understanding Acne

When trying to understand the etiology (causes) of acne, hormonal imbalance is often cited as one of the most prevailing factors responsible for acne. Fluctuations in hormone levels can result in over production of sebum (skin oil) by the sebaceous glands residing in the skin. This extra sebum tends to clog the pores of the skin the first step in the acne cascade.. It is important to understand that androgens, the male hormones are very potent in stimulating the sebaceous glands.

Both, women and men produce all three sex hormones: estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. Of course, depending if you are a woman or a man - your glands produce more estrogen or testosterone.  If a woman produces too much testosterone (androgens), this physiologic “over-dose” may result in symptoms such as: acne, too much facial or body hair (hirsutism), patterned female baldness and sometimes changes in menstruation cycle or in rare cases even infertility. 

When a woman’s acne is thought to be caused by increased levels of androgens (testosterone) produced primarily by the adrenal gland this condition is termed “Androgenal acne” or “androgen induced acne”.   The increased levels of androgens cause the sebaceous glands to make excess sebum (skin oil) which can clog pores leading to the accumulation of dead skin cells and the growth of bacteria (P. acnes).  This condition appears on the face as white heads and black heads (comedones).  In certain situations, a local inflammatory response can lead to pustules and papules.  If the inflammatory cascade reaches beyond the hair follicle where it originated, cysts are formed, which are painful and can lead to more severe damage of the skin which can lead to scarring.   Understanding that androgens play a pivotal role in the development of acne has led some physicians to prescribe spironolactone (Aldactone) for acne treatment in women with suspected androgen induced acne.

Why Spirinolactone?

Spirinolactone (brand name, Aldactone) was originally developed in the 1960’s as a diuretic for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and edema in patients with congestive heart failure.  A unique characteristic of spirinolactone was that unlike other diuretics approved at the time, patients did not lose potassium, and it was therefore labeled a “potassium sparing” diuretic.  Aldactone’s mechanism of action involved the effect on the adrenal gland and a hormone called aldosterone.  Aldosterone when released by the adrenal gland inhibits (decreases) the formation of urine and “preserves” water in the body.  Aldactone being an aldosterone antagonist (opposite) increases urine formation helping those with high blood pressure or edema to eliminate water from their body.

How does spironolactone impact acne?

Observations were made in women with hair loss, or increased facial hair (hirsutism) that treatment with spirinolactone resulted in an improvement in both conditions, which were known to be associated with androgens.  Further research revealed that spirinolactone has dual effects on androgens. Spirinolactone acts as an androgen receptor blocker (it blocks the influence of androgens on target organs like the sebaceous glands), and it also decreases the production of androgens in the adrenal glands. As a result, Aldactone (spirinolactone) can reduce symptoms resulting from over production of androgens including androgen induced acne in women.  It is important to note that the use of spirinolactone is restricted to women since longer term use in men results in feminization due to decreases in circulating testosterone levels. It is also important to remember that in women who are pregnant or anticipate becoming pregnant special care and attention needs to be paid since spirinolactone has been associated with teratogenesis (possible changes in a fetus). 

From an acne treatment perspective, the goal for the use of spirinolactone is to reduce the impact of adrenal androgens on sebaceous gland secretions.   Spirinolactone is therefore not recommended for women with acne associated with fluctuations in female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone).  Fluctuations in female sex hormones is common during puberty, the menstrual cycle, before and after child birth and lastly at the menopause.  For certain individuals these fluctuations in hormone levels also seem to be associated with the appearance of acne.

It is important to understand that spironolactone is Not effective if androgens are not the cause of acne and here is why.  Spirinolactone is  actually known as a “partial agonist” of the androgen receptor, this means that in the absence of androgens like testosterone and DHT spironolactone will have a mild positive effect (stimulate) on the androgen receptor.  It is only under conditions when there is excess androgens available in the blood that spironolactone by blocking testosterone or DHT from binding to their receptor has a clinical benefit.  This means that women need to understand whether their acne is actually caused by elevated levels of androgens.  Certain symptoms like thinning hair or hair loss, development of facial hair in combination with resistant acne are signs you have androgenal acne.  Of course yur physician can also perform a blood test to confirm you have elevated testosterone or DHT levels.

AcnEase for Prevention and Treatment of Acne &  Use of  Spirinolactone

Acnease- a unique all botanical acne treatment and spirolactone represent rare complimentary treatment opportunity for androgenal acne sufferers.  We may even say- they represent a combination therapy that may help many adult women with severe hormonal/androgenal acne

AcnEase® is an all-natural, proprietary, herbal based medicine specifically developed to treat and prevent acne.  The ingredients in AcnEase® do not change hormone levels, but rather diminish their impact on sebaceous gland secretions.  In addition, the ingredients present in AcnEase® also have mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which also help in the treatment of acne.  The safety profile for AcnEase® is extraordinary with the only reported mild side effect being a “food type” allergy to one of the ingredients in AcnEase in a limited number of cases.  Clinical testing in Asia has reported >90% efficacy in reducing the formation of new pimples.  Historical data also supports the clinical utility of AcnEase in the treatment of androgen associated acne.  However, in women with resistant acne and taking spironolactone, AcnEase can provide a nice compliment to gaining greater overall effectiveness. Similarly if a woman elects to take AcnEase for androgen induced acne and is not seeing 100% improvement addition of spironolactone for a short duration may do the trick. AcnEase® in addition to helping women with androgen induced acne has also been shown to be effective in women with acne attributed to fluctuating hormone levels, especially those who are often taking oral contraceptives as a part of their acne treatment paradigm. 

AcnEase® can be viewed as having a dual acne treatment utility:

• Stand alone treatment for women with androgen associated acne
• Stand alone treatment for women whose acne is attributed to fluctuating hormone levels
• Complimentary treatment to women currently using spirinolactone or oral contraceptives to overcome fluctuating hormone levels
• Combination treatment with spirinolactone for women with resistant androgen induced acne

As a stand-alone treatment for acne, the appropriate regimen and dose for AcnEase varies upon the nature, location (face and/or torso) and duration of acne.

In addition, it is important to note that AcnEase can be used in conjunction with either spirinolactone and/or oral contraceptives (OC) as AcnEase does NOT directly affects hormones levels. If however an individual decides to stop taking either OCs or spirinolactone, we recommend that you do not abruptly stop either medication but choose to wean yourself off over the period of a week or two to prevent a worsening of acne symptoms.

For some, acne is a reminder of our younger days, making our teen years, and social lives, that much harder to navigate. For countless others, that problem continues well into adulthood, or begins then, in a condition known as adult acne. Affecting people over the age of 25, this skin condition is common, though rarely talked about, which brings us to the question…

What Is Adult Acne?

Adult acne, like cystic, inflammatory, or any other type of acne, is usually the result of a hormonal imbalance, and how those hormones interact with the sebaceous glands. These glands, which are responsible for producing sebum, the oily substance that travels through the pores to hydrate and moisturize the skin, can become over active by certain hormones, causing them to create excessive amounts of the oily substance. When combined with dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, bacteria can grow in the pores, possibly leading to breakouts.

If you have adult acne, read on to learn more about your acne type, with some surprising info you may not have already known!

5 Surprising Facts You May Not Know About Adult Acne

Adult acne can affect people physically, mentally and emotionally. Acne at any age can make for a real headache. Acne has been known to affect the self confidence, self esteem and perceived self worth of an individual, and those examples ring even more true for those with adult acne, many of whom feel as if they should have “grown out of” their condition by now. In fact, a recent study shows that 50% of people surveyed would rather have wrinkles than their adult acne, and nearly half stated that having acne as an adult was even more stressful than when they were teens.

Adult acne is generally classified as two different types – chronic and late-onset. Some people with adult acne have been fighting to keep their complexions clear since high school, but did you know some adult acne can form later in life, affecting those who may never have had problem skin? Persistent acne is considered adult acne that continues from adolescence to adulthood. Late-onset acne occurs later in life, and usually appears during times of hormonal imbalance, such as pre-menstruation in women.

It’s easy to overdo it when it comes to over-drying. There are hundreds of over the counter topical acne treatments out there designed to help with symptoms, but most of these are marketed toward teens, and the harsh ingredients contained within can sometimes be a little too tough on adult skin. Because adult skin tends to run on the drier side, alcohol or acid-based acne topical products may help in moderation, but be careful that you’re not over-drying or your could end up with more zits! Sebum, the oil known to clog pores, is actually a necessary part of maintaining healthy skin, and when we remove too much of it the body triggers the sebaceous glands to produce even more to make up for what was just lost. This can result in more clogged pores, and possibly more breakouts. If you opt to use a medicated topical wash, lotion or spot treatment, be sure to follow up with an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer!

Adult acne is not caused by poor hygiene.Like all forms of acne, the belief that its cause lies in poor hygiene is a myth, and one that unfairly stigmatizes both the condition and the acne-prone person affected by it. Acne is an internal condition triggered by an imbalance of hormones. The best way to treat adult acne is through preventative measures and a combination approach, targeting what leads to clogged pores from within. Of course, keeping the surface of the skin healthy is an essential part of maintaining acne-free skin, but harshly scrubbing, over-washing or extracting pimples can actually lead to further irritation, possibly spreading bacteria, and leading to even more breakouts. The best way to keep skin clean is to gently wash twice daily, and pat skin dry with a clean towel. Wash those pillow cases regularly, and resist the urge to touch your face, as dirt and oil can easily transfer from the fingers.

You don’t have to give up your makeup, you just have to know what to look for. Giving your skin a break from heavy creams, powders and foundations is absolutely something you should do, but if you’ve been struck with adult acne, you don’t have to hang up your products for good. Oil-free formulas tend to help most acne-prone faces look their best in makeup, and non-comedogenic ingredients free of parabens and fragrances can prevent pores from clogging from the surface of your skin.

What Can I Do To Treat My Adult Acne? 

Acne is actually a quite complex disease and the fact that acne is not something most people “grow out of” says a lot about the way acne should be looked at when aiming to treat it. Obviously, keeping the surface of the skin clean is an important part of any skincare regimen, yet the real issue regarding treatment lies with rebalancing the sebaceous gland activity, which is done from within. AcnEase® specifically inhibits the impact of fluctuating hormone levels on sebaceous gland secretions, and does not affect hormone levels per se, but rather works as a buffer between the hormones and the sebaceous glands, thereby modulating the amount of sebum produced. This helps explain why AcnEase® is equally effective in treating both adolescent and adult acne in both men and women.

If you’ve been struggling with adult acne, or have just noticed a breakout on your face for the first time, have hope. AcnEase is formulated to treat all types of acne, from mild to severe (with a 96% user success rate!). 

We want to hear from you! Have any surprising facts about adult acne you don’t see here? What are some of your most tried-and-true ways for fighting your adult acne? Tell us in the comments!

Anyone with acne tends to become somewhat of a skincare expert by necessity. We all know that too much oil can lead to acne breakouts, and many of us have spent countless hours and dollars trying out every acne-fighting ointment under the sun, to varying degrees of success. But did you know that there’s a lot about acne you probably don’t hear about?

Acne doesn’t only happen to teens, it happens to adults now much more often.  Within the past 10 years, the average age of an acne sufferer is 26 years old!   The treatment of adult acne requires a stronger reaction.  And that’s why we’re here!  So let’s dive into 10 adult acne facts you may not be aware of, that can make for great knowledge when it comes to treating your condition long term!

1. Acne is a disease. Because the frustrations and embarrassment that may come with acne are often (unfairly) associated with poor hygiene or greasy food habits, many tend to overlook the fact that acne is a medical condition. In fact, acne is the most common skin condition affecting Americans, and does not discriminate between age, sex, race, or economic status.
2. Pimples are an inflammatory response. If you have acne, you’re probably all-too familiar with those pesky, sometimes painful, red or white bumps that appear on the skin, usually the face, chest or back. Because our main objective is to get rid of these swollen blemishes as quickly as possible, many people look at acne symptoms as an affliction, but did you know that breakouts are actually a natural reaction to an external trigger? When excess sebum and dead skin cells collect within the pores, they form bacteria, called P. acnes. This bacteria triggers the body to send in white blood cells to “fight off” what it sees as an infection, in a process known as “inflammation,” which can lead to symptoms such as acne vulgaris, or pimples, on the surface of the skin.
3. Popping a pimple can make acne worse. The first thing many people want to do upon witnessing a fresh breakout on their face is to pop that sucker into oblivion. Conversely, the first thing many skincare experts suggest you maintain, no matter what, is to keep those fingers away from your skin, and for good reason! Because pimples are full of harmful bacteria, popping one can spread that badness into surrounding pores, which can lead to even more breakouts, not to mention scarring, pitted, or pock-marked skin.
4. Acne is caused by an internal imbalance. It isn’t uncommon to read or hear something pinning acne on greasy fries or pizza, or sugar-rich sweets such as chocolate. While what we eat certainly can have an impact on our skin, the true cause of acne can be blamed on an internal, hormonal imbalance. Such an imbalance can affect the sebaceous glands, which work to produce sebum (skin oil) necessary to hydrate and protect the skin. When over stimulated (having too many male hormones called androgens have an ability to do exactly this), these glands can produce too much sebum, which can lead to clogged pores. The clogged pores, containing a mixture of skin oil, dirt, dead skin cells and other possible debris, become a “social salon” for bacteria, resulting in producing acne symptoms such as comedones, pimples and cysts. Non-inflammatory symptoms such as whiteheads and blackheads are also produced. In order to experience real relief from acne, it’s important to target the problem at its source - the sebaceous glands, which AcnEase does in the safest way possible. Creating a buffer between the hormones and the sebaceous glands, AcnEase works to prevent acne before it starts, without actually affecting the hormones at all.
5. Topical products can help, but won't "cure," acne. Because acne starts from within, treating acne is an inside job. In order to truly rid your skin of acne, the problem needs to be addressed with a one-two punch, targeting oil production from within, while keeping the surface clean and free of irritants. Topical solutions can provide temporary relief, which is why we always suggest an approach of combination therapy for the best results!
6. Your skin actually needs some oil to function. Oily skin gets a bad rap. Sure, too much of it can lead to clogged pores, and acne breakouts, but did you know that the skin needs some oil in order to function? Sebum, or oil, is produced to keep skin hydrated and protected, locking necessary moisture in while keeping harmful irritants out. Without it, our skin would remain dry, brittle and cracked. When we remove too much from the skin’s surface with topical treatments (especially those containing alcohol), the body triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more to make up for what was just lost - which can lead to even more breakouts! When it comes to oil and acne, it’s all about finding balance, which is made easy with a systemic solution like AcnEase.
7. Acne begins forming days before you see a breakout. By the time you see that blemish on your complexion, the acne cascade has already reached the end of its cycle. The actual pimple typically forms beneath the surface somewhere between 3-5 days before it reaches your complexion, but a full cycle of acne may even take 10-12 days before the inflammation is visible. This is exactly why taking a preventative measure is the only real way to fight acne, and experience long-term results.
8. Watch out for those prescriptions.  Some acne treatments such as Accutane, retinoids, or antibiotics come with harmful side effects. When it comes to acne, especially for anyone with a severe case, of course it is tempting to go to any measures available to get the relief that comes with clear skin. Many dermatologists will eventually prescribe a course of antibiotics treatments for those finding it particularly hard to treat their acne, yet on the flip side, some people experience side effects ranging from limited sun exposure to severe depression.
9. Sunlight can make acne worse. Long ago, tanning was recommended as a solution to ridding the skin of acne blemishes. By drying the skin out, medical professionals believed sun exposure to be the ultimate cure-all, but too much can actually lead to more sebum and darker scarring, two problems you don’t want to be left to face once that tan fades!
10. Keeping clean linens can do a lot to reduce acne symptoms. This is a simple tip that can truly go a long way - regularly washing those pillowcases and towels can make a big impact on the health and appearance of your skin. Because both of these items can collect dead skin cells, oil and bacteria, which can lead to clogged pores, these often overlooked, everyday items can be a hidden source of acne-causing irritants, so simply changing your cleaning habits here can truly make a big difference!

Now that you know the ins and outs of this condition known as adult acne, it’s hopefully a little clearer just what’s needed to truly treat the problem in order to experience long-term results. Topical treatments and prescription medications can take you so far, but why compromise your sanity, and health, just for temporary relief? AcnEase not only works to deliver clear, healthy skin, but keeps you from scrambling to rid your complexion of breakouts by preventing acne before it starts! Using safe and effective herbal ingredients, AcnEase offers several treatment options depending on the severity of your symptoms to give you and your skin what it deserves - real results!

We want to hear from you! Did you know about any of these facts already? Have anything to add to the list? Tell us in the comments!

Anyone with adult acne is probably well aware of the countless solutions being offered out there, from over the counter topical cleansers, to natural remedies, to prescription drugs. Because we live in a consumer-culture, we’re often directed to throw products, and money, at our problems, whatever they may be. With ads and commercials telling us what we need to do more of, it’s easy to overlook one very important question: what’s not working for my skin?

Much in the same way that using water to put out a grease fire will only make things worse, thousands of people looking to treat their acne end up reaching for the wrong solutions, which can often exacerbate the problem, leading to prolonged symptoms!  We’ve compiled a short list of reasons that we, as skincare experts, often witness from people frustrated with their own regimens. If any of these sound like you, don’t fret! We’ve also got a solution for every misstep that will hopefully get you rerouted, and on the right track toward clear skin!

1. You’re using too many products. This is probably the #1 reason most people aren’t getting rid of their acne - product overload, and honestly, we can see why. With hundreds of products marketed to improve symptoms created by other products, the over the counter skincare game is almost designed to keep you guessing and spending, but that just doesn’t need to be the case. If you’re looking to topicals, keep your routine simple, and try one thing at a time. A cleanser and moisturizer are cornerstone skincare products, so start there before adding fancy tonics and serums. Consistency is key, so give it a fair shot before throwing in the towel and moving on to something new. 
2. You aren’t checking the ingredients. Different people are sensitive to different foods, climates, and noise levels, and each person’s skin is no different - it likes what it likes! Just because salicylic acid works for a friend, doesn’t mean it’s meant for you. This tip can mostly be attributed to some old fashioned trial and error, but if you notice your skin doing really well on glycolic acid, stick with it! (just keep in mind, drying agents like glycolic acid can dry the skin, creating more skin oil which contributes to more acne). An all-natural honey mask doing the trick for you? Keep it up! Like the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Additionally, certain ingredients are just not intended for most people struggling with acne-prone skin, so taking an extra minute to ensure that your topical treatments and/or makeup are made of non-comedogenic, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and (often, but not always) oil-free will usually make a big difference in the appearance of your complexion.
3. You aren’t doing your research. Pustules, pimples, blackheads, cysts...not all acne is created equal, so why should we expect one facial wash to treat everyone’s differing problems the same way? Cleansing and exfoliating regimens are different for those looking to treat cystic acne compared to someone looking to rid their skin of blackheads, which is why learning what type of acne you have can go a long way in properly treating the problem. Reading up on other people’s experiences can also help save you a lot of time and trouble, and with so many reviewer-heavy sites out there today, you can help educate yourself before subjecting your skin to a pricey cleanser or strong chemical treatment. The key here is to find your tribe. If you look to beauty bloggers or YouTubers for your skincare and makeup tips, be sure you’re utilizing the experiences of someone with a similar skin type - what works for someone with a dry complexion will likely not be the best solution for someone with oily or combination skin. (Fun fact: Most adults with adult acne have combination skin, so just because your skin may have been oily or dry in high school, your treatment needs may not be the same, so adjust accordingly!)
4. You’re not taking an approach of prevention. Most people with acne wait until the problem arises before treating it. Because the cycle of acne, known as the acne cascade, actually begins internally weeks before symptoms may appear on the surface of the skin, the only real way to treat the problem is to target it at its source. Acne is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance, which triggers the sebaceous glands to produce an excessive amount of sebum, or skin oil. This excess oil can become clogged within the pores, leading to breakouts. In order to prevent acne, several approaches can be applied, including the implementation of an anti-inflammatory diet, and keeping stress levels as low as possible.  Although, like topical treatments, neither of these things actually work to address the problem at it’s source. By creating a buffer between the hormones and sebaceous glands, you need a treatment solution that actually prevents acne from forming before it starts.  AcnEase is actually the only non-prescription that does this! Best of all, it’s all natural and 100% safe for everyone, meaning no harmful side effects or sun restrictions, and with several different regimens designed to address the severity and type of acne in your specific case, you’ll be sure to find a solution that’s best for you.

If you’re feeling frustrated with your skincare routine’s results, it’s ok. You can take a step back, take a deep breath, and take a look at what has, and hasn’t been working for you, and make adjustments accordingly. When it comes to implementing change, a positive attitude can make all the difference, so remember - you deserve clear skin you can be happy with, and you CAN achieve your goals with a little perspective, and some practical knowledge of what works for your skin.

What acne treatments have you tried again and again that just don’t seem to be working for you? Do you know what type of acne you have, and have you found anything that works for your skin? Tell us in the comments! 

When you think of pimples and acne, the first image that usually comes to mind is the face of a teenager struggling with zits. A common misperception is that acne usually disappears after puberty. These days, adults with acne have become the norm.  In fact, recent statistics reported by the American Dermatology Association suggest that the median age for patients treated for acne has significantly increased over the last decade: from approximately 20.5 to 26.5 years of age. Doctors report that most adults (both men and women) who have experienced acne as teens (with oily skin prone to breakouts) are more likely to experience a reoccurrence in their adult life. 

Even more troubling are reports that doctors are increasingly treating acne flare-ups in patients in there 50’s and 60’s! Acne is now meeting the onset of wrinkles and menopause. This is very surprising – to say the least. As an adult with acne, you probably thought you’d be free of pimples after high school.  Perhaps it’s time to take a serious look at the causes of your acne and how you can banish acne for good.

Common Causes of Adult Acne

The main culprit responsible for teenage acne remains usually in place for adult acne. This leading factor is a hormonal imbalance resulting in too many androgens (male hormone testosterone) in the blood. This “overdose” of testosterone may over stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more and more sebum. The sebum clogs the pores and also eagerly combines with dead skin cells, dirt and other skin debris creating a great environment for acne bacteria to thrive.

The result?  Inflammation, pimples, cysts, comedones and in a lighter form whiteheads and blackheads. The difference that underlines the differentiation between adult and adolescent hormonal imbalances is the different factors that may actually be creating this imbalance. For teens – this will be the formation and maturation of their adult sexual hormonal system.  For adults - This is what we will dive into here, as there are many additional factors you need to consider when dealing with adult acne. And a final note - adolescent acne and adult acne affect both women and men and are now unfortunately a daily predicament for millions of Americans and hundred of millions around the globe.  

Your Hormones Are To Blame

For women acne sufferers, the inflammation of an acne breakout may occur frequently during peri-menopause, but it also happens just before your period. It is during this time that the sebaceous glands over-respond to androgens, and this can extend well into adulthood. According to one study, women over
the age of 33 are more likely to get premenstrual pimples than younger women.
These acne occurrences usually “pop-up” in the form of deep (painful) cystic acne around the chin, neck, and back. In addition, drastic dieting, excessive exercise, sleep deprivation or even dramatic changes in lifestyle can aggravate acne in women. 

Over 35% of all adult acne sufferers are men and many of them also suffer from a hormonal imbalance (increase androgens/testosterone levels) due to the changes in their bodies due to aging, life style, excessive dieting and bodybuilding.  These factors can increase the free testosterone levels and as a result, over stimulate sebaceous glands to over produce sebum initiating the acne cascade. 

Your Stress Levels Are Too High 

If you’re waking up to pimples, chances are your everyday stress is starting to take a toll on you. When you’re stressed (or when your body is stressed as it often is in puberty), your adrenal gland creates the stress hormone cortisol and pumps it into the body to help cope with stress. Unfortunately, traces of testosterone (an androgen or male hormone) are emitted with the cortisol.  Testosterone in the skin can be metabolized to dihydrotestosterone, which causes the sebaceous glands to enlarge and increase sebum production. This can cause clogged pores where P. acnes bacteria (the bacteria responsible for acne) grows, leading to inflammation and pimples.

You May Have an Underlying Condition like Diabetes, High Testosterone or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). As we know, sugar increases the production of insulin, and the overproduction of insulin is known as diabetes. More and more evidence shows that insulin may also boost oil-triggering male hormones, which in turn can trigger excessive pore-clogging and inflammation. Other health issues with a hormonal component, such as high testosterone levels or polycystic ovarian syndrome, are often-overlooked causes of acne. PCOS affects 5 to 10% of women. Many women don’t even know they have it. If your acne is accompanied by excessive hair growth or irregular periods, it's worth talking to your doctor, who may do a blood test or ultrasound to determine whether or not you have PCOS.

You May Have A Super Acne Bug!

Super Acne? Seriously? The name sounds like something from a teenage nightmare. But this type of acne can be accompanied by cysts and nodules of 5mm or more in diameter, and having it can be socially debilitating. In worst cases, if left untreated, the Super Acne bug can cause infections all over the body. Severe P. acnes bacteria has also been associated with infections of artificial joints and heart valves (endocarditis), as well as eye infections and chest infections. Although it is often disregarded as a harmless bystander when found in blood and tissue swabs taken from patients, we should not rule out this bug in the diagnosis of disease.

Recent studies show that it might also be involved in other important conditions such as prostate cancer.  Even more frightening is its uber-resistance to antibiotics. When antibiotics are completely ineffective, the body is left defenseless against P. acnes bacteria and potentially other diseases. Acne sufferers may become desperate and try their hand at over-the-counter remedies that actually do not address causes of acne or try controversial prescription drugs like Diane 35 and Accutane (Diane 35 is not approved in the USA and due to the serious side effects (including stroke and death) has been taken off the market in a number of countries. Accutane is known as a vitamin A derivative that works by controlling the oil in the sebaceous glands. Accutane is part of a class of medications called retinoids and originally was marketed as a chemotherapy drug. Unfortunately, it’s been linked to suicides (especially in young males), the development of Crohn’s disease, and severe birth defects/malformations. Other adverse effects include peeling skin, dry eyes, and headaches. In 2009, as more and more lawsuits were filed, the FDA was forced to issue a black box warning, and eventually Accutane’s manufacturer stopped making the product all-together. Generic brands of the medication — Amnesteem, Claravis and Sotret – are still available, but with the risk of these scary side effects, why risk it?

You May be Taking Medications That Cause Adverse Effects

Unlike AcnEase, most acne medications are not natural and trigger adverse side effects. In fact, there is a list of medicines that are actually known to cause acne. Some medications that may cause acne inflammation include: 

• Barbiturates – They are prescribed to treat anxiety, restlessness, and stress; and can trigger acne flare-ups
• Corticosteroids – They provide great relief for eczema and hives, but act as synthetic hormones, which increase sebum production and acne.
• Lithium – A mood stabilizer for people suffering from bipolar disorder or depression. People taking lithium have reported suffering from chest and back acne.
• Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: It’s usually associated with sports and body-building, and has been labeled as a performance-enhancing medication. Male users usually suffer from acne on the back, shoulders, and chest, while women users may be more prone to facial acne.
• DHEA or Dehydroepiandrosterone – An anti-aging steroid also known as a steroid hormone because the body converts it into testosterone – which leads to more acne!

Remember:You should never switch or stop a medication without first speaking to your doctor. Your doctor will determine if the benefits of the medicine outweigh the cons. If not, he or she will recommend a medicine with less side effects.

Natural treatments like AcnEase are always a safe bet. Unlike its competitors, AcnEase is made of botanicals, is compatible with most medications, and works internally to relieve the causes of your acne (hormone imbalance, malnutrition, etc.), not just the symptoms. It has no side effects, has been clinically tested for efficacy and safety, and over 95% of AcnEase users see clear skin or a significant improvement in their breakouts in one month.  

So you tell us?  How long have you been struggling with acne and what have you done to get rid of it?  We’re here to help!