By: Gail Leino
The most likely cause of adult acne is thought to be fluctuations in hormone levels. Adult Acne especially affects women, with the current statistics at fifty percent of the population. Adult acne affects approximately twenty five percent of men. Recurrences of acne can affect people in their twenties through their fifties and it can be somewhat unnerving to be a fifty-three year old walking around with acne.
Hormonal level fluctuation in adults, due to stress, illness or even monthly menstruation, can cause the skin to secrete excessive amounts of sebum to the surface. You may notice that during these times your skin is very oily at the end of the day. This sebum blocks pores creating a build up of bacteria and dead skin cells, and eventually erupts into a pimple.
A simple way to prevent acne may simply be practicing meditation or exercising regularly to help keep stress levels to a minimum. Be sure to wash your face frequently during times of excessively oily skin. An astringent such as Witch Hazel, applied to the face right after washing will tighten pores and help keep acne causing bacteria out. Facial masks will draw impurities out of the skin. Look for masks with basil, sandalwood, strawberry, or mint extracts. You can even grow these plants yourself and make a homemade mask every couple of weeks.
Eating a healthy diet will go a long way towards healthy skin. Foods high in Vitamin A and Beta Carotene can promote healthy tissue growth. It's found in orange and green leafy fruits and vegetables. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and aids in the repair of skin tissue. It can be found in pumpkin, multigrain cereals, apples, liver, turnip greens, kohlrabi and a variety of other foods.
