When you think about problems with acne, the tendency is to reflect on teenage years. High school students aged 13 - 19 are those most often dealing with inflammatory changes in their skin. Some worse than most, and others who are fortunate enough to never even go through it.

We could always blame the problem on the gene pool of the individual. If both parents have experienced acne, chances are their offspring would too – at least during the teenage years. After this awkward adolescent phase, they can move on.

However, some are not that lucky. Even in adulthood, acne still strikes. In fact, studies show that adult acne still affects a quarter of the male population, and half of the female population. If you think the threat of acne is over once you’ve removed the suffix –teen from your age, you’re mistaken. Acne can still develop in your 20s, 30s, and sometimes into your 40s!

We all know how difficult it can be for a teenager trying to cope with pimples during high school. We sometimes forget that it can be equally difficult for an adult. After all, adulthood is the time of life where this is not supposed to be a problem. It's true that an adult is not in high school having to deal with their peers, but it is just as stressful having to face your co-workers, meet up with clients, or deal with any face to face situation without the fear of unexpected break-outs.

The causes of adult acne are not specified. There are a number of factors that can be attributed to the problem. If you are an adult having this problem, don't guess and self-medicate. Take the time to visit your doctor.

If you are experiencing attacks of adult acne, the treatments are the same now as they were in high school. The best topical treatment solution for adult acne is the same as with teenage acne - and that is benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful concentrated bleaching agent that can be applied directly to the affected areas. A concentration of 10%, or even lower will not be overly harmful to the skin. It is available in both a cream, or gel.

The only real problem with benzoyl peroxide is that constant usage may cause skin irritation. The skin irritation will vary depending on the skin type of the person using it. Sometimes, the skin will get very dry. If the person using it has sensitive skin, chances are they could experience a burning sensation, followed by itching. Scratching the skin will only cause the skin to peel, and the general area to swell.

If the adult acne is not genealogically acquired, and is due more to surface impurities on the skin, than a program of prevention is better than having to look for a cure. In these cases, most doctors would merely suggest the obvious. The person will be advised to frequently wash their face with a gentle anti-bacterial soap. This washing is followed by the application of a preferred moisturizer.

However, should the acne problem persist and be gene related, discuss the treatment options for your adult acne with a dermatologist.

Don't make the mistake of taking the easy way out, buy going home and squeezing your pimples. If you do, there is a good chance you’ll only get scars, and possibly an infection. Who needs that? If you insist that you want them squeezed, go to a dermatologist and have minor “acne surgery.” At least there they have sterilized instruments.

Check out the other skin care products available at your local drug store. Do not be overwhelmed with the growing number of available products. To find out what is the best solution for the type of adult acne that you have, simple ask your dermatologist. After the prognosis, return to the drug store and buy Azelaic Acid Cream, or any other topical solution that contains lactic, gluconic, and gycolic acid. These will be less harmful than benzoyl peroxide, and may be better suited to your skin type.

Having zits is no fun, regardless of your age. However, we must be careful as adults not to overreact when we experience a breakout. Get good medical advice, and you should be able to successfully treat, and even cure adult acne.