Pimples. Zits. Acne. Rosacea. Whatever term you use, getting acne as an adult is no more fun than it was as a teenager. Although acne is a condition generally associated with young skin, it is not one of the youthful characteristics that is sought after. Adult acne can actually come in two different forms. These include the occasional breakout of pimples during times of stress as well as a progressive skin condition known as Rosacea.



Teenage acne and adult acne have many similarities. Like the acne suffered by teenagers, adult acne is also brought about by certain triggers. These triggers can include an unhealthy diet, stress, hormones and even some prescription medications. Adult acne is also treated in much the same way as teenage acne. Over-the-counter medications containing benzoyl peroxide can be used to help clear mild to moderate acne. For more severe cases, prescription antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics may be prescribed to help inhibit the growth of the bacteria that causes acne.

Unlike teenage acne, which goes away in time, adults can suffer from a progressive form of acne. This form of adult acne is a skin condition called Rosacea. Like acne, Rosacea is accompanied by red bumps that resemble pimples. Unlike the typical teenage acne, however, the condition often progresses in periods of flare ups and remissions. As the skin condition progresses, it often becomes worse.

Like a teen's acne, it is uncertain exactly what causes adult acne, or Rosacea. It is suspected the condition begins when blood vessels in the face become damaged by being repeatedly dilated by various stimuli in the environment. Most people who are affected by Rosacea are fair skinned. They also have a history of flushing or blushing easily, which means the blood vessels in their faces become dilated more often than those who don't flush or blush often. The first sign a person may be suffering from Rosacea is a continued redness of the skin. Often the condition is accompanied by itching and burning. Sometimes blood vessels can be permanently visible on the skin's surface.

Rosacea, or adult acne, requires a trip to your doctor for treatment. While there is no cure for Rosacea, the condition can be controlled with proper treatment. Some ways to help the condition improve include keeping a diary of what triggers your Rosacea, then avoiding these triggers. Oral antibiotics or antibiotic creams can also be prescribed by your dermatologist. Laser treatments are also gaining popularity in helping to control Rosacea. Lasers can also be used to remove visible blood vessels.

If you think you left acne behind in your teenage years, you might be sadly disappointed to wake one morning and find pimples have struck again in your middle years. Along with the occasional breakout of pimples, however, adult acne can also come in the form of a more serious condition known as Rosacea. This condition often worsens the longer you have it and requires a doctor's prescription to control the disorder.