Infertility specialists are turning to loan programs...
"You begin to feel more like a car salesman," said Dr. Ronald Wilbois, medical director of the Infertility and IVF Center.
By IVANA TAVERNESE Beauty Writer
It is not just teens who are frustrated and embarrassed by acne. It is a myth that acne is something everyone will grow out of, in fact, many adults still experience breakouts decades after adolesence. "Acne in people over 25 is a very common problem," explains Dr. Alfred Balbul, dermatologist at Montreal General Hospital.
In many cases, these breakouts are a lot more difficult to deal with later on in life, simply because there is this expectation that one should have grown out of it by now. "Acne impacts people's psyche in a very major way," says Dr. Balbul. "In one sense it is an appearance change, but then there's also insecurity and frustration. They are insecure how they look today and if they have a big event coming up, they don't know if their face is going to be clear. So there tends to be this level of anxiety."
According to Dr. Balbul, women tend to suffer from adult acne more than men. "Men's acne tends to go away after the beard is grown; because hormone levels increase in women, it is a much more common problem." He explains that this increase is usually affected by a woman's menstrual cycle. Also, other hormonal life phases, like pregnancy, affect acne in women as well. Acne tends to be somewhat more severe in the first few months. It then tends to settle down and improve after this time, and women who breast feed tend to stay clearer as well, he explains.
Hormonal change is one of the key causes to adult acne, according to Dr. Balbul. In fact, some causes commonly thought to be attributed to acne, are really nothing more than myths. Here are some of those myths Dr. Balbul would like to dispell.
Myth #1: Acne is caused by poor hygiene. Although excess oils, dead skin and a day's accumulation of dust on the skin may look unsightly, these elements should not be removed by hand scrubbing. Vigorous washing and scrubbing will actually irritate the skin and make acne worse. The best approach is to gently wash the face and use an appropriate acne treatment for the skin type.
Myth #2: Acne is caused by poor diet. Extensive scientific studies have not found a connection between diet and acne. Nonethelesss, some people insist that certain foods trigger or affect their acne. In that case, avoid those foods and eat a diet high in fiber, fresh vegetables and fruit and take in plenty of pure water.
Myth #3: Acne is just a cosmetic disease. Acne affects the way people look and feel but does not pose an immediately serious threat to a person's health. However, acne can result in permanent physical scars--plus, acne itself can influence the way people feel about themselves to the point of affecting their lives.
Myth #4: You just have to let acne run its course. The truth is, acne can be cleared up with the appropriate treatments and dermatologist. Understanding the body's overall health helps to shed light onto the therapy needed to purify the skin.
Dr. Balbul says this therapy is prescribed on an individual basis. "Each person requires his own assessment and treatment program," he explains. "That's why it is sometimes difficult to buy a product online or on t.v., it really does not do justice to your individual requirements."
He explains that in most cases he begins by prescribing topical treatments to his patients, such as creams and lotions. If these topical treatments do not work then he may look into prescribing medication or hormonal treatments. We often add hormonal treatments, if I see there are factors I can modify. But for Dr. Balbul it is not just the treatment he likes to keep into consideration but the big picture. "I like to take into account not just the treatment but the whole complimentary skin care. We like to provide a cleanser, toner, sunscreen or day cream. It is a much more complete outlook on skin care, rather than focus in on the pimple."
According to Dr. Balbul, the most important factor when treating adult acne is to find a treatment that can be incorporated into one's lifestyle. "A treatment works best if it does not disturb normal activity." And he prefers to recommend treatments that are ongoing rather than just quick fixes. "Like washing your hair or brushing your teeth, acne is an ongoing treatment. Once you are in the routine, the results are quite good on the entire skin care, not just the pimples.
In addition to treating the acne, scarring is an issue with many adult acne sufferers. Fortunately, there are treatments for diminishing the appearance of scars as well. Dr. Balbul suggests chemical peels, micro-dermabrasions, and laser treatments. He also explains, that it is possible through injections to plump up areas where the scar has pulled the skin in, and make it look more even.
For some, visiting a dermatologist may be one of the final steps in curing one's acne. There are some extensive skin care lines in today's market that may be beneficial to some. For example, RoC(R) DermatologiC.
For women in search of restoring their problem skin, RoC(R) has introduced a comprehensive line of daily care and treatment products~RoC(R) DermatologiC Purif-AC', explains Johanne Cantin, senior product director Johnson & Johnson. This dermatologically-approved line works to completely improve the skins' condition and was developed specifically for adult skin.
RoC(R) DermatologiC Purif-AC' presently has five products available to consumers: Two cleansing care products, Purif-AC' Cleanser and Purif-AC' Exfoliating Lotion; two treatment care products, Purif-AC' Blemish Correcting Emulsion and Purif-AC' Fast Action Gel; and one soothing care product, Purif-AC' Soothing Reparator. The products range in price from $15-$20.
Yves Rocher has introduced Pro-Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish skin care line that includes a Multi-Care Gel Cleanser ($17) and a Multi-Care Day Treatment ($35). Both these products are formulated with Pro-Retinol 100% Vegetal, a botanical molecule working on the cellular level to boost renewal and smooth wrinkles, and Salicylic Acid, a well-known blemish fighter with exfoliating and pore-cleansing abilities. Biore has launched two new products to its skin care line: Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser with refreshing menthol to help soothe irritated blemishes. It contains salicylic acid to help soften and clear out pores and reduce the appearance of blemishes. The second is Biore Shine Control Foaming Cleanser with natural extracts such as nettle, sage, and rosemary to help keep shiny-looking skin in check. The products retail for $13.
A common ingredient in many of these acne-controlling skin care treatments is salicylic acid, which is a mild acid that helps to remove dead skin cells. Salicylic acid encourages the peeling of the top layer of skin and the opening of plugged follicles.
Dr. Balbul says this ingredient is an important one and a good start. However, for many it is not enough. Using only one ingredient will help but many people will need something more specific, he explains. If you are bothered by your acne and would like specific treatment, see your physician who can then refer you to a dermatologist.
You don't have to wait for the acne to go away, you can start treating it now.
