Genetics
You may be able to find the reason for your acne by looking at your parents skin history. Genetics often play a big role in whether or not you get acne. If you have a family history of acne and you did not suffer acne as a teenager its more probable that you may suffer from adult acne. .

Hormones
The reason why most people experience acne as a teenager is mostly due to the production of a hormone called androgen which starts at the time of puberty. This hormone is responsible for enlarging the sebaceous gland, aiding in the production of excess oils and bacteria. Hormonal imbalance can occur at any time of life in males or females and is often related to adult acne. In females the flux for hormones through their monthly cycles and throughout their adult years can lead to imbalances which manifest themselves in adult acne. Consider these fators when facing the problem of adult acne.

Excess Oil and Bacteria
When androgen stimulates the sebaceous gland it starts the over production of sebum, the natural oil that goes up the follicle to help keep the skin healthy. However, when this imbalance of oil is produced it becomes more likely to clump dead cells on the surface of the skin and clog the follicle. When the follicle is plugged, bacteria, specifically the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (commonly known as P. Acnes) start to grow. As this bacteria multiplies, inflammation of the follicle and surrounding skin sets in.

Plugged Pores
Pores get plugged because the excess sebum from over stimulated sebaceous glands sticks to the dead cells at the skins surface, preventing them from falling naturally and causing them to clump at opening of the pore.

Inflamed Skin
Once the follicle is plugged and fills with excess oil and bacteria, the body sends over white blood cells to the rescue. The combination of excess oil, bacteria and white blood cells, inflames the skin creating the end result of a pimple.

Why You?
One of the most important things to remember about acne, is that it is not your fault. There is no point in developing guilt or resentment towards yourself for having acne. This will only cause further anguish and may lead to self esteem problems and even damaging physiological issues. Please remember that everyone gets acne, and the reason some people experience more severe acne than others is due to factors beyond our control. Although we may not have a choice in how and when the factors contributing to acne take place, it is helpful and comforting to know what they are.

Treating Hormonal Acne

There are several treatment options available for women with hormonal acne, including topical retinoids, topical antimicrobials (such as benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics), and oral antibiotics that are prescribed when the inflammation is more severe. A dermatologist also may prescribe isotretinoin for women with cystic acne that is accompanied by scarring.

For women with hormonal acne who still develop premenstrual flares, oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) can be used successfully. OCPs contain an estrogen and progestin. They regulate the menstrual cycle and decrease the androgen activity responsible for acne, leading to decreased breakouts. Dr. Berson explained that most women who take OCPs to control acne can continue them for extended periods, especially if they are not currently planning to have children.

Another medication that may be prescribed in conjunction with an oral contraceptive is spironolactone, an anti-androgen. Spironolactone prevents excessive oil production by blocking androgen receptors and decreasing androgen production in both the ovaries and adrenal glands. The result is fewer acne flares.

For more information on adult acne in women please follow this link...