Tailored Treatments for Women With Adult Acne

Posted: March 13, 2013

Overview

Studies have shown that women are more likely than men to develop acne as an adult. Like many skin conditions, acne can have a significant impact on a person’s overall quality of life—affecting relationships, work performance and self-esteem. Fortunately, there are a number of proven therapies to control adult acne and many also provide some help with the early signs of aging that many adult women face.

AAD expert

Information provided by Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research, department of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, NY.

Type of acne dictates treatment

Zeichner explained that an important first step to determine a patient’s specific type and severity of acne. Acne is generally classified as inflammatory, the most severe form of acne, also referred to as nodulocystic acne, when deep nodules are widespread, or non-inflammatory acne marked by blackheads and whiteheads. For each type of acne there are several therapies that can clear existing acne, reduce future breakouts and in some cases improve signs of aging.

Topical retinoids

• Medications containing vitamin A derivatives, known as topical retinoids, are often prescribed as a first-line therapy to treat inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.
• Topical retinoids prevent pimples from forming by decreasing inflammation and helping oil move out of the follicle properly.
• This therapy has been shown to stimulate collagen growth, minimize wrinkles and improve sun-damaged skin.