Acne

Adult Acne

While adult acne and juvenile acne involve infections generated by the same bacteria, skin conditions can be very different requiring different forms of treatment.  Factors that stimulate adult acne are frequently different than those involved with juvenile acne.

Adult onset acne (acne that begins in the adult years) usually involves normal or combination skin or even dry and/or sensitive skin, rather than the oily skin that is typical of juvenile acne.  Most acne products, however, are developed for juvenile acne and contain high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid and other agents that can be excessively drying and potentially irritating to adult skin.  Adult skin may not tolerate persistent use of these agents and skin sensitivity may become problematic.

Acne and Premature Skin Aging:  Acne infections stimulate skin production of hydrogen peroxide which generates volumes of free radicals.  The chemical rebuilding involved in healing infections and repairing the skin damage caused by infections, also generates volumes of free radicals.  In this manner, acne causes premature aging of the skin, just like the volumes of free radicals caused by sun exposure.  Control of acne is not only important to the appearance of the skin today, it is an important strategy to prevent the premature aging of the skin.  If skin damage has already become a problem, achieve control of the acne first and once this is accomplished, address the issue of skin rejuvenation.

Benzoyl Peroxide and Premature Skin Aging:  Benzoyl peroxide creates free radicals in the skin and is known to cause premature skin aging, just like repeated sun exposure or persistent acne.  Damage is determined by the concentration of benzoyl peroxide and the frequency of use.  It has also been associated with increased risks of skin cancer.  In 1995 the FDA issued warnings regarding the use of benzoyl peroxide and changed its status from safe to uncertain.  For these reasons, BiON does not use benzoyl peroxide or any other ingredient that might damage or prematurely age the skin.  (See the Acne Tips and Benzoyl Peroxide Skin Damage pages for additional information.)

Causes of Adult Acne:  There are a number of factors that may initiate adult acne.  Stress can be a major factor, via the production of cortisol, a steroidal hormone that promotes acne.  Coffee consumption, like stress, promotes the production of cortisol.  Other issues may be involved, such as smoking, low consumption of free fatty acids, etc.  Achieve control of adult acne with BiON products and reduce those factors that may promote a recurrence of acne.   (See the Acne Tips page for additional information on factors that promote acne.)

If follicle congestion, whiteheads and/or blackheads are involved refer to the page on Acne & Essential Fatty Acids as this could be a factor in the development of adult on-set acne.

© 2008 BiON Research