Acne can occur both in young and old people. It is a hereditary disease and if a person has parents who have acne, it is great possibility that acne can occur in the child. It can start as early as eight years old and can occur in people even in their 60s. Dermatologist James E. Fulton, Jr. says that her mother at 62 was still breaking out. The occurrence of flare-ups in adults is more common in women who experience this at 25 or 35 years old. According to Peter E. Pochi, a Boston University professor of dermatology, ¡°acne is a catchall term for a variety of symptoms such as pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. It is a condition where the pores of the skin become clogged and the person gets inflamed and non-inflamed lesions¡±.

There is no definitive cause to acne and we have to understand that it cannot be cured. It can, however, be prevented and controlled. The technique is to find the early signs of acne and prevent it from getting out of hand. Mild acne can start off as rash-like bumps in your face. Pimples can spread in the face as well as the shoulders. These should not be taken for granted. Children who are prone to acne and start exhibiting pimples at a very young age will likely get severe acne when they are older. They should follow a simple routine of acne prevention while still young.

Teach them to wash their faces with mild cleanser. Twice a day is enough. The acne should also be monitored by a dermatologist to determine the proper cleanser formulation. Acne in old age is harder. If not properly controlled, it can continue and may possibly a lifelong disorder. Other people have the occasional flare-ups. The psychosocial effects of acne in old age are very difficult. Self-esteem which is usually in its prime can be devastated by acne. Forming relationships with the opposite sex can also be disrupted. Even making new friends can be hard.

Although stress or diet is not the primary cause of acne, they should be considered as aggravators. Minimize stress as much as possible and eat healthy. Topical, internal and even alternative medication can also be resorted to in severe instances. Adults who use makeup regularly should switch to non-comedogenic (won¡¯t clog pores) and dermatological-tested makeup. Use makeup only when necessary and if possible, keep your face makeup-free for 12 hours at least.

However, self-help tips and some types of treatment become harder for older men and women. Doctors suggest more intensive cosmetic treatments like chemical peels, laser surgery and dermabrasion. Chemical peels and dermabrasion works by peeling away top layers of the skin. They also help reduce the visible signs of scarring on the face. Laser treatments can burn away scar tissue and help the resurfacing of new pimples. Some women who want a more natural way of making skin acne-free are prescribed with birth control pills. They control the surge of hormones in the body, preventing acne flare-ups. They are resorted to by women who are still suffering from acne 30 years old and over.