Teenage Acne Versus Adult Acne

The Main Differences

One key difference between teenage acne and adult acne is that most teenagers usually experience acne that is accompanied by oily skin. Adults can have either oily or dry skin, but many teenagers are plagued with oily skin. It is that excess oil production that contributes to their acne. Acne that is accompanied by dry skin is even more problematic because of the misconception that you don’t have to moisturize your skin if you have acne.

Teenage acne can present more of a social nightmare for the anxious teen who is eager to be popular. Adult acne isn’t always accompanied by the same emotional rollercoaster because with age comes wisdom. With wisdom comes acceptance and resolve, so certain things such as adult acne just aren’t that big of a deal.

Different Approaches

The over-the-counter products used to treat teenage acne can also be used on adult acne. However, prescription-only treatments such as acne medication will have some differences. A young teen will probably be prescribed a lower dosage of an acne medication based on his or her body weight than an adult would.

Different Risks

Any person who suffers from acne, particularly severe acne, can be prone to scarring, but adult acne presents an increased risk of scarring. Most adults know too well how their bodies change as they age. Adult skin doesn’t heal as quickly as a teenager’s does. As a result, adult acne can more easily result in undesirable scarring.

Teenage acne doesn’t have to be a rite of passage. Once a teen can get over the possible embarrassment and frustration of having teenage acne, he or she can look for alternative or conventional treatments to help achieve clear skin.