Healing Adult Acne: Your Guide to Clear Skin and Self-Confidence

All of us probably remember being told, "Don't worry, you'll grow out of it," when we had bouts of acne as teenagers. The truth is, though, that not everybody grows out of acne. In fact, acne can even begin in adulthood and, among women, even after menopause as estrogen levels decline.

In addition to physical symptoms, acne sufferers often present psychological symptoms related to the condition like depression, stress, and low self-esteem. These psychological aspects of acne are often downplayed, and the condition is considered "merely cosmetic" and not a true disease. In the worst cases, acne sufferers have been blamed for their acne much like obese people are blamed for their weight, with the disorder being indicative of a lack of self-control, bad hygiene, or an unhealthy diet. But recent research suggests that diet is not a main cause of acne, and that acne is usually caused by the skin's sebaceous glands being pathologically sensitive to certain hormones. Acne can also be a secondary symptom of certain diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome.

This book offers a detailed discussion of the physical symptoms, causes, and treatments of adult acne. It offers you useful information about the various effective natural and medical treatments, as well as information on dealing with tangential effects like scarring. This book is unique in that it also covers the psychological aspects of acne, asking you to explore your experiences and feelings relating to the disorder. It includes exercises to build self-esteem and social skills and suggestions for relieving stress and anxiety associated with acne.

Richard G. Fried, MD, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized clinician, researcher, and teacher. After earning his Ph.D. with honors in clinical psychology, he went on to obtain his MD degree with honors from the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center. He is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical psychologist and has written numerous articles on the physical and psychological aspects of acne.