Kyla Stone - Real Solutions for Adult Acne

I would like to thank my beta readers and other members of my street team, including Derise Marden, Julie Muniz, and Nidhi Upadhyaya, for their dedication and hard work.

A huge thank you to all the dermatologists who took the time out of their busy schedules to lend their expertise to this book:

Dr. Sue Ellen Cox

Dr. Jeremy Brauer

Dr. David E. Bank

Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi

Dr. Vermn Verallo-Rowell

Dr. Debra Jaliman

Dr. Carol Trakimas

Dr. Peggy Fuller

Jennifer Waller

Laurie Thomas

This book will help adults with acne, whether you develop acne following an acne-free adolescence, or you continue to develop acne recurrences from adolescence onward, or whether your acne suddenly begins again after years of being acne-free.

If your adult acne becomes more serious and you consult a dermatologist, Real Solutions for Adult Acne can help answer questions that werent asked or even provide some ideas you may want to bring up with your dermatologist at the consultation.

At the same time, this book confirms, validates and re-enforces what your dermatologist will tell you. It also provides remedies above and beyond the traditional therapies prescribed in a dermatologists office.

By following the advice in this book, youll have less acne, less scarring and color changes post-acne, and your skin will look better faster.

-Dr. Vermn Verallo-Rowell

I suffered from moderate to severe acne from the age of twelve until the age of thirty-two. I tried every prescription, every over-the-counter method, and every QVC miracle cream, but nothing worked. My acne negatively affected my self-esteem, my self-confidence, and my quality of life.

I struggled with depression and anxiety. I checked mirrors constantlynot because of vanity, but because I was worried that my concealer had worn off, that new pimples had popped up, and that my T-zone was an oil slick. I experienced anxiety every time I had to talk to someone up close and personal. Were they disgusted by my acne? Were they judging me?

There were times that I missed work or social occasions with friends because I was so ashamed of my skin. I was afraid to let anyone see me without makeup. Even now, I feel twinges of that old anxiety as I write this.

After years of experimenting with every expensive treatment under the sun, I finally stumbled on a solution aimed at one of the major causes of adult acnehormones. I researched hormonal treatments and convinced my dermatologist to let me try it.

I started on spironolactone in May of 2014. At the same time, I cleaned up my diet and avoided foods containing hormones, like meat and dairy.

By July, I was 95% clear. It changed my life.

My skin isnt perfect. Neither is my life. But the constant cloud of depression and anxiety has lifted. I can look in the mirror without hating what I see. And most importantly, I feel like I can be me again.

Are you ready to be free of that anxiety? Do you want to stop stressing over your skin and get on with your life?

It is my sincere hope that the information in this book will make a difference in your skin and in your life.

T here is still a common misperception that acne is just for teenagers, says Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, founder and director of Capital Laser and Skin Care and assistant clinical professor of the Department of Dermatology at George Washington University Medical Center.

If only that were true! Unfortunately, adult acne is a pervasive problem. You are far from alone in your battle against adult acne. According to the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, 54% of women age 25 and older suffer from acne. According to one study, 26% of women aged 31-40 had clinical acne, and 12% of women aged 41-50 had clinical acne.

While women are more likely to suffer from acne due to hormone fluctuations, men arent exempt. According to a study from the University of Alabama, almost 43% of men in their twenties and 20% of men in their thirties still get acne. This type of acne is primarily driven by male androgenic hormones, explains Dr. Vermn Verallo-Rowell, a clinical and research dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and the author of over 150 articles on dermatology.

While both genders have androgens in their systems, men have more. A greater percentage of women have acne, but when men do get acne, it is usually worse. And research indicates that acne rates for both genders are rising.

Adult Acne is Different

Adult acne is different from the acne you suffered as a teen. In fact, some people have clear skin through their teen years and only develop acne as adults. The causes of adolescent acne and adult acne are slightly different. In adolescents, the sebaceous follicle responds to the rapid hormonal changes teenagers undergo by producing excess sebum.

Adult acne, while also hormonal, is triggered by different hormones, such as testosterone and stress hormones like steroids and cortisol. Adult acne is inflammatory. Acne is mostly on the face, particularly clustering around the mouth, chin, and jaw line. The pimples are large, deep, and red, rather than the fine bumps and blackheads many teenagers have.

As adults, we are more likely to have sensitive skin or combination skin. And in women, acne worsens with hormone fluctuations. You may notice acne flares around your period, pregnancy, and the onset of menopause. Conversely, some women experience clearer skin during pregnancy.

The causes of your adult acne are different from when you were a teen. And you cant use the same treatments you used as a teen and expect them to work the same way. They wont. Unfortunately, topical treatments tend not to work very well for adults. The root causes are deeper, and it takes a different approach to find the right solution that works for your adult skin.

The Emotional Effects of Adult Acne