Adult acne can be extremely frustrating. After all, weren’t we supposed to be done with the whole pizza face thing now that we’re adults? The fact is acne doesn’t always stop after your teenage years pass you by. Now that we have to face the facts, we also have to realize that adult acne is different that teen acne and needs to be treated as such. Adult faces require more moisture, so you have to make sure that you’re moisturizing, but with a moisturizer that doesn’t cause breakouts. Plus, adults have to be careful of harsh products like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.Before trying treatments, it is important to first determine what type of acne you have, or more specifically, the cause of the acne. For example, acne that occurs primarily in the t-zone area (that is your forehead, chin and nose) is different from the acne that tends to appear around the jaw line and the neck. Such adult acne which appears around the jaw line and neck is due usually to hormonal imbalances. If you are a female, it may be related to your birth control medication, to pregnancy, or changes in your menstrual cycle. Discuss your acne first with your OBGYN and see if she can put you on a birth control pill that is known for helping with adult acne. You may also want to discuss your makeup and facial care routine with your doctor. If things do not clear up, see a dermatologist.Adult acne may also have more to do with what’s going on inside than what’s going on outside such as an intolerance to certain foods like Wheat or Gluten. However, chocolate is probably not the source of your acne as some myths would have it. Some doctors may suggest you change your diet while others may want to put you on an antibiotic like doxycycline.Stress could also be the cause of your adult acne. Take time for yourself, even if it is just five minutes a day, to meditate and calm yourself. Practice breathing techniques and prioritize your schedule well so that you are less stressed. Exercise can also help. Just make sure you wash your face soon after to remove any sweat and dirt that may be present and clogging your pores.Ask your doctor or dermatologist to recommend a good skin care routine. Don’t use harsh and chemical-filled cleansers. Cetaphil is very gentle and recommended by most dermatologists. You should also exfoliate a few times a week, and use an anti-acne treatment that is designed for adults. And don’t forget to moisturize. Use a moisturizer that is hypoallergenic and one that contains sunscreen. While you may be dealing with acne, you can’t ignore that you need to be fighting aging as well.Finally, don’t pick! It’s tempting, we know, but you don’t want to create scarring. The red bumps and spots left behind by acne may clear up, but as you age, the damage done from picking will become visible. There are many excellent products on the market that can be used to cover up your adult acne while it heals, so don’t pick and don’t stop looking for the answer to your skin woes.