does acne eventually just stop?

I've always heard acne occurs or takes place at certain times during our lives, specifically teenage years, but I am now in my early twenties and I have had a history of acne.  I'm just curious, do we ever outgrow our acne?

[loiloi]

I know we have spoken via private message, but for other people reading this:
Acne is less to do with age and more to do with androgen levels and/or a particular sensitivity to the effects of androgens. Androgens is a collective name for male hormones such as testosterone, found in both male and female bodies. Androgens stimulate the sebacous glands which leads to oily skin. Bacteria on the skin feeds off this excess oil, blocking the pores and resulting in acne.
The reason teenagers usually get acne is because they have raised levels of androgens as they go through puberty. However, raised androgen levels or a sensitivity to the effects of androgens can occur at any age and last into adulthood. Acne can also worsen at other times of hormonal change such as pregnancy and the menopause.
Whilst many people outgrow acne (because their hormone levels normalise after puberty) some have acne into their 30s and 40s. This can be very distressing and acne should therefore be treated robustly with a prescription medicine. You may have to have repeat courses of oral or topical medication for as long as your tendency to acne persists. Oral antibiotics such as Oxytetracycline, and Differin (a topical retinoid-like medicine) are generally well tolerated and can be safely used by most people (excluding pregnant women) for months or even years if necessary. Discuss this with your GP.
Eloise.

[adge2159]

I was just curious to see other people's experiences with acne.  I'm just trying to gain as much knowledge on this as possible, and yes for everyone else, I agree with Eloise, who is very helpful by the way, on how acne is produced, from the research that I've done.  So anyone please feel free to share your experiences here, thanks.

adrian

[RachelVaughn]

Im 25, and have had acne since 15 years old. I have been on EVERY medicine and all the combinations together. Im on my 6th month of accutane and still have acne. When I had no medical insurance, i  used Proactiv and I did think that worked well for the time being. Acne is frustrating but sometimes the right combination of meds makes the difference. I stopped drinking soda for like 3 years thinking it caused my acne...the answer is incorrect. Outgrowing it? I dont think so, my brother is almost 30 and still has it.

[adge2159]

Yea I was on accutane about 2 years ago and even though it took awhile to work, it did eventually get better and the acne stayed in control for about a year after I went off of it but now I still get more than I would like.  Rachel from my experience with accutane is be patient, I know it sux but I promise you it does work but I still wish you the best of luck....keep in touch to let us know how you progress, take care

adrian

[RachelVaughn]

Adrian,

How long was your treatment? Can I go longer than 6 months?

Rachel

[adge2159]

I was on it for about 5 to 6 months, it took awhile for it to work and it left a decent amount scars that slowly repair themselves.  I was always on edge because I felt like my acne was getting worse but my doctor told me to just compare yourself month to month to see if you're noticing a difference...How does your acne look from when you started to now?

adrian

[Peterbndrs]

thank you loiloi for the information. i did not know how acne occurs. i have had acne problems before but it was not severe and went away by itself. i did not even go to doctor.

[unkn0wn42]

Hi there, i just have to advise you that before you go to a dermatologist for Accutane, depending on where you live, their are certain procedures you have to go through before and while you are on Accutane. There is also no guarantee that the dermatologist will prescribe you this drug because of the potential danger it could have on the liver. You didn't mention the severity of your acne but if it is cystic acne, then you may go on accutane. MY SUGGESTION TO YOU IS TO GO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST!!! But before you do that, why not try an "ACNE FREE DIET". I have tried one before and although it did not completely "CURE" my acne, it did improve it drastically. Plus i got the added benefit of supreme health.:) GOOD LUCK!!:)

DISCLAIMER:The medical information provided by me is, at best, of a general nature and cannot substitute for the advice of a medical professional (for instance, a qualified doctor/physician, nurse, pharmacist/chemist, and so on). I AM NOT A DOCTOR, Just a person who is trying to shed some light on your question/comment!!!

[adge2159]

Hey yea unkn0wn42 yes I have tried to clean my diet to the point where I only ate fruits and veggies but I still get acne.  In the past I did the same but it still came out.  It probably worked for you and I am glad it did but yea I wish my diet could have cured me but again I don't think diet does much for most people.

adrian

[unkn0wn42]

Hi there, sorry for my late response. The diet did not cure my acne either, it merely reduced the instance of a breakout. Again i recommend going to the dermatologist and setting up an appointment. They will be able to help you much more then I can. Try to find a derm that is helpful and isn't trying to steal your money. You'll know if they are if they seem to pay not attention to what your saying and simply hand you a prescription. When they prescribe you a drug, before filling out the prescription, go ahead and do some research on the drug and its side affects. See what others have to say about it. I also recommend visiting the site acne.org for great reviews. GOOD LUCK!:)

DISCLAIMER:The medical information provided by me is, at best,
of a general nature and cannot substitute for the advice of a
medical professional (for instance, a qualified doctor/physician, nurse, pharmacist/chemist,and so on).
I AM NOT A DOCTOR, Just a person who is trying to shed some
light on your problem!!!