ACNE after 30

Im 31 yrs old and Ive never had acne and starting in May it started popn up all over my face. Im afro american and I dont know what to do. Im not attractive anymore like I was. Can somebody please help me with this.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to acne vulgaris. Just keep you face clean by washing with a mild soap atleast twice a day. Pat it dry and do not rub it. Avoid picking or pressing the acne. You can also use Benzoyl peroxide 5% lotion or gel once at bedtime. An amount of lotion the size of a pea should be enough to cover most of your face. If your skin becomes red or peels, you are using too much of the medicine or applying it too often.

If the symptoms persist then topical and oral antibiotics may be needed. My advice would be to consult a dermatologist.
Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.

[loiloi]

Hi Janine.
Female acne patients may benefit from taking a combined birth control pill such as Diane35 or Yasmin. The oestrogen they contain blocks the effects of acne-causing hormones on the skin.
Another alternative is a course of oral antibiotics from your doctor, such as Oxytetracycline 250mg twice daily.
Come to the Acne Forum to chat to other people with this condition.
Eloise.