Even after the teenage years are over and done with, many people find that they still have breakouts. Chances are they have adult cystic acne, a skin condition that affects many people in their twenties, thirties and beyond. Cystic acne typically appears in the form of large bumps or cysts below the surface of the skin, and it is important to treat so that you do not experience any scarring. Adult cystic acne is typically caused by hormones, specifically hormones known as androgens, which cause excess sebum to be produced. Blockages form deep within the pores and bacteria grows in the sebum. There are other things that cause acne however, from irritating skin products to not properly cleansing your gace. Read 7 Skin Care Rules You Need To Break for a list of things you might be doing that could be making your acne worse.

The most common way to treat adult cystic acne is by taking an oral antibiotic, which works to kill bacteria and control the infection. There are numerous antibiotics available so you need to speak with your dermatologist to find the medication that is right for you. Another common treatment is through birth control, which works to moderate hormones and decreases the amount of sebum that is produced, helping bring acne under control. Many people have their cysts drained by a dermatologist or have it injected with a corticosteroid, which fights inflammation. There are also numerous topical medications and laser treatments that do everything from kill bacteria to shrink oil glands. Check out How I Cured My Cystic Acne for an inspiring journey about the journey of a young woman to clearer skin and how she beat the battle against adult cystic acne.