Acne can be a frustrating problem for teenagers, but it’s worth knowing that in a few years you won’t have to get another big zit before a big event. Or will you?

Research shows that acne affects more women than 50% of those between 20 and 29 years old, and more than 25% of those between 40 to 49 years of age.

Like teenage acne, adult acne is linked to hormones. The hormonal cycle of the woman’s period can also lead to acne.

Teenage and adult acne might require different treatment. Teenage acne affects the T zone, while adult acne affects the jaw.

Adult acne can be more difficult to treat. “Women have drier skin than teens. It is more sensitive and harder to treat (especially on the jaw), and some women may have difficulty tolerating the more drying over-the-counter topical acne treatments.”Dr. Hilary Baldwin is an associate professor and vice-chair of the Department of Dermatology of SUNY Downstate.

It is important for women to talk to their dermatologists about prescription treatments for acne. This may not be a closed process. Aczone (dapsone gel 5%) has been FDA approved to treat acne.

“The combination of moisturizing and anti-acne can be a tall order, so talking with a dermatologist can cut down on the treatment trial and error,” adds Dr. Baldwin. “I also tell my adult acne patients to cleanse gently, moisturize when you need to and come and see me so we can find the right treatment.”

For more product information, visit www.aczone.com.

1 Collier CN Harper JC Cantrell WC et al. Adults aged 20 and over are more likely to have acne than those younger. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2008): 58 Aczone Gel (dapsone), 5% is indicated as a topical treatment for acne vulgaris.

Important safety information:

Do not use ACZONE® Gel if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ACZONE® Gel or if you are younger than 12 years of age.

Inform your doctor about any medical conditions you may have, including if glucose-6-phosphate is dehydrogenase deficiencies.

Like all medicines, ACZONE® Gel can cause some side effects. The most common side effects of ACZONE® Gel are dryness, redness, oiliness, and peeling of the skin being treated.

When the active ingredient of ACZONE® Gel (called dapsone) is taken orally as a pill, it has been related to the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia). You may be at greater risk of hemoglobin levels being lower if you have glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase (GPD) deficiency. However, using ACZONE® Gel on the skin is not expected to put enough dapsone in the blood to cause clinical symptoms of hemolytic anemia. Be aware of signs and symptoms that could indicate this type of anemia. These include sudden back pain, breathing difficulties, fatigue, weakness with daily activities and dark-brown urine. High fever. Yellow or pale skin. You should immediately stop using ACZONE(r) Gel if you notice any of these symptoms. Use of benzoyl peroxide together with ACZONE® Gel at the same time may cause your skin to temporarily turn yellow or orange at the site of the application. ® marks owned by Allergan, Inc.