If you thought that you would be done with acne by sophomore year in college, think again. It is not unusual for adults to break out like adolescents due to hormonal changes. As most dermatologist will readily admit “bad skin” is not just for teens. But, don’t despair just yet; as medical science and cosmetology have all the answers you are looking for.

“Adult acne is a very common problem, but an under-recognized one," says Jeffrey Weinberg, MD, director of clinical research at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York and adds, "Acne can occur later in life. It can be one or both types. People think it doesn't happen in adults, but it does."

The pimple (otherwise known as a comedo) lies at the heart of the acne problem. A comedo is a plug of fat, skin debris, and keratin (what nails, hair, and skin are made of) trapped in a hair duct. When it's open, it is called a blackhead. When it's closed over, it is called a whitehead. Whiteheads frequently cause the walls of the hair duct to rupture. This ultimately results in redness, infection, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts of acne.

One way of treating adult acne is consulting a dermatologist and getting a prescription for an azelaic acid cream, alpha-hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics or Acutane. But my personal experience has led me to believe that the aforementioned options (all of which I have tried) are rather militant solutions for mild acne. Instead, building the body’s natural defenses, promoting overall health, detoxing the metabolism and using nonabrasive products, with healing properties, is a more a sensible way to treat sporadic break outs.

Nicholas Perricone, famed dermatologist to the stars, argues that the first step to beautiful skin is a healthy body. According to him, “Although your skin may appreciate the care you lavish on it from the outside—creams, gels, and gentle soaps—it will suffer dearly from the damage you cause on the inside if you don’t get enough sleep, smoke, drink too much alcohol, don’t eat properly and don’t take essential vitamins including A,C, and E.” Hence, in addition to exercising and eating fresh fruits and vegetables in abundance; complement your meals with supplements.

Dr. Perricone's Skin Clear Nutritional Dietary Supplements help to improve the appearance of problem skin. Perricone’s miracle pouches include Ascorbyl Palmitate, Cal-Mag + D, E-200 Mixed Tocopherols, B-Complex + C, Flaxseed Oil, Borage Oil softgel, ALA + DMAE. Take the contents of each package daily in the a.m. with plenty of water and watch your skin evolve from within.

Another fantastic supplement, which will help fortify your skin while eliminating breakouts is the Borba Skin Balance Clarifying Water containing a revolutionary cultivated bio-vitamin complex. Borba water helps the skin regenerate its natural support system, removes toxins and improves clarity of the dermis. Independent respondents reported a reduction in breakouts by an average of 52% after a month long Borba regimen. The Walnut Husk Extract in this delicious pomegranate flavored drink helps to stimulate the removal of epidermal toxins, keeps pores clear and promotes skin clarity and moisture levels. Further, the pomegranate & green tea extracts help to strengthen the capillary walls to reduce epidermal related irritation, in addition to increasing skin’s radiant look and feel.

One of the most common misconceptions about acne is the notion that breakouts can be prevented by washing the face frequently. To the contrary, abrasive, detergent based soaps and foams disturb skin’s natural Ph balance. A simple and mild agent, with just the right ingredients, used twice a day, is indeed the best way to promote a clear and healthy complexion. Fashionlines’ favorite product to this end is the Cor soap by Plank. The ancient formula of Cor employs the antibacterial and healing properties of silver to stop pimples in their tracks. Cor also contains four different types of collagen, -- including Marine Collagen from France—chitosan and sericin. Collagen provides the dermis with increased elasticity and prevents wrinkles. Chitosan acts to even out the skin tone and balances oil secretion. And, finally, Sericin locks moisture in by binding to the keratin in skin.