Don't despair. Know that you are not alone and that there are treatment options available. Although improving your hygiene routine can help, it is not altogether going to solve the issue of adult acne. Which treatment you choose for your acne is largely dependant on your skin type. You may want to consult with a dermatologist before you start a home treatment for acne. Here are some of the adult acne treatments available.

Acne Surgery: Acne surgery is basically the medical procedure for popping zits. You go to the doctor's office for the treatment. Doctors use special tools that prevent scarring, infection and the spread of acne which makes this procedure much more agreeable with your skin than the home version.

Topical Retinoic Acid: A more recent development in acne treatments is that of topical retinoic acid. Retinols have been used for quite a while in preventing the signs of aging in skin, but only recent have the effects it has on acne come to light. Retinoic acid is a form of vitamin A which helps in the skin development and sloughing off process. Retinoic acid helps the skin in ejecting dead skin cells from your pores rather than letting them clog it up and cause acne. It also stimulates the process of producing collagen which makes your skin more resilient and less prone to irritation.

Azelaic Acid Cream: If your acne is caused by bacteria and infection, then azelaic acid cream may be the best solution to your acne problem. It targets the bacterium that causes acne by not allowing them to use the proteins they need to survive. However, the active ingredients to this type of cream are absorbed into the blood stream and can cause major reactions if you are taking other medicine or supplements. Be sure to consult a doctor before you use an azelaic cream.

Benzoyl Peroxide: The first proven and most used treatment for acne is benzoyl peroxide. It is the most common ingredient in all over-the-counter acne treatments and some prescription treatments. Why is it so popular? Because it really works. Adult and teen acne is thought to be caused by the same thing (dead skin cells not sloughing off as the should and clogging the pores and bacteria that feeds on the proteins left behind) so the treatment you used as a teen for your acne actually may still work for your adult acne. The one downside to benzoyl peroxide is that you have to keep using it if you want it to remain effective and for your skin to stay clear. But, if you are cleansing your face every day anyway, you may as well use what you know works to prevent breakouts.