Aging is turning out to be a complete surprise in so many ways, especially when it comes to my skin. As a teenager, I was blessed with fairly clear skin. Now that I'm forty-something, I expect to see those ubiquitous lines and wrinkles.



But here's the biggest surprise now I have blemishes! Where'd they come from

I've never been the type of person who takes challenge lying down, so I began to investigate. I learned, after only a bit of research, that post-adolescent acne is a common problem for both men and women. Males continue to get breakouts, mostly hormonal in origin. Career-related stress a common culprit as well. Improper shaving habits can also bring out those stubborn zits. To use a tip from Queer Eye, men should shave with the grain to avoid irritation.

Women's acne is also triggered by stress and hormone levels. Women like me, who had clear skin as teens, may find themselves faced with acne for the first time later in life. I don't know if it's my imagination, but my middle-age breakouts seem to be more stubborn. Tough to understand, until you think about caring for aging skin. Cell turnover slows down, just like everything else, it seems. So it makes sense that mature skin means pores more likely to become clogged. Once I thought about it, it made perfect sense. I had always heard that chocolate and fatty or acidic foods cause pimples. A total myth, I found out. Do you know anyone who has no stress in her life Didn't think so. Stress too can aggravate your skin. How Apparently, hormones called androgens produce a sticky oil in hair follicles, that just sits there waiting to erupt for weeks. Combine that with all the hormonal chaos of menopause, and it's no wonder that middle-aged women suffer breakouts. Brace yourself for the warm weather too since hot humid days provide a great breeding ground for pimples.

When does acne stop Many teenage acne sufferers enjoy relief with adulthood. But, for those who develop adult acne, blemishes don't begin to surface until they are in their 20s, 30s or even 40s.

Some of the effects of acne can last a lifetime. Don't pick! Acne scarring is another scourge of aging. Modern science is perpetually searching for answers to clearing skin and slowing the aging process. I have to believe that good basic skin care -- keeping the canvas clean is the best answer.

Visit out Articles section full of articles and resources about acne and related skin conditions.