When most of us think of acne, we think of adolescence; pimples go hand-in-hand with puberty and all its bother some bodily changes right? Wrong. While teenagers do make up the largest percentage of the acne-afflicted population, they're not alone in their suffering. Acne strikes adults, too - more than half of all adult women and about a quarter of adult men. And these figures appear to be climbing. As the world begins to wake up to adult acne, it's becoming clear that the psychological, social and physical effects of this condition don't diminish with age.

It's difficult to know for sure exactly why adult acne seems to be on the rise. One study found that the mean age of patients treated for acne had increased significantly over the course of a decade, from 20.5 years to 26.5 years. This could mean one of two things: Either more adults are getting acne, or more adults are seeking treatment for their acne. One can make a compelling case for either statement — but most likely both are true. While some recent studies have suggested that incidences of adult acne are increasing, others suggest that adults (particularly women) are simply more concerned about their skin than they used to be.

Whether one's acne persists through adolescence into adulthood or strikes suddenly after 30, the condition can have lasting physical and psychological ramifications. Dermatologists have known for many years that adult acne is more likely to leave permanent physical scars; as the skin ages and loses collagen, it's much harder for it to bounce back after tissue damage. Psychological scarring is much harder to trace. For many years, the prevailing perception was that older acne patients were less affected by their condition than younger patients, having accepted its symptoms as part of life. Without a visible peer group, many of these people felt too ashamed to step forward to get treatment. Adults with acne found themselves suffering silently — and most importantly, privately.

Two recent developments suggest that public perceptions are changing. Dermatologists have reported an increase in the number of adult patients coming to them for help. As the world's awareness shifts to include adults in the group of acne-afflicted people, more adults are coming forward with their skin problems. Bolstered by this fact, today's adult acne sufferer is learning to be proactive. Not surprisingly, these new attitudes are reflected in the product market. Both prescription treatments (including oral contraceptives) and over-the-counter acne products have experienced an increase in sales. Also on the rise: Hope.

As we begin to recognize acne as a condition for all ages, we can find better ways to fight it. Doctors, like everyone else, are beginning to see acne as an adult problem. With reported cases of adult acne on the rise, doctors will be considering the special causes and unique effects of this condition on older patients. And as public awareness increases, more people are likely to consider seeking treatment — and take the first steps toward an acne-free existence.