One of the most bothersome and troubling conditions for any adult who is usually without health problems is acne. Besides being an obvious annoyance when looking in the mirror, it can have a negative effect on self esteem and create anxiety, depression and the inability to go out into society normally. Thankfully it is manageable and with a few simple processes, the skin can clear.

1. Choose cosmetics wisely: for many adults, the cause of acne can be cosmetic products that make the skin too oily or otherwise irritate it. To improve your skin and achieve proactive skin care, look for safe cosmetics that are labeled 'comedogenic' (non-acne forming). It is also a good idea to apply makeup lightly so that your skin can "breathe".

2. Watch what you eat: the belief that chocolate and greasy foods can intensify an acne outbreak has a basis in truth, but all foods have the potential to affect each individual's skin differently. People are more apt to experience worse acne when consuming these foods if they have sensitivity to it. To ascertain your food sensitivities, it is highly recommended that you keep a food diary to be able to pinpoint the foods that cause your outbreaks.

3. Clean your skin regularly: many people with adult acne are helped by merely washing the face two to three times per day with a gentle 'comedogenic' soap product. If you experience acne in places other than your face or neck, you can also use a comedogenic body wash.

Surprisingly, either skin dryness or oiliness can be a cause of acne in adults. The reason for this is that acne can be a result of an imbalance in the acid level of the skin, which in turn can cause the skin to be either too dry or too oily. Ideally, you should take charge of your skin care by using soaps and moisturizers particularly suited to your skin type in order to perfectly balance the moisture level of your skin.

Another cause of adult acne that you might not have thought about is the environment around you. There are many indoor and outdoor factors that may affect your skin; extreme temperatures resulting from too much heating or air conditioning; air pollution and poor quality air; and allergens in the air. You can try to control your environment to care for your skin.