As we get older our skin changes, and with those changes we wonder, "What's happening to my skin?" As adults, we believe we shouldn't be experiencing the torments of acne as we did as a teenager, or we notice brown spots that suddenly appear out of nowhere. We also worry about those days gone by when we used baby oil as tanning lotion. Here are the most common questions adults are asking their dermatologists:

Acne

Why am I experiencing acne now that I'm older? Acne usually occurs on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Adult acne is caused by a combination of several factors: hormones leading to excess oil secretion, faulty closing of the hair duct, and infection.

Acne develops when a sebaceous gland, which is connected to a pore and contains a fine hair, becomes blocked with sebum, an oily substance made by the sebaceous glands that normally empties onto the skin's surface through the opening of the pore. If a pore becomes clogged and prevents the sebum from reaching the surface of the skin, bacteria that normally lives on the skin begins to grow in the pore. These bacteria produce chemicals and enzymes and attract white blood cells that cause inflammation. When the wall of the clogged pore breaks down sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria seep into the nearby skin, leading to pimples.

Here is a list of other situations that may cause a breakout:

1. Women: two to seven days before their menstrual period begins 2. Friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin 3. Pressure from bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars 4. Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity 5. Squeezing or picking at blemishes 6. Hard scrubbing of the skin

How can I treat my acne? Although there are many remedies you can purchase at the local drugstore, consult your dermatologist first to determine what type of acne you have. He may then prescribe a medication specifically to meet your needs. The biggest breakthrough in acne treatment has been the development of topical retinoic acid, a form of vitamin A. Other acne products consist of the following ingredients: Azelaic acid cream, Alpha-hydroxy acids (including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and gluconic acid) , Benzoyl peroxide Topical antibiotics (gels, lotions, and solutions) Antibiotic pills, Birth control (for women), Accutane or Sotret for severe acne (women who choose this treatment must be on some type of birth control)

Aside from medications, keep in mind that a healthy lifestyle can also prevent breakouts, such as: getting 8 hours of sleep a n ight, drinking 3-5 glassesof water a day, and eating 7-10 helpings of fruit and vegetables a day. Also consider cleaning items in your home that may be contain germs, such as: the phone, dirty towels, pillowcases and sheets.

Skin Types What type of skin do I have? Here's the 6 skin types dermatologists recognize: Dry, Somewhat dry, Normal, Somewhat oily, Oily, Combination.