Breaking Out: A Woman's Guide to Coping with Acne at Any Age

An essential and comprehensive guide to acne for women of all ages

Acne is no longer just a teenage affliction. In fact, dermatologists often refer to it as a woman's disease, and drugstore shelves are filled with acne products specifically geared toward adult women. But how do you choose from the overwhelming selection of treatments? Which products are appropriate to use as you grow older, become pregnant, or enter menopause? How can you work with a dermatologist to get the most out of prescription acne medications?

Lydia Preston answers all of these questions and more, with up-to-date information drawn from her years of reporting on dermatology, as well as her own long personal experience with acne. In Breaking Out, she shares the wisdom of dozens of doctors and scientists who have devoted their careers to studying and treating acne, including:

Guidelines for buying and using over-the-counter products
Treatment for acne scars
Emergency acne remedies and camouflage tips
Alternative treatments, including herbal remedies, acupuncture, dietary approaches, and ways to unlock the mind-skin connection

No one has to live with acne or its consequences. Breaking Out is an invaluable guide to understanding and combating acne that women of all ages can turn to with confidence.

Customer Reviews:

Comprehensive Guide to Acne Treatments

By Kelly Garbato "Marchpane!" - July 24, 2005

As a teenager, I was plagued with the occasional flaming red pimple. Although my skin was usually clear, I didn't fully appreciate this until my mid-20s, when - to my surprise - I started to have more frequent and severe flare-ups. Like many people, I assumed that acne was a "teenager's problem," so I was both puzzled and frustrated when my acne only worsened with age - despite the inordinate amount of time I devoted to skin care.

Over the previous six months, the situation has become intolerable. Now approaching 30, the periods of flare-ups far outnumber clear days. Objectively, I know that I don't have it "that bad," but it's bothersome nonetheless. I decided to take action and map out a plan of over-the-counter treatments before turning to a dermatologist for help (a last step for me, since, in my experience, dermatologists seem to overcharge and under-deliver!). At first, I tried to locate advice on the Internet. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a site with... read more

Unbelievably helful in controlling adult acne

By Mama RB "RB" - December 11, 2007

I have had cystic acne since I was a teen. I'm now 42 and there are no signs of it going away. I see a dermatologist regularly. I have tried literally hundreds of skincare products.

I purchased this book, read it cover to cover, and changed my skincare routine in response. I am using products I already had - a mix of OTC and prescription items - I just didn't have a good plan for using them.

To my amazement, I have now gone six weeks without a cyst. This may be the longest cyst-free period in my adult life.

Lydia Preston, you are my hero.

UPDATE: Three months, no cysts. I could seriously cry!

Excellent reporting, great information

By Claregirl17 "Claregirl17" - July 22, 2004

As a newspaper reporter who covers health and fitness, and someone who's had acne-prone skin for 20 years, I'm impressed with this book. Preston did a lot of research and covers all the bases. It's clearly and concisely written, with a lot of little tidbits of information that help us to make informed decisions about our skin care. For example, many of the benzoyl peroxide products on drugstore shelves are 10 percent strength -- but for most of us, 2.5 percent or 5 percent gives the same acne-fighting benefits without all the dryness and redness and irritation. There's a great appendix in back detailing what products contain which ingredients. Preston has suffered from acne herself, and her writing reflects that. I was left with the impression that she knows exactly how you feel -- which is very comforting. A very helpful and reassuring book.