If you thought acne was as distant a memory as your senior prom, you may be dismayed to discover zits popping up in midlife.

Adult acne (or persistent acne in dermatology-speak) may be caused by stress or hormones (both of which can cause your oil glands to work overtime). Acne can also be brought on by androgen in birth-control pills, some cosmetics or, simply, heredity.

To treat acne, choose medicated cleansers and/or exfoliators that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid -- but never rub or scrub, which can cause inflammation. And stay away from products formulated for teenage skin -- they can dry or irritate adult skin, which doesn't have the same oil reserves. If your acne is severe or persistent, see your doctor or dermatologist.

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