About 90% of all teenagers develop acne, which can last an average of 7-8 years. But acne may also start as late as your 20's or 30's, especially in women whose hormones are constantly fluctuating. Adult acne can persist for up to 20 years and it’s estimated that 1 in 4 adults between the ages of 25 and 44 experiences acne. Nearly half of all adult women experience mild to moderate acne. Research has also shown that genetics play a big part in the development and persistence of acne, so your family history is a valuable prediction tool as well. Learn more about acne and age The Secret: Control and Prevent There's still no cure for acne, with or without a prescription. The secret to controlling acne is PREVENTION – stopping the formation of acne before it becomes a visible pimple. To avoid the risk of permanent scars, it's important to treat acne as soon as the first signs appear. Even after blemishes disappear, you usually must continue to use an effective acne treatment to help keep new blemishes from forming. Just like brushing your teeth helps prevent cavities, a daily skin care routine helps prevent breakouts. Tips on helping to control and prevent acne Choosing a Treatment Most forms of acne are treated with topical medications. Some more severe cases may require prescriptions and oral medication, but many of these treatments may cause side-effects. Proactiv Solution is safe and effective for almost everyone, and it can help prevent blemishes from becoming a larger problem. Its mild formulations gently exfoliate your skin, remove excess oil, and deliver powerful acne-attacking medicine. Proactiv Solution works alone or in combination with a dermatologist's prescription. Learn how Proactiv can help