Adult acne: Why it happens and tips for treating it. You deserve to feel confident!
- Amanda O'Neil
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Acne is often associated with the tumultuous teenage years, but it is important to recognize that adult acne is becoming increasingly prevalent. This condition affects many adults, especially women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Various factors contribute to adult breakouts, including hormonal fluctuations, inflammation, stress, and even the skincare products that many people use in their daily routines.
At Advanced Aesthetics Group, we understand that achieving and maintaining healthy skin is a lifelong commitment. This journey is filled with ups and downs, and it requires not only diligent care but also compassion and a focus on achieving real, visible results.
In this guide, we’ll delve deeper into the complexities of adult acne, exploring its causes and symptoms, while providing you with effective, science-backed solutions specifically designed to nurture and support mature skin.
💡 Adult acne- why it happens
While everyone’s skin has distinct characteristics, several common factors can contribute to breakouts later in life.
Hormonal Fluctuations: Significant hormonal changes, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, can lead to imbalances that trigger acne. These fluctuations can affect oil production in the skin, making it prone to breakouts.
Chronic Stress: Prolonged periods of stress can elevate cortisol levels in the body, which may increase oil production and lead to clogged pores, ultimately resulting in acne flare-ups.
Slower Skin Cell Turnover: As we age, the natural process of skin cell turnover slows down. This can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface, blocking pores and creating an environment conducive to breakouts.
Product Buildup: The use of heavy or overly rich skincare and makeup products can accumulate on the skin. If these products contain comedogenic ingredients, they can clog pores and result in blemishes.
Over-Cleansing or Over-Exfoliating: While it might seem counterintuitive, washing your face too frequently or using harsh exfoliants can damage the skin’s protective barrier. This can lead to irritation and increased breakouts, as the skin reacts by producing more oil.
By understanding the underlying reasons for your breakouts, you can develop a tailored skincare routine that not only clears your skin but also avoids further irritation, promoting a healthier and more balanced complexion.
✨ Adult acne- tips for treating it
Mature skin has distinct needs compared to teenage skin, largely due to differences in oil production and collagen levels. Therefore, tailored care is essential for managing both acne and the signs of aging. Below are detailed steps for effective skincare:
1. Cleanse Gently—but Effectively
When caring for mature skin, it's crucial to avoid harsh foaming cleansers that can strip natural oils and irritate the skin. Instead, choose a pH-balanced cleanser that effectively removes dirt, makeup, and impurities without compromising the skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier is vital for retaining moisture and protecting against environmental stressors.
Recommended Cleansers:
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel: Formulated specifically for adult acne, this gel not only targets breakouts but also addresses signs of aging by promoting a smoother complexion.
Jan Marini Bioglycolic Cleanser: This cleanser gently exfoliates while hydrating the skin. The glycolic acid helps to remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin fresher and brighter.
2. Target with Treatment Serums
Incorporating treatment serums into your skincare routine can significantly help in targeting both acne and aging concerns. Look for active ingredients that are known for their efficacy in addressing these issues.
Top Picks:
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense: This powerful serum combines salicylic acid to clear breakouts with glycolic acid for exfoliation and niacinamide to improve skin texture and reduce inflammation.
Jan Marini Duality MD: This unique formula combines retinol—which aids in cell turnover and reduces fine lines— with benzoyl peroxide to tackle stubborn breakouts in mature skin.
3. Moisturize—Even for Acne-Prone Skin!
Dehydrated skin often compensates by producing excess oil, leading to breakouts. Therefore, it's crucial to hydrate the skin with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog pores. Moisturizing helps maintain the skin's moisture levels and supports a healthy barrier function.
Favorites:
SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture: A light moisturizer that hydrates while helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines, perfect for normal or oily skin.
Jan Marini Transformation Face Cream: Not only does this cream hydrate, but it also contains ingredients aimed at combating signs of aging, making it a great choice for mature skin.
4. Mask and Exfoliate Strategically
Exfoliation should renew your skin without causing irritation. Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, leading to a smoother complexion. Incorporate masks into your routine 1-2 times per week to draw out impurities and soothe any redness or irritation.
Try These:
Jan Marini Retinol Plus Mask: This effective mask helps to clear congestion and improve overall skin texture, thanks to its retinol content.
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque: Specifically designed for inflamed or breakout-prone skin, this soothing mask utilizes botanical extracts to reduce redness and irritation.
5. Consider In-Office Treatments
Professional skincare treatments can offer significant improvements, providing results that at-home products may not achieve alone. These treatments can reset your skin and jumpstart healing, particularly for those struggling with persistent acne or visible signs of aging.
Our Top Acne-Friendly Services:
Microneedling: A minimally invasive procedure that stimulates collagen production to smooth out acne scars and improve skin texture over time.
Laser: Laser treatments that are designed to target redness, fine lines, and acne-causing bacteria, offering a clearer complexion.
Deep Pore Cleansing Facials: Customized facials aimed at breakout-prone mature skin, focusing on thorough cleansing and extraction to reset skin health. Try our Essential Facial: Clearing & Purifying, Advanced Facial: Gentle Resurfacing or our Advanced Facial - Phyto Corrective Redness Recovery Facial: Calm, Soothe & Restore
Chemical Peels: These treatments exfoliate the surface and deeper layers of skin, promoting a clearer, brighter complexion while improving texture and reducing signs of aging.
🧖♀️ Adult acne-You’re Not Alone—and You Deserve to Feel Confident
Navigating the challenges of adult acne can be incredibly frustrating, but it's important to know that effective treatment is within reach with the right approach. Your skin deserves not only respect but also careful nourishment and solutions that evolve alongside your unique needs.
If you're prepared to delve deep and uncover the underlying causes of your breakouts, we are dedicated to supporting you through every stage of this journey, providing guidance and expert advice to help you achieve healthier, clearer skin.
📅 Book your personalized consultation today:
📲 Text or call: 513.999.2244 (Mon–Fri, 9–5)
Let’s clear things up—beautifully.