We typically associate acne with teenagers, but many adults struggle with this menacing issue their whole lives. Acne-prone skin can be a frustrating and an uncomfortable condition for adults. The appearance of pimples and blackheads can leave you feeling self-conscious and searching for a solution to clear up your skin. However, a proper skincare routine for adults with acne-prone skin can help to effectively manage and prevent acne outbreaks.
What is acne?
Acne is a common skin condition characterized by the appearance of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the face, neck, chest, and back. It is caused by a combination of factors, including overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands, clogging of the pores with dead skin cells and bacteria, and hormonal changes. Acne can be treated with a variety of medications, including topical creams, oral antibiotics, and isotretinoin. It can also be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding touching the face, and maintaining good hygiene.
Why do adults get acne?
Adults can get acne for a variety of reasons, including hormonal changes, stress, genetics, and certain medications. Let’s go over some of those causes:
- Hormonal changes—They can cause an increase in oil production in the skin, which can lead to clogged pores and acne
- Stress—It can also cause an increase in oil production and lead to acne
- Genetics—They play a role in the likelihood of developing acne, and certain medications can also cause acne as a side effect
- Poor skincare habits—Not cleansing the skin properly or using products that are too harsh can also contribute to the development of acne in adults.
In addition to all these triggers, there may be events in your life that cause your skin to flare up. You may be exposed to factors such as dust or unclean air in cities like New York, which makes it difficult for your skin to breathe. For instance, if you are renovating your home or in the process of moving, you will be in a world of hurt if you have acne-prone skin. This is why Pack & Go Movers advise their customers to always use protective equipment such as face masks and gloves when moving in NYC. Such precautions always make your life easier in the long run, even if they seem like a hassle in the beginning.
Skincare routine for adults with acne-prone skin that works
Whatever the cause of your acne, there are several steps you can take in order to improve the overall health of your skin. It may seem a lot at first, but once you get into the routine and see positive results, it will be a walk in the park. Ensure that you stick with it, as any improvement takes time. If you give up in just a few days, you will naturally not see the desired results. However, as with most things, hard work and persistence will pay off, and you will be rewarded with better-looking skin.
Cleanse
The first step in any skincare routine should be cleansing your skin. It is important to use a gentle, oil-free cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin. This type of cleanser will not strip your skin of its natural oils. Losing natural oils can cause your skin to produce more oil, leading to more breakouts. Look for cleansers that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as these ingredients are known to help unclog pores and prevent acne.
In addition to that, avoid using hot water, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and make acne worse.
Tone
The next step should be to use a toner. Toners are used to restore the skin's natural pH balance and remove any remaining dirt and oil. Look for toners that contain witch hazel or tea tree oil, as these ingredients are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help prevent and treat acne.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is another vital step in managing acne-prone skin. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause breakouts. It can also help prevent new acne from forming and can help improve the appearance of existing acne.
However, it is important to use a gentle exfoliator and not overdo it, as over-exfoliating can actually cause more breakouts. A gentle scrub or chemical exfoliator containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) can help to gently remove dead skin cells.
Treat
Apply a spot treatment or topical cream—such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids—to targeted areas to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
Moisturize
The final step in a daily skincare routine for adults with acne-prone skin is to use a moisturizer. It is essential to use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that will not clog your pores. Look for moisturizers that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as these ingredients can help to prevent breakouts.
Pro tip: Run from the sun
Sun exposure can worsen acne and increase the risk of scarring. In case you are going out during the day, make sure you apply sunscreen. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
Remember to stay clean
Once you have taken all the steps to take care of your skin, you do not want to expose it to unnecessary triggers. Keep your pillowcases clean and change them regularly. In addition to that, avoid touching your face with your hands and use clean hands while applying makeup or other products.
For overachievers
You have taken all the steps and feel like you could do more—not a problem! In addition to a proper skincare routine, there are other things you can do to manage acne-prone skin. See if you can include these:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Getting regular exercise
- Wearing non-comedogenic makeup and avoiding heavy or oily products
- Avoiding picking or squeezing pimples, as this can lead to scarring
- Wearing sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays
In addition to that, consider blue light therapy for acne, which is an amazing and effective way to treat blemishes and acne-prone skin. Some of the benefits of using blue light therapy are the renewal of collagen and tissue repair. However, most importantly, the blue LED light kills the acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Wrapping up
Skincare routine for adults with acne-prone skin requires a consistent routine and lifestyle changes. Incorporating a gentle cleanser, toner, exfoliator, and moisturizer can help to prevent breakouts and achieve clear, healthy skin. It's important to note that different people's skin will react differently to various products. If you are following all the steps and your skin is still not improving or is getting severe, consult a dermatologist. If your acne persists or you need stronger prescription products to treat it, it is better to be safe than sorry.
