What Causes Adult Acne & Blemishes?

Fluctuating hormone levels:

Women often experience fluctuating hormones around their periods, during pregnancy, peri-menopause and menopause or after discontinuing (or starting) birth control pills. A hormone imbalance can trigger breakouts.

Stress:

When we're stressed, our bodies produce more androgens-- a type of hormone that stimulates the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, which can lead to acne.

Family history:

Don't blame your parents, but research shows some people may have a genetic predisposition for acne.

Hair and skin care products:

If you have adult acne, make sure your cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen are labeled non-comedogenic and oil-free so they don't clog pores.

Medication side effect:

Acne can be a side effect of some medicines. If you suspect that a medicine is triggering your acne or making it worse, continue taking the medicine-- but talk to the doctor who prescribed it.

Undiagnosed medical condition:

Sometimes, acne is a sign of an underlying medical condition. Once the medical condition is diagnosed and treated, the acne often clears.

Choose products for acne-prone skin.

Look for non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog pores to start acne) and oil-free on the packaging. Products that exfoliate the skin’s surface help keep pores clear.

Know your acne ingredients.

Acne treatments target the different causes of acne. Benzoyl peroxide decreases P. acnes bacteria which can grow after the pore is clogged; salicylic acid unclogs pores to keep them clear; and retinoids unclog pores and reduce oiliness.

Follow directions.

How much you use and how often you use it can make a big difference. Using too little could be the reason you still have acne, but using too much can irritate skin further.

Don't overwash or scrub your face.

Dermatologists recommend gently washing your face when you wake up, when you’re ready to go to bed, and if your face gets sweaty. Scrubbing or washing more often and drying skin out can actually make your acne worse. If your skin senses it’s dry, it will produce more oil.

Spread acne medication on all acne-prone skin, not just your blemishes.

Applying a thin layer on your acne-prone skin helps treat existing acne and prevent new breakouts.

Give your treatment a chance.

Acne treatments take time to work. You may see improvement in 4 to 6 weeks, but it can take months or longer to see clearing.

Try not to touch your face throughout the day.

Resist picking and popping your acne-- it can lead to scarring.

Wash hands frequently, especially before applying lotions, creams, or makeup.

Always remove makeup before going to bed.

Frequently wash everything that comes in contact with your acne-prone skin.

Dead skin cells, bacteria, and dirt tend to build up on sheets, pillowcases, hats and glasses, which can clog pores.

Keep skin hydrated to prevent rebound oil production.

Choose makeup for sensitive skin and avoid oil-based products.

Avoid direct sun exposure-- it can cause the skin to produce more sebum.

Certain acne medications can also increase the risk of sunburn.

A CLEANSER FOR ADULT ACNE:

This soap-free, foaming gel facial cleanser gently washes away excess oil and bad bacteria with Mandelic Acid, PHA and Salicylic Acid.

A TONER FOR ADULT ACNE:

Refresh your skin post-cleansing with this pore minimizing toner formulated to exfoliate, clarify and help tighten pores. Bonus: it’s non-comedogenic and oil-free!

A SPOT TREATMENT FOR ADULT ACNE MARKS:

Spread a thin layer of this lightweight serum containing a potent brightening trio of Tranexamic Acid (TXA), Niacinamide and Vitamin C plus NeoGlucosamine to exfoliate post-acne marks leaving skin visibly smoother and brighter.