Dealing with adult acne

May 03, 2011 11:19 AM by Jessica Padykula

Posted in Beauty & Style / Makeup & Skin Care / Skincare

Out, Damned Spots

Just when you thought you didn’t have to deal with blemishes anymore (high school is over, after all), you end up with more than a few pesky pimples. To learn how to deal with adult acne, we got some insight from Bethany Hilt, creator and president/CEO of the VERTERE line of skincare products.

Woman with problem skin

Causes of adult acne

Post-adolescent breakouts have a few triggers, explains Hilt, from hormonal fluctuations and imbalances to product ingredients. For example, she lists isopropyl myristrate as a highly comedogenic ingredient of some skin care products that has been known to trigger breakouts.

Allergic reactions to food and environmental factors, for instance, can contribute to pesky pimples. According to Hilt, research indicates that the most common type of adult acne in women is highly correlated with cigarette smoking -- one more reason to butt out for good.

Keeping skin clear

With so many acne products on the shelves, choosing one can be difficult. Hilt explains that products containing a combination of AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and salicylic acid (such as VERTERE Dramatic Transformation Cream SPF 15) are most effective at treating adult acne. "AHAs' exfoliating action on the surface of the skin helps to clear pores while also boosting collagen and smoothing skin," she says, adding salicylic acid works to further exfoliate inside the pore, which also helps reduce breakouts. "As an adult, it's especially beneficial to have both of these ingredients working for you to help reduce blemishes because you will receive anti-aging benefits as well. "

Other clear skin tips

Hilt suggests keeping a disinfectant, such as tea tree oil, on hand to help neutralize bacteria in blemishes and speed healing without stripping the skin of moisture. Cleansers with antibacterial ingredients are an alternative. She also recommends having a 30 percent glycolic or lactic acid peel performed regularly to further enhance skin tone and texture.

Lastly, avoid constantly touching your face throughout the day. Our hands are constantly absorbing substances (lotions, oils, dirt, dust) that you don't want to put on your face, Hilt says. "Try to be very conscious of keeping your hands away from your face -- you'll notice a difference."

product choices

Look for products that help reduce blemishes while preserving moisture and smoothing out wrinkles. Also look for hyaluronic acid, which increases skin's moisture levels and prevents moisture loss. One molecule of hyaluronic acid holds 1000 times its weight in water, and it helps pull moisture from the air to the skin, Hilt says. She advises against assuming that acne products designed for teenagers are effective on adult breakouts; they can be irritating and will likely dry out your skin. "Avoid focusing on your breakouts only. Focus on your skin's needs in their entirety. Otherwise, you may end up blemish free but still lacking firmness, smoothness and clarity."

Do you have acne? If so, how do you keep it under control? Share your tips in the comments section below!

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Comments

Comments on "Dealing with adult acne"

I've had oily, acne ridden skin since my early teens, and I'm now in the 50's. A couple months ago I discovered Rodan & Fields Unblemish regimen. for the first time I am excited about the way my skin looks. They also sell a mineral powder that works great too! Their effective ingredient in the face is Sulfur.

I always had random breakouts in high school but never anything severe. I'm now in my third year in college and haven't had a day of clear skin in months. I feel like I've tried everything from face washes and topical treatments to several different prescriptions.

I started to break out when I moved away from home. I noticed my skin changed drastically when I changed my diet. Now that I am back to my exercise routine, eating healthy, and drinking a lot of water my skin feels and looks so much better.

@Emma I use to get horrible acne cysts from milk, ice cream and possibly cheese. I've stopped drinking milk (I drink soy) and I have stayed away from ice cream. I have noticed a CONSIDERABLE difference in my skin. (I am unable to part ways with cheese just yet lol) I would suggest trying more natural ingredients both for consumption and for your skin & consider trying steaming facials once a month (youtube/google). Hope this helps :)

I used to have terrible acne during my teenage years and after seeing a dermatologist the one thing that has helped most was using Retin-A. You have to have a prescription but it's totally worth it. Now that I'm older and my skin is not as oily, I ask for the lowest concentration of Retin-A so it won't dry my skin out as much. The key is sticking with a cleansing routine. Your skin will thank you!

I usually only have issues when it's "that time of the month" or I'm extremely stressed out. But I have found certain products help or hurt the problem. Right now I'm using Bare Minerals skincare and LOVE it! I've also used the Avon acne system and seen greats results. Over the counter never seems to cut it, any ideas?