If you are unfortunate enough to face pimple problems well into your 20s, 30s, and beyond, finding a solution may feel like a struggle. But don’t lose heart, for there is life after breakouts. You simply need to zero in on the right acne treatment for adults.
Adult skin is different from young skin
Underline that and put a pin in it. Owing to the difference between young and adult skin, the acne remedies that you used as a teen won’t be as effective now that you’re older. Here’s why:
- Skin becomes less resilient with age. Sad, but true. Skin cell turnover is faster when you’re young, which is why acne lesions (and cuts and bruises) tend to heal quickly. As you age, acne takes more time to heal and pimple scars stick around longer.
- Internal factors may be at play. Adult acne is common in women due to hormonal fluctuations caused by pregnancy, menstruation, and birth control pills. Hormonal acne usually appears on the upper lip, chin, and jawline, and the lesions may be red and painful.
- Your busy lifestyle could be to blame. Adulthood is stressful, which isn’t
-
great for the complexion. If you’ve been pulling late nights, getting less sleep, avoiding the gym, and making unhealthy food choices, they could be triggering your acne.
(Here are 10 simple ways to destress your skin.)
Acne fighters for adult skin
Which anti-acne products should you use for adult skin? Spend some time checking the ingredient lists of over-the-counter (OTC) products for acne. Mostly, these contain one or more of the following active ingredients:
- Benzoyl peroxide: Kills bacteria, reduces oil levels, unclogs pores
- Salicylic acid: Exfoliates, clears pores, prevents blackheads and whiteheads
- Adapalene: A retinoid that clears blackheads, whiteheads, and minor pimples
- Azelaic acid: Prevents pore blockages, has antibacterial properties, helps fade dark spots
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): Remove dead skin, minimise inflammation, lighten acne scars
- Tea tree oil: Has antimicrobial properties, treats minor skin issues like acne
Some OTC products focus on just one or two acne symptoms—say, controlling oil levels, unclogging pores, or restricting acne bacteria. In that case, you may need to combine two or more products to get the desired results.
If you prefer a simpler fix, try Clearica Anti-Acne Cream, which harnesses four plant-based actives to target the entire acne ecosystem:
- Green tea: Reduces lesions, redness, and irritation
- Eucalyptus leaves: Inhibits acne bacteria
- Phragmites kharka: Controls inflammation
- Guava leaves: Stimulates collagen production
Clearica is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and gentle on your skin—one acne product to rule them all!
(Here’s all you need to know about plant science creams.)
Acne care rules for adult skin
It goes without saying that adults with acne-prone skin should exercise extra caution and care. Here are some thumb rules to keep you safe:
- Look for non-comedogenic formulas. Such products are specially formulated and will not clog your pores. This is crucial because blocked pores are often the first sign of an imminent acne problem.
-
Don’t get aggressive with your skincare. Washing your face too often,
scrubbing too hard, and using harsh formulas could leave you with micro-tears, dehydrated skin, and an impaired skin barrier, all of which could lead to fresh blemishes.
- Do a patch test before using new formulas. Apply the product on the back of your wrist or inner elbow and monitor the area for a few days. Discontinue use if you notice a rash or an allergic reaction.
- Be patient and give the product time to work. It may take at least six to eight weeks of daily use before you start seeing visible improvements in your complexion.
Best daily practices for adults to avoid acne
Start with a twice-daily skincare routine that you can follow consistently. Here’s a simple regimen that you could consider:- Wash away the dirt and grime with a gentle daily cleanser.
- Pat the skin dry with a soft towel, then apply toner using a cotton ball.
- Once the toner gets absorbed into the skin, evenly spread a tiny amount of Clearica Anti-Acne Cream all over the face and neck.
- Apply a non-comedogenic moisturiser. This is an important step because adult skin gets dehydrated quickly.
- Remember to use sunscreen during the day.
(Make sure you’re applying different skincare products in the right order.)
Other than this, make sure to wash off the sweat after exercise or a long commute and resist the urge to pick at those pimples. Since adulthood isn’t always easy, allocate time every day for self-care as well. This could be a relaxing yoga session, a walk in the park, catching up with dear ones, or even just getting a good night’s sleep. It all adds up to big benefits for your complexion!
Disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a recommendation or for diagnostic purposes. Please consult your dermatologist or doctor before acting on any of the information provided here.