Adult acne is a common concern for many women and men in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and on.
Not only can it affect the health and appearance of your skin, it can also be difficult to correct and prevent.
Luckily, there are a number of ways that you can address breakouts and achieve a clearer, brighter complexion.
Continue reading to learn all about adult acne and how to treat it.
6 Ways to Tackle Adult Acne
1. Use Topical Anti-Acne Products
When it comes to adult acne and how to treat it, most women and men benefit from the use of topical anti-acne products.
These can be prescribed by your dermatologist or purchased over-the-counter and may contain the following ingredients:
- Salicylic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic acid
- Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), which includes gluconolactone and lactobionic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Sulfur
- Azelaic acid is
- Retinoids
Keep in mind that consistency is key and that it may take several weeks to see visible improvement in acne.
2. Exfoliate Skin Regularly
Exfoliating gets to the root of adult acne, which presents when sebum, dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria clog pores.
Gylcolic acid is an excellent chemical exfoliant and can help treat existing blemishes and keep future flare-ups at bay.
With that being said, it’s important not to over-exfoliate skin. Doing so, can cause dryness and irritation and may even exacerbate acne.
3. Apply Spot Treatments to Blemishes
Spot treatments that have benzoyl peroxide are usually quite effective in targeting and reducing p. acne bacteria.
So, if you have a particularly inflamed pimple, benzoyl peroxide may be just what you need to calm the blemish.
4. Combat Breakouts with Products that Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is caused by the build-up of oil, dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells build-up within pores.
Accordingly, you should look for products with salicylic acid which has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Soothing substances like colloidal oatmeal, aloe, or centella asiatica can also help counteract redness and swelling.
5. Take Oral Medications
Adult acne and how to treat it can become especially frustrating. This is especially true for blemishes have not responded to topical products.
In such cases, a dermatologist may recommend an oral medication such as isotreninoin (oral retinoid) or birth control pills.
6. Schedule a Cortisone Injection with Your Dermatologist
Your dermatologist can inject cortisone into a particularly painful or inflamed cyst that’s formed under the skin.
Following treatment, the pimple will become noticeably smaller within 24-48 hours.
Learn More About Adult Acne and How to Treat It
If you are struggling with adult acne and how to treat it, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with one of our highly skilled and talented providers.
