One of the most annoying – and sometimes debilitating – skin conditions that is increasingly prevalent, adult acne is no joke. And especially tough if it’s an issue that you also battled with as a teen. When is it all going to stop? Thankfully, many of the best beauty brands have created lines with exactly that in mind, allowing you to take back control and put your best face forward.
What causes adult acne?
Some key factors that can contribute to adult acne are stress, hormones and diet. Stress and lack of sleep induce the overproduction of the hormone androgen, which encourages our sebaceous glands to create more oil, while fluctuations in hormone levels right before and during a period can also stimulate sebaceous glands to do the same thing, resulting in monthly breakouts that never quite go away.
When it comes to diet, foods with a high glycaemic index have been linked to acne breakouts. These are foods with a high sugar load, which is thought to promote inflammation in the skin.
So what can I do about it?
While what you do on the inside makes a difference, treating acne from the outside is also important. That’s where topical skincare products come in. And rather than waiting for your next breakout to show its face, follow a skincare routine that will help prevent future blemishes.
However, don’t make the mistake of overloading your skin with too many acne fighters at once, which can cause dryness and irritation over time. Go easy with products to see how your skin responds, and make sure you aren’t being too rough and scrubbing your face as this can aggravate already inflamed, unhappy skin.
Lastly, practise good skin hygiene
Not taking care of your skin and going to bed without washing your face can cause or worsen acne. In addition, you should wash your pillowcase frequently and keep your make-up brushes clean. Also, don’t share your make-up brushes with friends as this can transfer their dirt and oil onto your skin.
Some top-notch acne fighting products we love
Formulated for sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, $35.99, is a corrective moisturiser and spot treatment that hydrates as it targets blemishes, imperfections and marks, while the brand’s Effaclar Serum, $42.99, is an ultra-concentrated salicylic acid daily formula that helps to visibly reduce the appearance of breakouts, blemishes and imperfections.
Designed to be used once or twice a week, Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel, $55, has a blend of AHAs and BHAs to target breakouts, helping to fade post- breakout marks.
Packed with salicylic acid and suitable for use on both the face and body, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser, $31.99, works to not only deeply exfoliate and help reduce excess sebum, but also visibly reduces breakout recurrence.
The Crème Shop Acne Patches, $6.99, are super-cute hydrocolloid patches that help to conceal pimples and extract impurities by gently drawing out excess oil and secretions. They then help to heal skin to prevent inflammation, scarring and future breakouts, and come in several varieties.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $29, is a cult product loved by celebrities who swear by the overnight spot treatment’s ability to dry up blemishes, and reducing associated redness and inflammation as you sleep.
Dealing with body acne to boot? Frank Body A Clearing Body Wash, $14, is made with blemish-busting salicylic acid to go deep to slough off stubborn dead skin, reduce excess oil, and take out whiteheads and blackheads for good.
Designed to help those affected by acnes at any age, New Logic is a no-nonsense regime that lets you reclaim your skin. Key to its incredible results is Fibraspect, a natural protein gel that helps bind and gently release active ingredients, so they stay on your skin for up to four times longer than standard treatments. Available as separate products or as Essential Kit, $119.90, with four full-size products, it’s a problem skin game-changer.
