Everyone remembers that first pimple that popped up in their early teenage years. Acne is experienced by 95 percent of individuals between the ages of 11 to 30 and is often viewed as a rite of passage.
But once you get to your early 20s, you’re more than ready for those pesky breakouts to leave your life.
We’ve put together the following tips that will explain how to get rid of adult acne.
Check Your Hormones
Turns out, hormone imbalances aren’t just a problem for teenagers. A hormone imbalance can occur at any point in your life and can be one of the main contributing factors to your adult acne.
Adult hormonal acne often occurs in painful cysts on the chin, neck, and back. It is not gender-specific.
For women, these usually appear during menstruation due to the increase in the production of progesterone. Male hormones like androgen also clog pores and lead to hormonal acne.
If your acne sounds similar to the experiences mentioned above, hormonal imbalances are likely the culprit. In this situation, it’s best to meet with your doctor for an adult acne treatment
Listen to Your Body
Everyone is different. All of your choices, from the food you eat to the number of hours you sleep each night, will have a different impact on you than they will the next person.
Keep a log on some of your lifestyle choices and you may start noticing patterns. This can help you get rid of your adult acne naturally.
For instance, certain parts of your diet could trigger acne flare-ups. Common ones include alcohol, dairy, and highly-processed foods.
Your sleep may be a factor, too. If you don’t get the amount of sleep that is best for your body, it won’t be able to repair your damaged skin. Aim for 8 hours a night, but some people may need more or less.
Also, consider your skin’s reaction after you spend time in the sun. 30 minutes a day may clear up your skin and leave you with a nice glow. However, more time than that could dry out your skin, leaving it burnt and patchy.
Reduce Stress
Stress signals your body to increase the production of a hormone called cortisol. While cortisol typically benefits you by regulating your immune, neurological, and digestive systems, too much cortisol can send them out of balance.
Excessive cortisol will cause an increase in oil production. Your skin will flare up, especially if it’s prone to bacteria-driven inflammatory acne.
Recent traumatic events or a fast-paced lifestyle without room to relax are likely culprits for stress-induced acne. Allow yourself space to recover and heal, and your acne may disappear.
If you can’t make changes to your workload or current stressors, there are ways you can minimize stress. Experiment with different meditation techniques, keep a journal handy for you to vent, and do your best to get regular exercise.
Try New Skincare Products
A change in your skincare products may be enough to start clearing up those stubborn bumps. Certain skincare products use different active ingredients, all of which work to treat acne.
The most common ingredients in the best acne face wash for adults are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria that cause acne. It also helps skin from becoming clogged by removing excess skin cells and oil. It’s available in strengths between 2.5 and 10 percent.
Salicylic acid helps pores from becoming plugged. It’s available in strengths between 0.5 and 5 percent.
Remember to use skin products sparingly. Overuse will cause side effects like dry skin, redness, or stinging.
Look for products marked “non-comedogenic,” meaning that the product has been proven not to clog pores.
Cleanse Correctly
Keeping your skin acne-free isn’t just about the products you use. It’s also about how you use them. It’s best to establish a skincare routine to ensure your skin receives the care it needs.
Cleaning your skin too infrequently or too much may exacerbate your acne problems. You should wash your skin once or twice a day.
A common skincare routine involves washing your face once in the morning and once before bed. Washing your skin only once a day may clog your pores, and washing twice a day may dry out your skin.
Like you would with your diet and sleep patterns, keep track of your skincare regimen. If you’re not seeing any changes after a month or so, it may be time to switch the products you use or change how often you wash your face per day.
Talk to a Dermatologist
If you’ve tried everything and you’re still not seeing an improvement, it may be time to talk to a dermatologist.
You may have an underlying skin condition that makes you prone to breakouts. Or, in some situations, your skin may just need the extra help of prescription acne medication.
Although it may seem intimidating to visit a dermatologist, the process is usually simple and friendly. Your dermatologist will discuss the issues you’ve had with your skin and help you select the right course of action.
You can choose an acne medication that works for you and get an RX refill whenever you need it. Regular checkups will make sure that your skin receiving the right treatment.
How to Get Rid of Acne Once and for All
Knowing the likely culprits for your breakouts is the first step in how to get rid of adult acne. Once you understand the lifestyle or hormonal factors that are affecting your skin, you can take steps toward a clear complexion.
For more skincare tips, take a look at some of our blog posts!