The 28-year-old actress recently took to Instagram to showcase her experience battling adult acne, a very common skin concern many women and men alike have dealt with in their adult years.
And though we’ve been taught to view acne as a ‘coming of age puberty issue,’ Adult acne is very normal to deal with, despite it not being the most convenient.
Adult acne can be caused by a number of reasons including stress, anxiety, hormonal fluctuations, and even the products we use on a day-to-day basis. For starters, we know how much adult acne sucks, and have also officially logged onto the “I hate acne” group chat like you.
There are many things to know about adult acne from the causes to the treatments. So for your convenience, and frankly, for our own, we’ve outlined pretty much all there is to know about adult acne, as well as the best products to help cure it.
What Is Adult Acne?
According to Harvard Health, Adult acne occurs over the age of 25. From blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules, there are many forms of acne to be aware of as an adult and even for those younger than 25. Much like those pesky breakouts we battle with when we’re younger, adult acne is just the same.
There’s really no difference to take note of in adult acne, other than the fact that it can take hold of our skin as adults. Below, are some of the most common acne types to be aware of.
Acne Types To Be Aware of..
Blackheads: Small black bumps on the skin that are filled with excess oil and dead skin cells.
Whiteheads: White bumps on the skin that are closed by oil and dead skin.
Papules: Small inflamed bumps on the skin that are usually pink or red.
Pustules: Pimples with puss.
How Is It Caused?
Adult acne is usually caused by an overproduction of oil buildup. Whether experiencing stress, heavy period flows, anxiety, or hormonal fluctuations, adult acne can happen to anyone over the age of 25. “Oil is being overproduced by the sebaceous glands and the pores aren’t effective in eliminating the oil. This causes the pores to clog, which ultimately leads to blackheads, whiteheads, and ‘pimples,’” says Dr. Robin Schaffran, a chief dermatologist and co-founder of BalmLabs, a skincare line designed for adult acne to Healthline.
Our Tip: From skincare products to hair care products, make sure that the skincare products you’re using are non-comedogenic (Comedomes are flesh-colored bumps that are closed off and caused by acne and oil production.)
Interestingly enough, adult acne can also be genetically passed down from generation to generation, which makes it an even more common concern than most may have previously thought.
“Usually, when someone presents with acne, someone in the family has also experienced breakouts, either as a teen or adult,” Schaffran says to Healthline.
How Is It treated?
Adult acne can be treated directly with your trusted derm to help you identify your own personal skincare needs, but if you’re in need of over-the-counter medication or products that are known to work well, try using salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide. Here are a few products below we’re currently loving.
This Salicylic Acid Liquid Exfoliant.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
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- Clears and minimizes large pores and sheds built-up layers of old skin cells.
This Niacinimide Serum.
La Roche- Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrate Serum
- Clarifying formula that targets skincare imperfections such as fine lines, wrinkles, and acne.
This Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment.
Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment
- A lightweight lotion that fights acne and prevents future breakouts.
What Else Can I Use To Cure My Adult Acne?
If you’re looking for more products to help you feel and look your best self, try our personalized edit below with Averr Aglow.
Created and founded by Camille Chulick, Averr Glow is clinically proven to help the skin’s health with clean and effective formulas and products from elixir’s to nourishing creams.
What It Features: The Averr Glow Clear Skin Kit features a four powerhouse products that include a Clarifying Hydration Dew, Radiant Cleaning Nectar, Clear Skin Elixir, and Flawless Nourishment cream.
What It Does: Uses gentle aggression to help fight pesky breakouts and prevents new ones from forming.
The Reviews: “I’m in love with this clear skin kit, I’ve never used anything like it. Its so light, clean and moisturizing. I’m a customer for life!,” Writes one reviewer.
The Takeaway
We know how much acne sucks and how long it can take to fully clear up. Our skin health is a huge factor in how we express ourselves, and sometimes our acne can really get in the way of our confidence and inner self esteem.
While waiting for your acne to clear up it’s important to be compassionate with yourself along your journey to healthier skin. No matter how hard the process may be, we’re here for you along the way.