Help! I Still Need Skin Care for Acne!
June 10, 2024
Key Takeaways
- Acne and frequent breakouts occur in more than 25% of women over the age of 40.
- Adult acne is caused by excessive dead skin cell buildup, shedding, and hormonal fluctuations.
- Several ingredients, like salicylic and glycolic acid, can help acne-prone skin over the age of 30.
- It’s wise to seek nourishing skin care products that can also treat signs of aging.
If you’ve been struggling with stubborn blackheads, inflamed whiteheads, or painful cystic pimples, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: acne has no age limit, meaning you are not alone! Yes, you can still have acne as an adult, and yes, it’s totally normal! As a matter of fact, as you’re reading this sentence, 1 in 4 women over the age of 40 are currently struggling with some form of adult acne.
In the 24 years I’ve spent in the skincare industry, I’ve seen women of all ages spend endless amounts of money trying to find a miracle cure for adult acne. While there’s no magic potion to treat acne overnight, there is skin care for acne-prone adults that can make a noticeable difference in your complexion from day one. Check out my favorite skin care for acne and aging!
What Causes Adult Acne?
Before we can dive into skincare for acne, it’s important to discuss the various causes of adult breakouts. According to my dear friend and colleague, Teri Eastin of Atlanta Acne Specialists, adult acne has three big components. The first, and primary, cause of adult acne is excessive dead skin cell buildup deep in the pores. While normal skin sheds just one layer of dead skin cells per day, acne-prone skin can shed up to five layers in one day!
The more dead skin cells build up within the pores, the more they mingle with an oily substance called sebum, creating microcomedones — microscopic bumps under the skin that evolve into pimples like whiteheads and blackheads. Besides excessive dead skin cell buildup, excessive skin shedding is also a component of adult acne. Dry skin, especially skin that’s sensitized to skin care, can contribute to microcomedone formation.
Lastly, it’s vital to point out the most obvious culprit of adult acne in women: hormones! Hormones, particularly estrogen, can cause a reduction in skin hydration that not only leads to wrinkles, but can also cause pimples (even in women who haven’t had acne before). Natural drops in estrogen during menopause commonly cause painful, cystic-type breakouts around the mouth, jawline, cheeks, and forehead.
How to Care for Acne-Prone Skin Later In Life
Breakouts in middle-aged women are far more common than you think. Though elements like a poor diet or pore-clogging makeup can contribute to breakouts, adult acne is often better treated with skin care for hormonal acne and products designed for aging skin. No matter if you’re 30 or 60, I recommend skin care for acne that’s designed with nourishing ingredients that are exfoliating, antibacterial, and loaded with antioxidants.
Here is my lineup of all-star ingredients that help care for delicate, acne-prone skin later in life!
Salicylic Acid to Cleanse Clogged Pores
Salicylic Acid is one of the most popular ingredients in skin care for acne-prone skin, and for good reason. As a type of keratolytic compound, it exfoliates and eliminates dead skin cells, helping to prevent your pores from clogging. I recommend the NeoGenesis 2% Salicylic Acid Gel to cleanse dead skin cell buildup deep in the pores as well as soothe irritated and blemish-prone skin.
Pro Tip: Salicylic acid can be a bit drying on sensitive skin, especially more mature skin. If you’re looking for a gentler alternative, try willow bark extract (Salix Nigra) to sweep away dead skin cells and calm redness. The CBE Botanicals Clean + Bright cleanser is formulated with willow bark extract to serve double duty as a daily wash and acne-fighting skin care for 60 and older ladies.
Glycolic Acid to Buff Away Dead Skin
Speaking of exfoliating dead skin, glycolic acid is another fantastic ingredient to cleanse the pores of unwanted buildup that leads to adult acne. I advise my clients to use glycolic acid, which is derived from natural sugarcane, to treat both acne and age-related sun damage. One of my favorite formulas is the CBE Botanicals Scrub Away the Day Cleanser, which purifies pores and leaves skin feeling revitalized.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids to Reduce Inflammation
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help soothe adult acne by reducing inflammation and stimulating cell renewal for brighter, smoother skin — a major benefit for those who are also entering the hormonal swings of menopause. Another CBE Botanicals product you can add to your skin care routine for hormonal acne is the Revive Exfoliating Serum, which features a custom 8% hydroxy acid blend.
Snail Mucus Filtrate to Kill Acne-Causing Bacteria
Snail mucus filtrate is a leading Korean skincare ingredient that has hyaluronic acid and antimicrobial and copper peptides, which not only help kill acne-causing bacteria but also fight against premature aging and promote cellular turnover. If you’re on the hunt for hydrating skin care for acne and aging, look no further than the HOUSE OF PLLA HOP+ Promoter Repair Cell Moisturizer.
Patented Gesolza to Reduce Oil and Sebum
The more our skin ages, the more it loses natural moisture. However, the drier our skin becomes, the more it can over-produce sebum in an attempt to remain lubricated. That’s why I keep the Dr.esthé Azulene Relief Solution in my skin care line for acne! Rich in patented Gesolza, a blend of wormwood, citron, and pine leaves, this solution is shown to reduce oil, sebum, and acne after two weeks.
Discover Skin Care for Acne at All Ages
The truth is, acne can happen at any age — and so can a reliable acne-fighting skin care routine. If you’re on the hunt for skin care for acne and aging, browse my favorite time-tested products under my Acne category. For personalized support and the opportunity to win a free consultation with me, a master licensed esthetician for more than 20 years, you can also join me in the Christine Byer Beauty Club!
The Christine Byer Beauty Club is the premier destination to access members-only savings and customized support on your acne journey. Join today for a FREE 14-day preview!
originally posted on https://christinebyeresthetics.com/ on June 10th, 2024
