You’ve grown out of that awkward teenage phase, so what’s up with the adult acne that’s making a not-so-welcomed appearance? If you’re experiencing breakouts well into your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond, you’re definitely not alone. Yale Medicine notes that about 25% of women and 12% of men deal with adult acne, which includes whiteheads and blackheads, pimples, and painful cyst-like bumps.
Though you may be tempted to take a super aggressive approach to treating adult acne, that’s not always the best course of action. Instead, the key is to pinpoint the cause and tackle the issue head-on, and to take a balanced approach that combines science-backed ingredients, soothing skincare, and holistic lifestyle tweaks.
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Common Causes of Adult Acne
Adult acne stems from hormonal fluctuations, stress, and external irritants, often appearing as deep cysts or inflamed blemishes. Unlike teenage acne, adult acne often requires a more delicate approach that targets sensitivity while treating breakouts.
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Hormonal fluctuations: Changes in hormones are often responsible for cystic acne, which are large, painful bumps under the skin that usually show up on the jawline. Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can all trigger hormonal acne, says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
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Stress: Increased stress levels trigger your body to create cortisol (the stress hormone), which can create an increase in sebum production and clogged pores, the AAD notes. Chronic, unmanaged dress can also exacerbate inflammation, which can potentially make it harder for your body to heal.
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Diet: Yep, it’s true that what you eat may affect how clear your skin is. The AAD notes that high-glycemic foods, such as refined sugars and dairy products, can cause blood sugar spikes that may worsen acne.
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Genetics: Sometimes a cause of adult acne is pure “luck” of the draw. Per the AAD, research has found that if you have a family history of acne then you may have an increased chance of experiencing it, too.
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Hygiene & Skincare: Another key player in adult acne causes is hygiene and general skincare routines. It’s important to use clean pillowcases and towels, and to wash your hands routinely since bacteria can transfer from these items to your skin. It’s also essential to use non-comedogenic ingredients that won’t clog pores, and to wash your face at least once per day.
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A Gentle & Effective Way to Treat Adult Acne
When trying to get rid of acne, it may be tempting to take a “beat it into submission” approach with tons of scrubbing, excess washing, and super aggressive acne ingredients. Not so fast! The AAD says this can actually worsen acne.
While ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide—champion ingredients to treat acne—can help, they should always be used in moderation as directed. Otherwise, you risk causing painful irritation and disrupting the skin barrier, which only exacerbates the problem.
Step 1: Determine the Cause
Understanding what’s causing your adult acne is step number one. By eliminating causes—be it stress, diet, or habits—you can squarely tackle the issue. For hormonal acne, which tends to come in waves around hormonal fluctuations, it’s best to see your doctor for a course of action.
Step 2: Adopt a Soothing Skincare Routine
Start with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser and then follow up with your preferred acne treatment (as directed). From here, we recommend incorporating gentle, soothing ingredients into your regimen to address inflammation, irritation, and a compromised barrier. Gentle products can also combat some of the side effects of acne treatments and medications.
For example, KNESKO’s Green Jade Calm Serum is an advanced calming formula designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin. With its unique blend of strengthening green jade powder, soothing colloidal oatmeal, and calming centella asiatica (AKA tiger grass), this serum reduces redness, irritation, and stress-related breakouts while hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier.
- Green Jade Powder: Strengthens and soothes skin, enhancing its natural resilience.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: Hydrates and protects the skin to address inflammation.
- Tiger Grass: An antioxidant-rich plant that helps calm skin and shield it from environmental stressors. It also helps to repair the skin barrier making it a great ingredient for breakouts and inflammation.
“The Green Jade Calm Serum is my favorite for addressing the most sensitive and reactive skin types,” says Sydney Eger, lead esthetician and director of education for KNESKO Skin. “If skin is red and inflamed—like from acne—the Green Jade Serum will counteract the redness and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.”
Step 3: Use a Lightweight Moisturizer
Yep, even oily and acne-prone skin benefit greatly from hydration, per the AAD. You’ll get some hydration via the Green Jade Calm Serum, and you can double down on that with a cooling, soothing treatment, like the award-winning Green Jade Calm Face Mask.
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Along with green jade and tiger grass, it’s formulated with soothing seaweed, skin bolstering probiotics, and marshmallow extract to combat the look of redness. Afterward, follow up with your preferred lightweight moisturizer.
Final Thoughts
To recap, achieving clear skin involves a blend of powerful treatments and calming care. Green Jade Calm Serum works to visibly reduce inflammation, protect sensitive skin, and balance acne-prone areas. It’s a perfect addition to any holistic skincare routine focused on calming and replenishing stressed skin.
Ready to experience clearer-looking skin? Try Green Jade Calm Serum today for a soothing, acne-calming solution.
Read Next: How to Minimize the Look of Large Pores
