A few years ago, conventional wisdom dictated that acne was a temporary condition that affected mostly teenagers; nowadays, however, we know that’s not true. Recent research has shown an increase in acne in adult women, and it’s increasingly common to see this skin concern reflected in the beauty aisles, on the labels of skincare products aimed at adult women.
What is “adult acne”?
The causes of adult acne are multifactorial, but are often related to hormonal imbalances–polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), for example–or to “mechanical” causes–such as frequent friction or pressure against the skin. The widespread use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, led to many adults struggling with acne for the first time in years; the beauty world called it “maskne”, specifically because it was related to the friction caused by face masks on the skin.
Acne in adult women also has a distinct clinical presentation, different from the acne that affects adolescent girls. In adult women, it’s common to see acne lesions concentrated on the lower third of the face and lateral region of the neck. The timing of breakouts also appears to vary, as “flare-ups before menstruation appear to be more common in older women, and are observed in about half of adult patients with acne”.
Research also suggests that “adult women with acne in their adult life have increased sensitivity of the skin with higher frequency of post-inflammatory erythema, hyper and/or hypopigmentation, and scarring” In short: adult women don’t just struggle with acne lesions themselves, but also with the aftermath of said acne lesions.
Our best products for adult acne
If you’re an woman who’s recently started to struggle with hormonal adult acne, you’ve probably wondered how to fit this skin concern into the skincare routine you already have. Depending on your skin type and needs, your skincare routine may be focused on aging-related concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or even loss of firmness. It’s clear, in that case, that anti-acne products designed for teenagers won’t be a great fit in your routine.
Because we know how hard it can be to find specialized products that suit the needs of adult acne-prone skin, we’ve rounded up our favorites below. Here you will find products that will not only help you prevent and control acne breakouts, but will also help you prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation. Because they are designed for adult skin, many of these products are formulated to have a synergistic action against acne and premature aging, which makes them perfect for an adult acne routine.
Sesderma Salises Foamy Soap-Free Cream Acne-Prone Skin
The best cleanser for acne
Sesderma Salises Foamy Soap-Free Cream Acne-Prone Skin
Sesderma Salises has been doing the rounds for quite some years now. This big bottle of cleanser can be used both on the face and body (perfect for chest or back acne) and it actually works.
Keep in mind that since it already contains salicylic acid, you don’t need to use it together with another 5 products with salicylic. Keep this one for simpler routines, body washing, and breakouts SOS.
Avène Cleanance Comedomed Anti-Imperfections Concentrate
The anti-acne solution for sensitive skin
Avène Cleanance Comedomed Anti-Imperfections Concentrate
In case you’ve been suffering from both acne and sensitive skin, you know how hard it is. Most skincare products for acne will not absolutely work on sensitive skin. This one gem from Avène is one of the great exceptions. Given that it contains none of the usual sensitivity-triggering actives, it’s perfect for those situations.
Just use it twice a day and within 7 days you will start to notice the differences in your skin.
Esthederm Osmoclean Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser
The best hybrid skincare for adult acne
Esthederm Osmoclean Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser
We could call this product a mask, but we wouldn’t be doing it justice. In fact, this product is a bit of an odd one out.
You’re supposed to apply it on the face section by section, making sure to remove it as you go. As you work it on your skin, it transforms from a creamy lotion to a thick paste–that’s when you’re supposed to remove it. It’s perfect for people who are pregnant, have sensitive skin, or just want the best way to remove impurities from the face.
SVR Sebiaclear Serum Anti-Marks Anti-Blemish Global Corrector
The best serum with PHA and niacinamide
SVR Sebiaclear Serum Anti-Marks Anti-Blemish Global Corrector
A lot of times you will see recommendations to use “serums with PHA” (polyhydroxy acids). Well, that’s a lot of fun, but which ones are they and why are they usually so expensive? Well, polyhydroxy acids can be quite expensive, but not this one.
This serum contains niacinamide and gluconolactone, both true powerhouses when it comes to adult acne. One fights blemishes and dark spots, while the other gently exfoliates. And lastly, some sensitive skins may tolerate this without any trouble.
SkinCeuticals Prevent Silymarin CF Serum
The best vitamin C serum for acne-prone skin
SkinCeuticals Prevent Silymarin CF Serum
We know you’ve been looking for a serum with vitamin C that you can actually use while fighting those pesky blemishes.
Try this SkinCeuticals Silymarin! It contains salicylic acid and vitamin C, in a super fluid formula that has not even a trace of grease. It fights off blemishes, dark spots and boosts radiance, for healthy-looking skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum
The anti-acne serum with salicylic acid
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum
You know that salicylic acid is the classic ingredient for acne, and with good reason. It’s able to deeply penetrate the pores and exfoliate them from within (hence with some purging may happen).
This formula, in fact, also combines it with glycolic acid and LHA (lipohydroxy acid), with a touch of niacinamide. A perfect solution for those who need extra exfoliation for rougher skin texture.
Biretix Tri-Active Anti-Blemish Gel
The best retinoid for acne-prone skin
Biretix Tri-Active Anti-Blemish Gel
If your adult acne breakouts are really bad and your skin can handle almost everything you throw in its direction, this product is the one for you. This powerhouse combination of retinoids, AHA, BHA, peptides, and niacinamide literally has it all.
The only downside of this product is that it is very much active and not every skin type will be able to deal with it. However, if you downsize your routine and bet on soothing skincare and sunscreen, it may be a game-changer.
Filorga Age-Purify Intensive Double Correction Serum
The two-in-one serum for aging and acne
Filorga Age-Purify Intensive Double Correction Serum
So far we’ve checked out products that dutifully fight acne while having an anti-aging action. However, if anti-aging is your priority and acne comes in second place, you may want to consider this serum.
This formula is an exquisite concoction of anti-aging ingredients such as peptides and hyaluronic acid. On the other hand, it also contains exfoliating acids and zinc to ensure breakouts are not an issue.
YOUTH LAB Blemish Dots Invisible Blemish Treatment Patches
The best healing patches
YOUTH LAB Blemish Dots Invisible Blemish Treatment Patches
For those whose issue is not exactly adult acne, but the pesky pimple that comes once in a while, these are great. These healing patches offers two main actions; firstly, they help to heal the zits faster.
Secondly, they prevent you from messing with the blemish. By leaving it alone, you are already helping it heal and fade away quickly.
Eucerin DERMOPURE Oil Control Triple Effect Serum
The solution for dark spots
Eucerin DERMOPURE Oil Control Triple Effect Serum
Acne is usually associated with dark spots. This is due to the fact that inflammation triggers the production of melanin, the skin pigment. Therefore, you end up with a dark spot, even if you haven’t popped the zit. For these, it’s ideal to use a product that will help to reduce inflammation, control sebum production and fade away dark spots.
This Eucerin has all three actions, and all at a perfectly affordable price.
We hope this selection of products has helped you find the solution to your hormonal adult acne. For best results, make sure to combine them with a suitable sunscreen for acne-prone skin!
