Adult acne has a lot of particularities. You’re no longer a teenager, so you have no interest in just controlling zits. You are now demanding more from your products and, due to the pandemic and maskne, brands are delivering. Acne is nowadays very common in women aged 30 and 40, contrary to what was the norm some decades ago. There are several factors that can have an impact on this, but some of the most common are hormonal imbalances, POS and mechanical distress. All in all, it usually has to do with either altered hormonal levels or friction (like wearing masks).
So, if you have acne in your 30s, what are you looking for? Firstly, controlling blemishes, which can sometimes be painful and inesthetic. Secondly, you want to keep your skin properly hydrated. Lastly, you still want to be fighting premature aging with everything your skin deserves. So let’s take a look at our favorite products for adult acne.
Sesderma Salises Foamy Soap-Free Cream Acne-Prone Skin
Best cleanser
Sesderma Salises Foamy Soap-Free Cream Acne-Prone Skin
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
Perfect 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
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
With niacinamide
SVR Sebiaclear Serum Anti-Marks Anti-Blemish Global Corrector
A lot of times you will see recommendations to use “serums with PHA”. 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
With vitamin C
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. Hence comes Silymarin, the new launch from SkinCeuticals. It contains salicylic acid and vitamin C, in a super liquid 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
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, with a touch of niacinamide. A perfect solution for those who need extra exfoliation for rougher skin texture.
Biretix Tri-Active Anti-Blemish Gel
With retinoids
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 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 all skin 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
With peptides
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
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, it helps to heal the zits faster. Secondly, it prevents 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
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.
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