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But it also helps to get to the root of the problem.
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Coming to terms with adult acne is difficultbut rest assured, youre not the only adultdealing with zits.
Knowing whats causing your pimples can help you clear up your skin and keep breakouts at bay.
Remind me, what causes breakouts?
At the root of all acne is a clogged pore.
Sometimes, justtaking better care of your skinby cleansing or exfoliating regularly can be enough to prevent acne.
For many others, though, the situation is more complicated.
Cysts are pockets of pus that form deep in the skin,SELF explained previously.
Theyre notoriously stubborn to treat because topical treatments dont usually have much of an effect.
And because theyre so deep, they are more likely to cause scarring if popped.
When youre stressed, your adrenal gland releases cortisol,Neal Schultz, M.D.
Its levels naturally fluctuate over time (evenwithin a single day).
Research suggests it may contribute to acne bycreating a favorable environmentfor bacteria-driven inflammatory acne.
However,experts still dont totally understandhow pollution can contribute to acne.
But can exposure to UV rays or chemicals in the air actually damage your skin?
Thats why its always important to wear abroad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPFbasically every day.
Itll help prevent adult acne and help protect your face in general.
Products like these are less likely to clog your pores.
Overwashing your face can make acne worse, Dr. Kazin explains.
Additionally, exfoliating too often or with products that are too harsh can damage skin and exacerbate acne.
Experts also recommendexfoliating no more than three timesper week for most people.
In some cases, adult acne could be a symptom of another health condition, theAAD says.
But PCOS is also known to cause hormonal acne thanks to the abnormal hormonal fluctuations it can cause.
So take it slowbut be persistent.
It works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells.
Find it in: A ton of over-the-counter cleansers, spot treatments, and masks.
For most people, its gentle enough to use on your whole facepossibly even daily.
Glycolic acidis an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), another bang out of chemical exfoliant.
Find it in: Cleansers, serums, and peels.
As the concentration gets higher, the product will be more powerful, but also more sensitizing.
Lactic acidis yet another chemical exfoliant, an AHA.
Benzoyl peroxideworks by actually killing the acne bacteria while exfoliating the pores at the same time.
Its not as gentle as the chemical exfoliants, so be careful when using it and double-check to moisturize.
Find it in: A classic derm recommendation, PanOxyl facial wash, comes in bothlower-strengthandhigher-strengthversions.
AsSELF explained previously, the exact mechanism by which azelaic acid works isnt totally understood.
But we do know its effective.
Retinoidsare vitamin A derivatives, including retinol, retinal (retinaldehyde), and retinoic acid.
They come in over-the-counter options (usually the active ingredient is retinol in these) and stronger prescription versions.
There are really a ton of retinol products out there, so check outthese dermatologist-recommended options.
For more severe or stubborn acne, talk to a dermatologist about getting a prescription retinoid.
It can be a little harsh, though, so those with sensitive skin should be careful with it.
Try this classic spot treatment:Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment, which contains benzoyl peroxide, heavy-duty action.
Not all pimples are inflamed, but those that are tend to be extra unpleasant to deal with.
So finding ways to calm them down while treating the root of the problem is essential.
For instance, hormonal acne is fueled by internal processes that cant really be tamed with external medications.
In that case, your dermatologist may recommend an oral medication.
Additionally, oral retinoids like isotretinoin (formerly Accutane) are considered the big dermatological guns when fighting acne.
Ask your derm about what might work for you.
When it comes to cystic acne, topical treatments are unlikely to cut it.
Cortisone shots are the true spot treatments for painful cystic acne lesions, Dr. Tzu says.
