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Adult Acne Treatment: Your Guide to Clearer Skin

Published on January 30, 2025

Dealing with adult acne can feel frustrating and overwhelming. You’re not alone in this challenge! Understanding the causes of adult acne and how to treat it can set you free. Let’s explore effective adult acne treatment options and dermatologist tips for clear skin.

What Causes Adult Acne?

Before jumping into acne treatments, knowing what’s behind these breakouts is crucial. Adult acne can stem from a variety of factors, including:

  • Hormonal fluctuations: Shifts in hormones, particularly in women during menstruation or while on birth control, can trigger acne.
  • Stress: Elevated stress levels can increase hormone levels that lead to breakouts.
  • Diet: Some studies suggest that high glycemic foods and dairy may contribute to acne.
  • Skincare Products: Often, using too heavy or greasy products can worsen breakouts if they are not non-comedogenic.

Identifying your triggers is key to finding the right hormonal acne treatment or lifestyle adjustments.

Starting with the Right Skincare Routine

An effective skincare routine for acne-prone adults is foundational for treatment. Here are some dermatologist-approved tips:

  • Choose a sulfate-free, gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of natural oils.
  • Exfoliate with salicylic acid or retinoids a few times a week. These ingredients help unclog pores and promote skin cell turnover.
  • Never skip moisturizing. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic acne products to keep your skin hydrated without adding extra oil.
  • Apply daily SPF, especially when using retinoids. Choose oil-free formulas made for acne-prone skin.

Best Products for Adult Acne

When searching for the best products to prevent adult acne, consider skincare products like cleansers, moisturizers, spot treatments, and serums.

Look for cleansers enriched with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. For oily or acne-prone skin, choose hydrogel moisturizers. Hydrogel moisturizers hydrate without clogging pores.

Spot treatment formulas containing sulfur or tea tree oil can effectively target blemishes. Serums with niacinamide or witch hazel are also recommended to control oil production and inflammation.

These products can help you combat and prevent breakouts effectively when used consistently.

Lifestyle Changes for Acne Prevention

While topical treatments are vital, don’t forget the role of lifestyle in acne management. Here are a few lifestyle changes for acne prevention:

  • Drink enough water to flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated.
  • Engage in relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise to control breakouts.
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Minimize sugar and processed foods.

These lifestyle adjustments can complement your skincare routine!

When to See a Dermatologist

It might be time to consult a dermatologist for those who struggle with persistent breakouts despite trying various products and routines. 

Our board-certified doctors at Westchester Center for Dermatology understand your frustration. Let us help you break free from adult acne. We offer acne treatment for those with sensitive skin and more. 

One of our doctors, Dr David Kriegel, was selected by his peers as an outstanding practicing doctor in New York in 2024. After an extensive nomination and research process conducted by MSP Communications, the results were published in New York Super Doctors, a special advertising section in the May 4, 2025 issue of The New York Times Sunday Magazine.

Schedule Your Consultation

Don’t let adult acne hold you back any longer. Say goodbye to those pesky breakouts and book an appointment in Scarsdale. 

Westchester Center for Dermatology is also near Hasting on Hudson, Crestwood, Tuckahoe, Thornwood, Pleasantville, Harrison, Hawthorne, and Purchase patients.

Achieving clear, healthy skin is possible when you equip yourself with the right products, routines, and advice.