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Acne at 40: Adult acne remedies for women with acne


Acne at 40 can be more than frustrating. But the fact is adult acne is on the rise. A study examining the prevalence of acne in adults over age 20 found that acne affects more than 50 percent of women between the ages of 20-29 and more than 25 percent of women between the ages of 40-49. And there is a disproportionate number of women with acne than men.*

If you're dealing with acne at 40, or 30, or 50… these facts are likely of little comfort. You just want adult acne remedies that will clear your acne, and keep your skin smooth, spotless and healthy-looking month after month – right?

Well – you're in luck! We've spent years working with adult acne clients of every age, and we've spent just as many years developing scientifically smart, professional products for acne that are depended on by pros in spa treatment rooms from coast to coast.

Here are the adult acne remedies we've learned that you can use today:

1. Use effective at-home products for acne prone skin

When you have acne at 40 – or acne at any age – you need to treat it daily with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that include the most effective FDA-approved active ingredients that are intended for use in the treatment and prevention of acne. This includes Spotless Cleanser, Acne Toner, Amino Mask, and Breakout Control.

2. Know your ingredients

If you still suffer from acne in your 40's, you need to look at the labels before you use any acne skin care product. Make sure it has a Drug Facts box (that's how you'll know it's an OTC), and includes Active Ingredients such as salicylic acid, sulfur or benzoyl peroxide. Avoid any Inactive Ingredients listed that include artificial dyes like red, blue or yellow. And avoid acne products with "fragrance" or "parfum."

3. Get a professional acne facial

Here's why:

  • The combination of at-home products you use coupled with professional services is a 'one-two punch' on acne and will clear your skin even faster.

  • Your professional knows how to properly prep your skin for extractions without causing irritation, damage or further breakouts.

  • They'll monitor your skin's progress and make necessary adjustments to your at-home care.

4. Downward dog or Housewife brawl?

Acne loves stress. Any time the body is exposed to a stressor, external or internal, the brain triggers hormonal, immune and nervous system reactions. These hormonal changes can disrupt the skin's natural cycle, and cause breakouts. So whether it's practicing yoga or the watching the Real Housewives of Orange County scream at each other – do something that de-stresses you. It's one of the easiest adult acne remedies.

5. Watch the calendar

Women with acne can feel like time is standing still when there's a pimple on their chin. But since adult acne is tied so closely to changes in hormones, you can use those hormones in your favor. Pay attention to your cycle each month – and try to pre-empt your breakouts with the right products and ingredients. For example, if you breakout on your chin each month, use a sulfur and lactic acid acne mask for a few nights in a row on the area before you predict a breakout will appear – right when it's still "brewing" under the surface.