Preparation
Preteen or 40-plus: Breakouts have a way of getting under our skin at any age. But how we treat them is decidedly different. We quizzed dermatologists to learn why adult blemishes happen, and the best routine for treating them.
EltaMD Foaming Facial CleanserDr. Zenovia Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment GelFrench Girl Clear Skin ElixirOxygenetix Acne Control Oxygenating Foundation
Mapping out your blemishes might help you determine their cause. As for hairline eruptions? Tiny bumps here may be caused by shampoo and conditioner, so always rinse well. Styling products can also clog pores and trigger spots; shield your skin with one hand when you’re spritzing on hairspray. And if you’re a hat wearer, make sure you’re always sporting a clean one. If you’re breaking out around your T-zone, check in with your mental health. Are you feeling overwhelmed? That may manifest in pimples here. “Stress causes cortisol levels to rise, leading to an increase in sebum production—and the most active glands are in this area,” says New York City dermatologist Michele Green.
Cheek blemishes, on the other hand, might be caused by face coverings. “‘Maskne’ can happen when you sweat under your mask, don’t change it frequently, or wash it with harsh detergents,” says New York City dermatologist Orit Markowitz. Use a fragrance-free detergent. Also, wipe down your phone daily. And while ‘maskne’ could also cause breakouts on your chin, “these blemishes tend to be hormonal,” says New York City dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali. Your cycle (or going on or off birth control) can be to blame.
The best way to beat breakouts is to prevent them. “Stick to mild products, and avoid varying them too often,” says New York City dermatologist Julie Russak. Use a gentle wash, such as EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser ($28, dermstore.com), in the morning and after sweating. And don’t over-cleanse; this means washing with warm (not hot) water no more than three times daily. Otherwise, your body will respond by churning out more oils, since you’ve stripped the natural ones, Dr. Bhanusali says. Then treat any existing pimples (more on this below, in step 2) and moisturize. A lotion with physical SPF is ideal—that form of sun protection is less likely to clog pores than chemical blocks, says Dr. Markowitz. Try Dr. Zenovia Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30 ($68, sephora.com). For a spa-level cleanse, pat your freshly washed skin dry with the Resoré Face Towel ($35, nordstrom.com). It’s made with treated fibers to prevent bacterial growth, especially common in damp cloths and bathrooms.
When selecting a good blemish treatment, look for these proven active ingredients on the label. Apply a thin layer to the affected area (remember to wash your hands first and make sure the skin is clean). Then let it dry for a minute, and follow with moisturizer.
After cleansing, reach for retinol to help decrease oil production over time, suggests Dr. Russak. Differin Gel Acne Treatment ($16, walgreens.com) is the gold standard for the breakout-prone, and it smooths wrinkles to boot. But if you have sensitive skin, try glycolic and lactic acids to gently purge your pores instead; both are found in CeraVe Acne Control Gel ($18, target.com), which you can apply all over your face. Then rehydrate with an oil-free, noncomedogenic gel. Dr. Markowitz likes Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel ($23, walgreens.com), which has hyaluronic acid. Wash your pillowcases weekly: Hair-care products often leave residue, and those oils can seep into your skin—especially if you’re a side or stomach sleeper.
These days, you can take on any troublemakers with new-and-improved innovations. Feel something brewing under your skin? The tea-tree oil and salicylic acid in Renée Rouleau Rapid Response Detox Masque ($66, reneerouleau.com) deflate burgeoning bumps. For more stuborn spots, undetectable Mario Badescu Drying Patches ($17, ulta.com) infuse lingering pimples with salicylic acid and soothe inflammation with niacinamide. You can wear them all day or overnight. As for real eyesores? Don’t cancel plans; just brush on Oxygenetix Acne Control Oxygenating Foundation ($66, dermstore.com) to conceal imperfections without exacerbating them. The breathable formula contains calming aloe.
