There may be nothing more disheartening than waiting until your 20s to finally have clear skin, only to discover the hard way that breakouts don’t necessarily end when your adolescent years do. Adult acne is difficult and frustrating. Breakouts don’t care what stage of life you’re in or what major events you’re planning. Basically, acne in your 40s can hit at any time, and it’s quite common.

You’ve probably tried every cream, lotion, and serum out there when it comes to finding a successful adult acne treatment and regimen. However, it also helps to identify the heart of the problem. To truly treat your adult acne, you may need to first figure out what’s causing it.

Understanding what’s causing acne in your 40s may help you clear up your skin and prevent breakouts. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common causes of adult acne and the most effective ways to treat these pesky breakouts.

Common Causes of Acne in Your 40s

Many factors can cause acne in your 40s, regardless of age, but the following are the most common culprits:

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations can have an impact on your skin’s oil production. These changes may occur during menstruation, pregnancy, use of birth control pills, or menopause. Acne can also be caused by hormonal conditions, such as ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome.

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Diet

According to research, a diet high in sugar, cow’s milk, saturated fats, and trans fats may result in increased sebum production and acne.

Stress

Stress causes hormonal changes that dehydrate the skin, increase oil production, and raise cortisol levels, a stress hormone that prematurely ages the skin.

Skincare routine

Similar to makeup, oil-based products can cause clogged pores and result in breakouts. Using harsh astringents, scrubbing your face, and washing it too frequently can irritate the skin barrier, deplete essential moisture, and promote inflammation—all of which can exacerbate acne in your 40s.

Best Skincare Routine for Adult Acne

Start your day with a mild cleanser

Many individuals believe that acne is caused by an excess of dirt or oil on the skin, so they attempt to scrub and exfoliate the skin excessively. While routine washing is important, because acne is an inflammatory disorder, over-cleansing can aggravate the skin.

You don’t want to deplete your skin’s natural oils which help to keep your skin supple and plump. So, to remove any dirt that may have gathered overnight and avoid oil-cleansing mistakes altogether, use a gentle, oil-free cleanser. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t hydrate and moisturize — simply limit components in your facial wash that can clog pores and trigger outbreaks.

A lactic acid cleanser is a gentle and moisturizing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s particularly beneficial in reducing the risks of acne in your 40s. It does not only remove dirt but also stimulates collagen renewal and keeps your skin hydrated, giving you that youthful elasticity and glow.

Apply treatment

After washing your face, pat it gently with a soft towel rather than rubbing it, and then use an over-the-counter adult acne treatment. Look for OTC products that have benzoyl peroxide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid.

Keep in mind that nonprescription medication may take up to six weeks to work. If you haven’t seen any improvement after that time, consult with a dermatologist who can prescribe a tailored and more effective treatment.

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Use an oil-free moisturizer with natural humectants

Moisturizers help keep your skin’s oil production in check and also make it easier for your skin to tolerate the drying properties of acne medications. Stick to oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers that contain natural humectants like honey, aloe vera, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.

Oil-free moisturizers only use emollients and humectants. Emollients provide a moisture-retaining barrier on the skin, but because they’re lighter than oils, they won’t clog your pores. Natural humectants draw moisture from the air and bond it to your skin, making it softer and more supple.

Apply a retinol product before bedtime

Adults can benefit from retinol’s multitasking properties. Retinoids help eliminate pimples, blackheads, and clogged pores while also speeding up cell turnover and regeneration, restoring the skin’s tone and texture. Essentially, using retinoids is a targeted approach to achieving the clear and youthful skin you desire.

Do not apply retinoids during the day because they can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Retinol creams are safest and most effective when used at night. Not only are you protected from environmental elements and UV rays, but you also get to reap the benefits of retinoids while your skin regenerates and repairs itself.

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That said …

With so many over-the-counter products and information at your fingertips, you can set up a skincare regimen to tackle severe acne in your 40s. Use mild cleansers and cosmetics that won’t clog pores and trigger acne. However, if your acne isn’t clearing up, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist and develop a skin care program tailored to your 40s to keep your skin healthy and blemish-free.