First, a little background. Throughout high school, my face was nearly 100% clear nearly 100% of the time. Sure, I got the occasional zit here or there, but I was never self conscious about my skin. My college years followed suit–a pimple every now and then, but nothing major. Now, out of college, my skin has taken a drastic turn for the worse! Because I take such good care of my skin (you can read more on that here and here), I decided it was high time for me to put my researcher’s cap on and find out why I am starting to break out now…as an adult!
The Stats…
…are a little alarming! One study shows that over 50% of adult women are dealing with acne, many of whom did not have breakouts in their earlier years. So, the first message is: you’re not in this alone! Half of all women are trying to figure this thing out!
What if you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with adolescent acne or adult acne? First, keep your age in mind. Women over 21 or 22 years of age are typically dealing with adult acne, while teenagers usually experience the adolescent type. Another way to tell is to look at where the acne is on your face (more on that later!). If it’s on the upper portion, it’s probably adolescent; the lower portion, adult.
The Reasons Why
Like most things body-related, the “why” of adult acne can be addressed with a myriad of responses. This is especially true when talking about the skin. Each person’s skin is so different to begin with, throwing in factors like lifestyle, environment, and diet only further complicates the situation–it’s no wonder addressing acne can be so challenging! What works for one probably won’t work for many.
That being said, there are some definite contributors. Here’s are the main 6 causes of adult acne in women that I found:
- Hormone Changes. Typically beginning in a woman’s mid-to-late twenties and persisting into adulthood, many women experience hormone-caused acne. This acne can be attributed to androgens, which are the hormones responsible for stimulating the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin. When this hormone overstimulates, a woman’s facial acne can flare up. Dermatologist Diane Berson says, “When adult women experience acne outbreaks, hormones are usually the primary culprit.” (I have a sneaking suspicion this is the issue for me!)
- High Stress Levels. Those darn androgens! They also overproduce during times of stress, overstimulating oil production and causing breakouts for women. Many dermatologists believe that women who are able to get their stress under control may also be able to clear up their complexion.
- Medications. Certain types of medication can trigger breakout in women; chemicals like anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, sobriety drugs, and even some birth control pills can make skin worse. Have a conversation with your doctor about the medication you’re on and find out if there’s a more skin-friendly alternative.
- Diet. Although once widely disputed, most dermatologists now agree that diet plays a relatively significant role in a person’s complexion. Some swear that milk and dairy are to blame, while others believe that excess sugar triggers breakouts. Keep a food journal during an acne flare-up and try to find a potential cause.
- Products and Cosmetics. Pay close attention to not only what you put on your face, but also what you put near it! Hair styling gels, sprays, and other products can clog pores and cause breakouts. If you have bangs, try pinning them back for a few weeks and see if your skin clears up. Try changing your makeup regime to something more natural if you feel that your cosmetics could be causing your acne.
- Environmental Factors. Humidity, pollution, and weather can all contribute to acne. But there are some things that I hadn’t thought about as well. For example, if you’re talking on your cell phone a lot, you may experience more frequent breakouts. Your screen is not clean, and the bacteria it gathers can negatively affect your skin.
Now that we’ve covered some of the causes of adult acne, I’m sure you’re wondering how to know what’s causing your skin to flare up? Read on, my friend.
Where Your Acne Is & What’s Causing It
Luckily for us, where our acne presents itself can say a lot about its root cause. (I don’t know about you, but this makes me sing praises! Ain’t nobody got time to guess what’s causing breakouts!)
Here’s what you need to do (it’s simple, I promise): look at the face map below and identify which color zone correlates to your worst problem areas. Then, read what the cause for acne in that area is. Hopefully this face map can help you to self-diagnose and (fingers crossed!) correct your acne problem areas.
Royal Blue Zones (forehead): Digestive System and Bladder. In order to improve acne in this area, you may need to consider a diet change or an increase in your intake of water. Consider cutting back processed foods–that can really help clear up this area.
Hot Pink Zone (in between eyebrows): Liver. To eradicate in-between-eyebrow pimples, consider a detox of sorts. Cut down on your alcohol consumption, eat lighter foods, and consider any foods you may have developed an allergy to (such as dairy)–this area is where an allergy traditionally manifests itself.
Forest Green Zones (outside of eyes): Kidneys. This is a quick fix: cut down on coffee, soda, and other sugary beverages, and drink some good ‘ol H20 instead. Hydrate your body and you should see a significant decrease in acne around your eyes. Acne on your ears relates to the kidneys as well.
White Zone (nose): Heart. Acne on your nose could mean high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Try cutting back on red meat and increase your intake of foods with Omega 3’s like avocado and fish. Additionally, because your nose is so porous, make sure that your makeup isn’t expired.
Purple Zones (cheeks): Respiratory System. Acne in this area usually points to allergies or smoking. In the case that neither allergies nor smoking are the culprit, consider keeping your body at a neutral temperature rather than allowing it to overheat–avoid spicy foods and add more green veggies to your diet. You should also ensure that the items that touch your face the most (your cell phone, pillowcase, and hands) are squeaky clean.
Teal Zones (outside, corners of mouth): Hormones. Personally, this is my problem. This zone is difficult to eradicate because hormones by nature are somewhat out of our control. However, getting enough zzz’s at night, keeping skin clean and moisturized, and a balanced diet can help. Which side of the face this acne presents itself is also indicative of which side a woman is ovulating…how interesting…now get off of my face! If you’re willing to go on birth control, some pills can help clear up skin if hormones are the cause.
Looking for a more natural approach than birth control? According to Wellness Mama, a woman experiencing hormone imbalance should cut out polyunsaturated fats (like vegetable oil), caffeine, and household toxins. She also suggests getting plenty of sleep and supplementing with vitamins such as maca and magnesium, which have been shown to help balance hormones. Her post on balancing hormones is very interesting, read more here.
Yellow Zone (chin): Stomach. Because this area is associated with the stomach, increasing the amount of fiber in your diet, drinking more water, and generally detoxing your body may help clear up this area.
These zones and the organs they correlate to can be very useful in self-diagnosing your acne woes and addressing them. Really, you’re fighting your acne from the inside out! If your issue is truly internal, no amount of creams and cleansers will clear up your face anyway….I know, I know, I feel your frustration! But a quick fix won’t work. Clearing up adult acne takes some dedication and lifestyle changes.
For other natural ways to fight acne, check out my post here.
What Should I Be Washing My Face With?
This is the toughie. As I mentioned earlier, what works for one probably won’t work for many. Each woman has a different skin type and therefore will react differently to cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and spot treatments. That being said, here are a few recommendations I’ve stumbled upon through my research:
Consider the Oil Cleansing Method (it really worked for me!), creamy cleansers like Cetaphil, and spot treatments with low percentages of medication (i.e. 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide instead of 10%)…it’s been proven that a higher percentage doesn’t mean a more effective treatment and more potent medicine dries skin out faster, irritating it, and making it more likely for a woman to break out!
Another excellent, natural option is using Bentonite Clay for face masks. Bentonite Clay is awesome when used as a face mask…it literally vacuums out your pores! It’s half amazing and half strange when you feel it pulsate on your face as it sucks out oil, toxins, and impurities…well, make that three-quarters amazing. Read more about Bentonite Clay here.
Update July 2013: I received an email from a reader (hi Margaret!) who has some great suggestions for women dealing with hormonal adult acne. She recommends washing with Nelson’s Pure & Clear Acne Wash and treating with Nelson’s Pure & Clear Acne Treatment Gel. She also recommends supplementing your diet with Rainbow Light’s Active Teen all-natural vitamins with a Derma-Complex skin-clearing blend, and also taking Evening Primrose Oil capsules, Vitex capsules, and 5-HTP tablets daily to help balance hormones. Apparently the Vitex capsules are the real kicker! I look forward to trying these out.
Update January 2015: My skin is finally clear again! Here’s my schedule written out, as prescribed by my dermatologist…
In the morning:
- Wash face with AcneFree Oil-Free Acne Cleanser (buy it here) or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (buy it here), depending on whether my skin is feeling oily or dry
- Apply CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion, PM (buy it here)–I use PM because AM has sunscreen in it, and I hate the way sunscreen smells! If you want the AM version, buy it here.
- Apply makeup! (See what I use here)
In the evening:
- Wash face with AcneFree Oil-Free Acne Cleanser (buy it here)
- Apply pea-sized amount of Ziana (RX only) all over face
- Apply CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion, PM (buy it here)
For more information on where I am on my clear skin journey now, read this post.
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So, there you have it. Everything you ever wanted to know about women’s adult acne…it only took me four and a half hours and almost 1,600 words! This research process has truly helped me to self-diagnose and begin to implement necessary changes; I hope this information proves valuable to you, too!
Please comment below with your skin story…challenges and triumphs alike! Are you experiencing adult acne? What have you found works? (If you’ve found a cure for your adult acne and would like to share it, please email me at [email protected]!) Like my Facebook Page for more acne tips and information!
This post has been shared on Party Wave Wednesday & Thank Your Body Thursday.
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This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Thanks
Thanks!
b
I used to struggle with horrible acne all over my cheeks and jawline. Horrible. What has worked for me is Dr. Bronner’s soap in the tea tree scent (tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and acne = bacteria). This stuff is amazing – all natural and a company that’s been around for decades but doesn’t advertise, so their entire advertising is done through word of mouth. This is a liquid castile soap that you dilute for use on your face but can also use for many other reasons (hand soap, shampoo, cleaning, laundry detergent) I use it for my body wash and face wash.
My acne ultimately cleared up by using topical medications from my dermatologist, but now my skin care routine is Dr Bronner’s soap at night followed by medication cream and moisturizer. In the AM i use Dove soap with my Clarisonic (love this as well) followed by a day time lighter moisturizer. Dr. Bronners was what ultimately turned my always oily skin into a completely different skin texture. I get compliments on my skin all the time now for its “glow.”
Dr. Bronners is a must for anyone with oily or acne prone skin!
I’ve used Dr. Bronner’s soap in the past for my body, but I’ve never thought to use the Tea Tree Oil variety on my face. That makes perfect sense, though. I’ll definitely need to try that!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Elizabeth!
xo,
b
Well yes, that’a something I use since years with best results. I mix pure tea tree oil (about 100 drops) with 250ml of liquid soap for my face wash. Works almost overnight. When I try usual soap again, the pimples arise on the same day again.
That’s so awesome, Caroline! 🙂
xo,
b
hi! my name is arianna and i am 12 1/2 years old. Yes, i am almost a teenager and i have been getting a lot of breakouts towards the upper part of my face. This is making me very nervous because my father had a bad case of acne during his adolescent years, and you never know, it could be hereditary. Anyway, my acne has really been bothering me lately especially because i am being made fun of it
sorry it got cut off^ what i ment to say was thank you i have been using these bad cleansers for over twoyears and all they do is dry my skin out ! thanks again great job i finally found a treatment!
So glad this post was helpful to you, Arianna! I bet you’re beautiful no matter what! 🙂
xo,
b
How do you not respond to the 12 year old?!?? If anyone deserves it, it’s her! For grown women it’s a nuisance. For teens, it’s horrible. Hmmmm, leads me to my theory about the narcissism of bloggers
Shoot – I didn’t see your response- my bad! Really emotional about teens
I respond to everyone who comments…don’t jump the gun 😉
xo,
b
I’m 29 and have been dealing with cystic acne for the last two years. I have tried everything including lasers and peels and finally found something that works. I have been taking Pantothenic Acid since August 2013 and the cystic acne has been 99% cleared up! I started taking 5 grams a day (10 500mg pills) and am now down to 7 a day. I wanted to share this with you and your readers because I know how physically and emotionally painful acne is, even for an adult. Thanks!
Hey Jakky! THANK YOU for your comment. I will definitely be getting some Pantothenic Acid–I’m sick and tired of this! Thanks again.
xo,
b
I should have mentioned, this is the best part! You can get Pantothenic Acid at Vitamin Shoppe, Vitamin World or even Amazon! It is actually vitamin B5 so it is safer than other medications. Start with taking 5 grams (10 pills at 500mg each) for a month or so, then gradually wean yourself off. Almost 5 months later and I am taking 7 pills a day.If iI have to take them for the rest of my life I will do it to never have that horrible, painful acne again! Best wishes and I hope and pray it works for you too!
Thank you for your comment, I really need to try this as I have also been dealing with cystic acne for 4 years and have tried everything. They are so painful sand have really taken an emotional toll. I can’t wait to try this and fingers crossed I have the same results as you
I hope so too, Megan! I know how difficult it is. It’s TERRIBLE!
xo,
b
You might want to consider cutting gluten out of your diet, cysts are a sign of intolerance. I know that’s a commitment, but I bet you have cysts in the inside of your body also (I did) go totally gluten free at least 3 weeks before you see how you feel. Because the first week or so you feel pretty rough. Then you feel good! Best of luck
Perhaps I’ll try this–but it is quite the commitment! I’ll report back if I do.
xo,
b
Wow your acne face chart is spot on! I’ve never had a huge issue with acne but when I do break out bad its always only on my chin. I’ve had stomach and intestine issues for years and a couple surgerys to try to fix them. Never would of thought that that was the cause of my breakouts also! Makes since!
It’s so interesting, isn’t it?
xo,
b
this is so neat because I only have a right ovary and the right side/corner of my mouth is where I break out!
It’s so weird, right?! Glad I could help diagnose you 🙂
xo,
b
What about on the body? Specifically the back.
You know, I’m not totally sure. I’m currently taking large doses of Pantothenic Acid daily and it’s really helped my cystic acne. I would give it a shot if I were you!
Best of luck!
xo,
b
Are you also taking 10 pills a day? The thought of taking that many pills a day kind of freaks me out 🙁 I too am currently struggling with cystic acne and would LOVE to be able to start taking this to see if it’ll help!!!
Thanks!!
Hey Vicky!
I stopped recently, but I was taking 10 a day for a while. It definitely helped, although it’s a pain to take so many pills!
xo,
b
I have purchased a bottle of Pantothenic Acid 500 mg…The bottle said to take one pill daily. I was just wondering what made you guys start taking so many capsules at one time? Is 7-10 capsules needed in order for this vitamin to be successful in helping to clear up my face? Thanks again!!!
Hi Vicky, from what I understand, you need to take a higher dosage of the Pantho to get it cleaning your system. The recommended dosage on the bottle is just to maintain. It is vitamin B5, so there isn’t any negative side effects that I’ve had or read about. Usually I take them a couple at a time while working on the computer in the morning. Give it a try for a month and see if it makes a difference. Best of luck!
Yes, the high dosage is what helps the cystic acne from all of the literature I’ve read. It definitely helped me, but I ended up going to the dermatologist and getting on an antibiotic at the end of the day–it just wasn’t getting better enough!
xo,
b
Hello let me start with I’m a 31 lady that has been dealing with acne over 18 years. With this said let me start with I do tan only to cover my acne. But my face,chest and back are VERY OILY. I shower every morning and every night. Washing my face twice a day. I wash my sheets twice a week. I’ve tried every laundry powders – body wash – face wash possible. 90 % made the problem worst or never changed the problem. My husband will touch my face – back or chest and within 30 minutes of doing so I will have a pimple show up. I do not wear make up haven’t in over 5 years. Thinking that was the cause of the problem. I do notice that I have VERY OILLY SKIN. when I say OILLY I mean enough oil to cook eggs for a week in one day. So I have to wash my face every 30 min. Ugh I can only use dove body wash. And clean and clear face wash. But the acne doesn’t go away. I tried everything on the market to cheap to very high dollar. I spent over 35.00 on a bottle of face wash. That made my face ten times worst. I’ve been to a doctor got meds and those didn’t help. So writing this what else for me can I do to help this if I’ve already done all that u said on here. I can’t oil base products on my skin if my skin already makes enough oil itself. So please any ideas tips. Help me please.
Hey Jackie!
I would especially recommend that you try the Oil Cleansing Method if your face is so oily. As crazy as it sounds, the OCM helps your skin return to a neutral state. Give it a go for two weeks-you have nothing to lose! Best of luck!
xo,
b
Washing your face that often may actually be making the oily problem worse, believe it or not. Your skin needs oils, which is why it produces them, and if your skin thinks it’s drying our or doesn’t have enough of those oils to protect it, then it produces MORE oil. So washing the oil off your face can actually signal the skin to make even more oil! What works for me, though my skin wasn’t quite as oily as yours it sounds like, was to start using a good-quality moisturizer every day. That helped clear a LOT of it up! Then recently I started using the oil cleansing method, like Blair recommended in her comment. That helps clear up even more oiliness, AND it helps keep my acne at bay! Hope you can find a combination that works for you – dealing with oily skin is definitely no fun!
So true! Great thoughts.
xo,
b
If any of you struggling with oily skin or acne are not on spironolactone, go to your doctor NOW and get on it. You’ll thank me later!! It drastically reduces the oil that your body produces. It worked miracles for me for a long time but I think my body kind of got used to it because every summer I’m back to battling breakouts around my mouth. But it’s still nothing like it was before.
Glad you found something that works! 🙂
xo,
b
You got everything I need to know about acne. This really clears out a lot of questions as to what factors caused mine. Thank you so much for breaking it all down step by step. My sister’s acne case is far worse than mine, this would really be of great help for her.
So glad I could help, Ashley! Good luck!
xo,
b
Hi! I have a super red nose, it doesn’t really look like acne. My nose is oily and flaky (I have seborheic dermatitis) but I have acne on my forehead and chin.. My forehead is oily and my cheeks and chin is normal but sometimes dry. Seborheic dermatitis effects the skin texture and can also make skin red though I don’t know if that’s what’s causing my redness. I wish I knew what causes the seborheic dermatitis and the redness… It could be stress or hormones (I’m 15 ?) ?? Is there any way to balance hormones & stress less?
Hey Emma!
I’m not a doctor, a dermatologist, or anything of the sort, so I really have 0 qualifications to give you advice. If you’ve exhausted every option medically, though, I would recommend seeking out an acupuncturist or perhaps someone trained in Chinese medicine. Sometimes it’s the “crazy” treatment plans that work when the modern ones don’t!
Best of luck! I know how difficult it is when you’re dealing with your skin!
xo,
b
Hello,
Great article, thanks for all of the info! I am 29, and am currently experiencing a very frustrating time with hormonal acne. All of my life, with the exception of the past two months, my skin has been 100% clear( with the exception of one or two very small cheek blemishes during menstruation). I began taking primrose oil to try to combat some of my severe PMS symptoms, but soon notived the supplement was to blame for my acne. I was on it for about three weeks, I thought it was supposed to help, but it made it a million times worse. I stopped taking it at once, and within the week my skin cleared up by 90%. I am still left with the annoying hormal zone that flared up once in a while, but with the primrose it was all over my face. Primrose may work for many, but if you start taking it and it gets worse, you are not alone. Just wanted to share my primrose experience. Thanks!
Great info. Love to hear all sides!
xo,
b
Thanks for this info blair! any info you got on acne for new mothers? I didn’t have acne during pregnancy, but now that my baby is 10 m.o I start to have them again! (I just started to get my period again too, this month so maybe it’s related to the hormones?). What do you think? any other tips? thank yoouuuuu
Hey Debora!
I’d be willing to bet your acne is hormone-related. I’m not a mom, so I haven’t walked in your shoes, but I’d give it a few months as your hormones balance out again before trying anything drastic. Try clay masks and an anti-inflammatory diet, perhaps? I bet there’s another blogger who’s all over this…who’s actually had a baby! Best of luck to you and congrats on your new bundle of joy!
xo,
b
These are some real good tips !
But would it work if I would use tea tree oil instead of lavender?
And doesnt it clog pores?
It doesn’t clog pores! And you can totally use TTO, but don’t use a lot. It’s really drying!
xo,
b
What if it’s mainly you’re neck broke out?
I used to have neck-acne as well. It was caused by hormones, just like my jaw-line acne. Perhaps you’re experiencing the same thing?
xo,
b
Thank you for posting such wonderful information. I ever since I was 11 years old I would get them here and there after hitting my 20s I noticed that my acne got worse. I stop focusing on the acne for a little and focus on my health issues I had an extreme case of constipation and I went a couple of time to get Hydro colon therapy which are about 60 dollars for sections (depending where you go) Of course not everyone including my self don’t have this kind of money. So the lady that ran the hydro therapy sections told me to try Mag07 from Pure Vegan to clean your colon after two months of use I have seen big improvement on my skin because it has helped my body removed lots of toxins. I am 25 and I am extremely happy to finally be able to see what was under my acne.
This is for women that deal with acne because of their digestive system.
Thanks for sharing your experience! Adult acne is the WORST, isn’t it? Really interesting how cleansing your colon was the key to clearing up your skin. Thanks again for stopping by!
xo,
b
Just stumbled upon this and read it as I too have struggled with adult acne. My worst cystic acne is around my mouth (hormone). What seems to have worked the best for me lately is switching to a more organic diet, especially dairy (milk, cheese, etc). My skin has really started to clear up. I can now notice if I slip up and eat regular dairy for a week. As a side note, I use H2O Plus products for cleansing and moisturizing and prescription aczone on my skin.
Thanks for sharing, Laura! I switched to more organic dairy as well and I’m feeling better, too! Love it!
xo,
b
Not sure if anyone said this, but 50mg of Zinc works wonders as well. I take both that and DIM supplements to (balance my hormones) assist with this and my skin is 90% clearer. I’ve spent so much money on skin care products only to come back to nature to assist me in the process.
Hey Lisa! I’ve heard that Zinc works really well! My skin is [finally] under control again, but I’d love to try Zinc in the future.
xo,
b
I have had Poly cystic acne most of my life. I was treated with actuane successfully in my 20’s but was told with the hormonal changes of aging and pregnancy it would likely come back. I read in a dermatology journal that some acne could be caused by folic acid and magnesium deficiency and may be treated with vitamins. I found prenatal vitamins worked beautifully. I stopped taking them when my babies were born and tha acne came back. I started taking them again and 2 -3 days after restarting them the acne was gone. I have tried stopping and starting the prenatal vitamins several times with the same results. The vitamins are safer than antibiotics and other retin a creams. Worth a try!
That’s so awesome!! I’ll have to try that.
xo,
b
Hi Andrea,
Regarding “pre-natal vitamins”, would you care to identify which these are?
Many thanks,
Nel
Blair, I find you blog to very refreshing and informative. I have recommended you site to my followers in the context of my recent post on The Prevention and Treatment of Adult Acne. Keep up the good work.
http://drrucker.wordpress.com/2014/11/19/4-strategies-to-help-reduce-those-dreaded-acne-outbreaks/
Thanks for the link love!
xo,
b
Well,good n new information for me.my daughter has acne on her forhead as every other day she applies mud mask,she looks fresh after washing it but acne is still there,now i will make her drink water 8 glasses per day.any update do remember to share.thanks kirran:-
Good luck to your daughter!!
xo,
b
Hi, I am a 27 year old vegetarian and have been for many years. Never had acne until I turned about 22 and had been trying every birth control on the market because they all gave me horrible side effects and blood clots. I was finally put on a progesterone only pill that gave me the biggest cysts you can possibly imagine where I could hardly touch my face or lay on a pillow without feeling pain. After about 6 months, I finally gave up on birth control pills but the lasting acne has never gone away. I have tried every possible product on the market for acne, bought bottles and bottles of supplements, and when nothing worked, I went on an extremely restrictive diet to eliminate anything that may be causing my acne. For six months I was a strict gluten-free vegan who also avoided caffeine, alcohol, and most sugar. Although I quickly got down to 90 pounds, I still had acne so that didn’t work. I take a plethora of supplements because I’m not a big eater and need to try to ensure proper nutrients, but there are three things that have helped me tremendously with acne. This is specifically for adult hormonal acne and I don’t recommend it for adolescents because during adolescence, the body is starting to produce hormones and I don’t think it’s a good time to mess with that.
The first supplement I use is called Diindolylmethane or DIM. This is the main compound derived from cruciferous vegetables and it helps hormonal acne by assisting your liver in eliminating the “bad” type of estrogen. I am currently taking 200 mg a day. Please keep in mind that this is not an overnight cure. If excessive estrogen is causing your acne and this is going to work for you, you should see some results in 3-4 weeks but it usually takes about 6-8 weeks for dramatic results to be noticed. Also, it needs to be continued or else it is likely that excessive estrogen will start to build up in your system again and within a few weeks of stopping, you may start to get acne again. One more thing, you will probably pee orange several hours after taking this supplement!
The second supplement I take is Vitex (Chasteberry). This herb helps to bring balance to the hormones, but again, it should be used for at least a month before you notice any results. As a side benefit, it is also used to help with PMS symptoms, excessive bleeding and cramping, and can reduce uterine fibroids if you are prone to these.
The last thing I use is Apple Cider Vinegar. Only raw, organic, unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar will work (I use Bragg’s). I use this both internally by putting about a tablespoon in a bottle of water, and externally as a toner on my skin. ACV is a general health tonic and can bring balance to the body because, although it is acidic, once it enters the body, it has an extreme alkalizing effect. There are too many side benefits of ACV to list here, but the one that I like the most is that it is virtually impossible for me to get sick while taking it! I have not even had as much as a cold in 4 years even when I am having to share a tight or cramped space with someone who is very ill. If someone is starting to come down with a cold, I tell them to take apple cider vinegar in water at least three times a day so they won’t get the full sickness and I tell people who say they might have food poisoning to take it every hour as soon as their symptoms start to help kill and eliminate the bad bacteria.
As mentioned above, I also take a lot of other supplements to ensure proper nutrition, so I would also recommend getting enough Vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, etc. as these will also help.
Good luck to everyone and remember that your love and compassion for other beings will radiate from you no matter what your skin or physical form looks like!
What a great roundup of information! Thanks for sharing! best of luck on your skin journey!!!
xo,
b
How much ACV do you drink with water daily? Do you increase the amount when your sick? To use ACV as a tone, how much do you mix with water? What doseage of zinc and vitex do you take?
Hi! I´m 13 years and I don´t think that I have acne, but is it the same as pores? because my nose is full of pores! maybe I have eaten to much chocolate?! and I´m drinking a glass of water everyday:( I don´t know how I can make me drink more!!! pleas help!
The water thing is weird but a teenager should drink 2 bottles of water every day!!! and I´m drinking just one glass!!!:(
I know! It’s so hard to get all that water in…but so important!
xo,
b
Hi there, ive suffered from acne for as long as i could remember.until a few years go i was waitressing and a woman suggested i try using diaper rash cream that has a lot of zink. I use it every night and wash it off with a warm cloth in the mornings. Works miracles for me
That’s so interesting! I’d love to try it!
xo,
b
Hi Shawnee,
I would really recommend you seeing a dermatologist. I was in the same place where you were, so I went to the dermatologist and have had clear skin for nearly a year now! Best of luck!
xo,
b
I love using the oil cleansing method. I especially like the lavender scent and what it does for your skin. Since I used to deal with so much acne, I felt this was a great way to moisturize my skin and relieve painful zits.
So glad that works for you! 🙂 I love it, too!
xo,
b
I think your blog is very helpful. It makes me feel too that I’m not the only person out there with this problem.
So glad, Dinah! Thanks!
xo,
b
I’ve just started using a homeopathic “medication” called Calcarea Sulphurica. So far it decreased the three cysts on my back by at least 75% in three days. I did get three new cysts on my face after starting Cal. Sulph. but unlike the cysts I usually get, they’re fading fast too. Has anyone else tried this stuff? Can anyone relate anything about it? How long should I continue taking it? Usually homeopathics are just taken til improvement is seen.
I’ve never heard of Calcarea Sulphurica, but I’m so glad to hear it’s working for you! Woo hoo!
xo,
b
I am breaking out along my jaw bone & down my neck. It is starting to itch. Have changed products, stopped wearing make up, to no avail. The itching is worse so I have had an allergy test done. Can’t wait for results, hoping for answers.
How frustrating! Best of luck! Let me know what it is when you find out!
xo,
b
I also struggle with adult acne. I agree that the majority of the issue is with hormones and we have to do the best we can to fix it from within. The best thing for me was to take Vitex. I took it for about 2 years and my face never cleared up completely but it was a lot better than before. Now I’m pregnant and my face is clear but I know once I give birth I’m going to have to take Vitex again to help out. Thanks for this helpful information.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Nasira! And congratulations on your little one! 🙂
xo,
b
Coconut oil helps clear up bad breakout and changes your skin for the better. Works for me every time I have problems with a new skin care products or makeup. Your article is amazing, thank you.
Thanks for the confidence boost, Jenn! 🙂
xo,
b
Hi there! I’m wondering if you use anything to take off makeup first, or do you just cleanse?
Thank you!
Danielle
I just cleanse! Super fast and easy.
xo,
b
very nice information. thanks for sharing. adult acne is most common factor for everyone.
Totally! Thanks for reading!
xo,
b
I loVe how you broke down what each area means. But can you tell me what causes back acne?
Hey Krista! This article looks like it may have some helpful information for you: http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/men/hygiene/how-to-get-rid-of-acne-on-your-back1.htm 🙂
xo,
b
Seriously considering trying this.
Thanks darling~
Best of luck, Abby! 🙂
xo,
b
very nice blog!! people have an individual tendency to scar more than others, but you can make it worse by picking or squeezing. Keep fingers away from the face. for more information you can visit : http://www.nestpillmart.com/
interesting… as a teen i never had much trouble with my skin, but after abut 18 i started to get pimples galore and now at 24 i actually have some scarring and just more and more trouble with my skin..
the past three years, i would be sick on and off for about six months with respiratory problems, chest infections and all that, apparently due to stress.
one guess where most of the mess on my face was.
still have some, but the scarring is already there and i don’t know if there’s a way to get rid of it now…
(in the meantime it’s decided my neck is a far more interesting place so it’s mostly over there now.. -.-” )
I totally feel your pain! Here’s to finding a sustainable solution for your skin!
xo,
b
In high school and college I never had bad breakouts. But, after college I noticed my acne getting deep and painful. Just in the nick of time, my friend from a summer camp messaged me about Rodan + Fields (the creators of Proactive). She told me about a line in Rodan + Fields for adult acne and how it helps–all products are 60 day money back guarantee–so I jumped on board! The Unblemish regimen has forever changed my skin and even taken away my post acne marks. I am now a consultant for Rodan + Fields and am so passionate about others’ skin care so thanks so much for posting your research!!
Hey girl! So glad that you were able to find something that works for you!
xo,
b
Thanks for this! Love it. Will definitely be drinking more water for this reason among others. (Also, there’s a typo in the Teal Zone section, which is supposed to say, “now get off,” but says, “noT” ^^) Thanks again!
Best of luck, Gabi! And thanks for the head’s up on the typo…I fixed it! 🙂
xo,
b
I have had acne my whole teenage and adult life. I am now 51 and have had severe cystic acne for several years. I tried everything…..antibiotics, retinoids, birth control pills, etc. I started taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar every day to help with absorption of nutrients. My acne disappeared. I don’t know why, but I think it has something to do with balancing my hormones. I went from consistently having 4 or 5 acne cysts all the time to none… took a few weeks.
That is AWESOME, Janet! 🙂
xo,
b
Nice to meet you, Blair ! 🙂 My name is Daniela. I treat Adult Acne in my skincare salon and online coaching website every day. It’s all I do. I love everything you wrote here ! I normally gear people away from the oil cleansing method, but I have a theory as to why it works for many people, if they use the right oils (coconut oil is incredibly pore clogging); when using many acne meds or cleansers, especially harsh meds and products, the skin will be so dehydrated and stiff from being stripped and irritated, pores that can’t let out oils and dead skin cells get backed up, pore linings get irritated, and breakouts ensue. The softening effect of the OCM, along with the break the skin gets when all the other stuff is stopped, allow the pores finally have a chance to flow properly and clear themselves out. Here’s the catch, though – if the oil used is pore clogging, the skin will start breaking out again about 4-6 months after the OCM is started, since that’s how long it takes for a comedogenic ingredient to cause a breakout. Because of how long that takes, other factors end up getting blamed, and it never occurs to the person that the OCM has been a problem. When a skin type is highly acne-prone, it can happen that even an acne-safe oil will cause problems, since excess oil mixes with dead skin cells to create blackheads; the start of every acne blemish, without exception, is the microscopic blackhead. Now, in my experience, when it works on a more permanent basis, the skin was not really acne-prone to begin with, just so dehydrated and irritated, oil and dead skin cells would get backed up inside pores located in regions where facial contours make pores a little smaller, like around the mouth, sides of the nose and between the brows. Sometimes perception of breakouts can be different with different skin types, and almost everyone misuses the term “cyst”. 😀
I’m going to be following all your social media platforms, I love the way you write ! 🙂
Love lots !
Daniela, acnewhisperer.blogspot.com
Great information! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
xo,
b
Hey Blair! I’ve seen similar face mapping before and I think that is the most useful thing in this article or any like it, including all of the many comments. Everyone is so different and and so many factors can play into someone’s adult acne.
I’ve been plagued by acne for half my life (I’m 31 currently). It’s been an incredibly frustrating experience. Every dermatologist or doctor I ever saw told me my skin would “clear right up.” I’ve taken every OTC medication and RX drug except Acutane. My brother and cousins took it, but I didn’t want to because I wanted to have kids “soon.” Little did I know that I would have 2 miscarriages at 31 and I haven’t been pregnant in over a year. I was on hormonal birth control pills to aid in controlling my acne for 10+ years even though it helped very little. Eventually, dermatologists sort of shrugged and continued subscribing because – well, what else could they do? I changed my diet: I have Celiac Disease and have been eating gluten-free for 11 years, I cut out all dairy for 6 months to no avail, I loathe fish, but I ate it every day for a month because of some special skin diet I was convinced would work. I did a natural fertility cleanse with Vitex, liver cleansing pills and a couple of different teas. I used those gimmicky cleanser systems heard about on informercials and eventually I committed to a very expensive 6 months with an esthetician.
While doing that, I heard about the oil cleansing method. I’ve read several comments on this blog (including the one directly above mine) about using it, what oils to use, and what to not. I tried several combinations for several months. Currently, I use only coconut oil and steam. I read coconut oil could be comedogenic or pore clogging, but I had already started using it in cooking, oil pulling and moisturizing the rest of my skin, so I tried it. My skin is the calmest it has ever been using only coconut oil.
HOWEVER, my skin is not clear, just much improved. It became incredibly obvious through my fertility journey that my acne is 100% hormone related. Again, I’ve seen several doctors, midwives, and reproductive specialists to help me get and stay pregnant.
For the last 6 months, I’ve used a natural PROGESTERONE (I would put this in blinking lights if I could) cream and my skin was GLORIOUS (I got this through a custom RX compound and not OTC). Glowing, lovely, clear, perfect – oh my goodness I hadn’t had skin like that since I was 16. I am absolutely estrogen dominant and progesterone deficient. Unfortunately, progesterone alone hasn’t helped me get pregnant and I’m on a different cycle of drugs where I have to be off progesterone for a month. I’ve been struggling again with acne on my face (mostly lower, around my mouth and under my chin) and back for just a couple of weeks. Thankfully, I begin the progesterone again tomorrow (cue Annie) and I expect to be clear again.
I say all this for your desperate readers to know: There is no one cure for everyone. You have to be proactive in your own medical care. Don’t rely on a doctor to know all the answers. Mine gave me hormonal birth control pills for 10+ years that only worsened my skin situation and caused my hormones to be so out of whack that it has affected my ability to have kids naturally.
Having acne as an adult is incredibly difficult. In my opinion, it’s much more difficult than as a teenager (although, most of the teens I see how days have flawless skin and it drives me crazy). During those months when my skin was clear an using progesterone, I felt so much more comfortable in my own skin. Not having to layer on the makeup was so nice and gave me much more confidence and turned me into a friendlier person. It was a shocking change after 15 years of not really noticing how reserved I had become.
Such an excellent, excellent message that everyone needs to hear!!! I’m so glad to hear that your skin is calming down! WOO HOO! Have you read Taking Charge of Your Fertility? I am reading it to understand my cycle (since I’ll be using the FAM as birth control…I don’t use hormonal birth control!), and it is absolutely incredible the amount of information that I didn’t know about fertility and getting pregnant or avoiding pregnancy! You should check it out! Big hugs, my friend!
xo,
b
This is actually not true. I get acne on my nose and I’m a vegetarian with very low blood pressure and normal cholesterol. I also get it on my chin and get TONS of fiber, once again being a vegetarian, you eat alot of fiber stuff like veggies and beans.
Hey Gabrielle! Thanks for reading. This information is accurate, but it’s clearly not a blanket diagnosis for every person. This blog post is more of a way to identify what could be causing acne, not what definitely is. Since you’ve ruled out food as your acne trigger, you can have a conversation with your dermatologist about what else could be causing your acne! 🙂 Best of luck to you–happy skin journey!
xo,
b
Or a conversation with an Esthetician who’s an acne specialist like me. 🙂 🙂
Yes!! So awesome! 🙂
xo,
b
I’m wondering if you or anyone other readers know what causes overloads of white heads? I’m 21 and in the last year or so my skin has become covered in them in addition to new acne. I have tried everything, spent hundreds, seen multiple doctors with no positive effects. What should I do?
That must be so frustrating! I don’t know what would cause that–I wonder if anyone else does?
xo,
b
Indeed I do ! 🙂
When people in their 20s start to experience an acne problem they didn’t have as much before, there are normally three explanations.
One, the start of new skincare or makeup routines in anticipation of “getting older” involving many clogging ingredients. Two, introduction of birth control in college or later, for actual birth control purposes or hormonal problems associated with conditions such as PMDD or PCOS, that are not helpful in the balance of hormones. Three, new stress from school pressures or starting out on a career, which can be a different type of stress than occurs in other situations. In the cases of two and three, it’s important to keep in mind that too much testosterone in relation to estrogen = more oil.
Excess oil and the resulting irritation of pore linings leads to “undergrounders”; skin that has not experienced a lot of acne or oil before will not be able to accommodate newly flowing increases of oil, so the oil will get stuck and irritate the pore lining. The white top happens when bacteria can now thrive in pores where the air has run out due to swelling and impactions. Although every blemish without exception starts out with a microscopic blackhead, growing blackhead material isn’t always involved in the formation of angry acne blemishes. In other words, oil and irritation aren’t always the cause, but they are always what makes things worse.
Now, the colorless bumps people often call “whiteheads” are actually accumulated blackhead material stuck behind pore openings where a plug has prevented the way for the oil and dead skin cell mix that blackheads are made of, to come out onto the surface of the skin every day as normal. This mix just gets backed up more and more, rarely becoming inflamed (unless you pick at them!). They are officially called Closed Comedones. I should say, when I see mostly, or only, closed comedones, and there is no prior history of substantial acne, I always look at pore clogging products as the main culprit.
In my experience as an acne specialist, the vast majority of the time a recently worsened or new acne problem in someone younger than mid 20s is caused by a combo of too many pore clogging products (even many acne products worsen acne!) causing impactions in pores, plus too many changes in birth control prescriptions from teens into 20s causing sensitivity in the body making it more difficult for the skin to deal with oil rushes behind the impactions. This means a thorough overhaul of skincare, makeup, body care and hair care, and a serious reconsideration of chosen birth control methods. It’s not the right medications that are needed actually, it’s the right daily skincare and makeup.
Hope this helps ! 🙂
Thanks for your input! So far no dermatologist or esthetician has been able to give me any advice.
I did change makeup brands but not until after the acne started and I’ve been on bc for quite some time now. It definitely could be stress especially the financial aspect of college and loans but the more I break out the more I stress! I recently started an all natural balm cleanser so hopefully that can help but I’ll try to calm the stress a little also!
Good article! I have
to stop drinking coffee I think…
Ugh, that’s the hardest, isn’t it!?
xo,
b
Really useful! Although I was looking for an article on skin pores and not adult acne, I read it all. I appreciate the fact that you did some research and talked to an actual doctor!
I am SO glad that my post was helpful to you!!! Thanks for reading 🙂
xo,
b
Interesting, but didi help me. I am 61 and have breakouts on my lower lip. Not herpes, usually one at a time, but sometimes two. Done menopause 10 yrs ago, so why now. As long as I leave them alone, they come and go within a week or two. Any ideas as to why and what area of body this relates to. Thanks, marg
Hi Marg! Thanks for reading! Unfortunately, I don’t know why you’re having breakouts on your lower lip. That must be really frustrating! I’d check with your dermatologist, he/she may have an idea of how to combat that. 🙂
xo,
b
Acne can absolutely destroy a person’s self confidence so I’m so glad to see your suggestions here, Blair! For more suggestions or a free sample of Acne Clearing Blend, feel free to contact me – Katrina Schenfield, Katixon Skincare.
You are SO right about that! Thanks for reading! 🙂
xo,
b
Thanks for the post! It’s something to consider in daily health choices and how I will react to youngsters with the same problems. For the face wash I use a mixture of baby castille liquid soap, an essential oil (lavender or frankincense is usually what I go to), witch hazel, and distilled water in a foam pump. I also now rub lavender oil on my face nightly. I am now 25 and FINALLY feel like my acne is somewhat under control. It was always bad from 12 to 24 (with a lot of product exploration, I tried just about everything from visiting a dermatologist and prescriptions to face peels and all natural washes). I was also diagnosed with PCOS and ovarian cancer at 20. I’m sure this contributed to just about everything I am and was frustrated about!
I totally understand–it can take soooo long to get adult acne under control! So frustrating. I’m glad to hear you’ve found something that works for you. I wish you all the best!
xo,
b
Growing up, I hardly ever broke out. Now that I’m in my early 20’s, I used to break out constantly. I tried absolutely everything and nothing seemed to work. For the past month or so I have used a combination of frankincense essential oil and coconut oil every night and I have hardly hardly any pimples! It’s seriously been the best thing ever. I highly recommend it!
That is so awesome!! I’m so happy you found a solution that works for you!!
xo,
b
Hi there,
I have struggled with cystic acne on my jawline/chin area for three years. I tried many different products and so far the only thing that has cleared up the cysts completely is a product called ESTROsmart. It is pricy unfortunately however it did the trick so I think it’s worth it. It took about a month before I saw the improvement and I had to play around with the dose but I’m happy to say I am cyst free now. This product is found in more holistic healing health stores or can be ordered online.
I still break out with a some chin acne but it is the regular kind vs. deep painful cysts. I’m testing my luck with the oil cleansing method and attempting to clean up my diet. Not looking forward to giving up caffeine or wine 🙁 :p
Anyways I really recommend this product and hope it can help others the way it helped me. 🙂
Wow! Great recommendation, thanks! 🙂
xo,
b
My problem with acne is horrible! Where mine is isn’t addressed though. I have it on the jaw line, mostly going back towards my ear lobes. It is like a two inch stop, one above the jaw bone, on the jaw bone and below it going around towards my ear lobes and behind them. Even my ears are breaking OUT! HELP…
Hi Vonda! I’m not a doctor, but I would imagine that your acne is likely hormonal if it’s along your jawline (as was mine). If I were you, I would visit the dermatologist. Hormonal acne is very difficult to get rid of, but with the help of my dermatologist, I did! 🙂 Best of luck to you!
Thank you for your advice. I have a regular Dr appointment on Friday and I hope to be able to address this issue with him. The worst thing about it is how sore and how they are large red mounds with out coming to a head. Hopefully I can find relief from this awful ugly mess.
I know how painful and stressful that can be. I’m so sorry, I really know what it’s like. I hope and pray that your doctor can help you sort things out! Hugs!
xo,
b
Dear Blair,I read yor article about the causes of adult acne outbursts and have to add one more!After 25 years of suffering,started after birth of my son,I finnaly met the right doctor after bunch of idiots who only prescribe antibiotics and lotions that dry your skin.I came to Moscow,my husbant is a diplomat,and cried out to a friend here!She took me to her profeser on Medical universiti,dermatologist,he just glanced at me and said^you have a DEMODEX parasite infection!!He said to do the test so that I do not think he is talking stupidities.So after not washing my face for five days I went to his surgery and he took pieces of my flaky skin,looked under th e microscope and voila!!They look like spiders,live on the surfice of our skin,are spread by make-up tools and belong to group of trichomonas infectiones,like venerial STD-es!!Yuk!!I had to throw all my make up and tools,he made a lotion based on antibiotic Orvagile and after five days of spreading it with a lot of rools how and after creams,medicinals,I am free of acne!!!Rool is that you never ever use nobodys makeup or brushes,clean your own brushes and keep all the rules that you mentined in your articles.I do have a recipes with instructiones but not here at Moscow.I am going home to my home country in march and will write you all the detailes if you want.I also asked some medical students if they learn about this DEMODEX and they do but…..So you can ask your dermatologist about how to eradicate this spider and maybe you wil get the means for it.Hope that I helped you,write me if you want to know more.Mrs Zivkovic,Moscow Russia
Hi Blair,
Found your blog through Pinterest…. Searching for solutions for adult acne. Mine too is in the jawline, going in the direction of my ears, and in my chest area. May I ask what your dermatologist recommend for you? I’m currently on doxycycline, but I’m skeptical….
Thanks!!!!
Hi Mersi!
I was on doxycycline for about 6-9 months. During that time (and still now!), I used a benzoyl peroxide face wash (Acnefree brand) and Ziana gel. Worked perfectly!
xo,
b
Hi there
I have also suffered from acne for many years. I now have it just along my jawline going up to my ears and my neck below my jawline. There are lots of products out there, and after trying lots of different things, including oral and topical antibiotics, the best thing for me was taking evening primrose oil, 2 capsules a day. I would note that the brand can make a big difference. When I first tried this I used a cheap brand and it had no effect on me. I now use Efamol primrose oil and my skin was noticeably softer and all PMS symptons were reduced, including acne outbreaks. My acne was hormone related, so treating symtons with antibiotics was pointless, it was the hormones that needed calming down. I take this evening primrose oil every day still.
To clean my face I use a flannel and water each morning only, and then splash my face with water to rinse off dry skin that comes away when using a flannel. This way dry skin is removed and my natural oils remain. I moisturise afterwards because I have really dry skin (I suspect this was from long-term taking of antibiotics and topical lotions). For outbreaks I use Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Night Gel (from the UK), which can help me prevent acne and reduces swelling of any outbreaks. I think this works particularly well because the tea tree and witch Hazel are in low concentrations and so do not irritate blemishes further. You only want to apply a thin (!) layer of any of these kind of blemish control lotions otherwise you can make your outbreak worse. I now have extended periods of no blemishes, just the occasional outbreaks.
I love your skincare routine. You shared such wonderful information that will surely help others! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
xo,
b
I was the kid in school who had the zit problem. From the ages of 12 to 16 and it made my life a misery.
My entire face was covered. My chest area was covered. My back was covered.
No home remedy or those bought over the counter worked. General Anti-biotics worked only when they were taken but I soon flared up again once the course of treatment was finished.
At 16 all I wanted to do was to join the military but I failed the entrance medical on the grounds that my skin condition at that time was likely to become aggravated by military activities. I was heart-broken.
The military medical officer who assessed me suggested that I should try a course of a particular drug that was available at that time and then come back for another medical if the treatment was successful.
This was way back in the mid 80’s and the drug in question was called Ro-Accutane.
I went to my doctor and he referred me to a dermatologist and he agreed that I should try it. So I did and I am so glad that I did.
After six months of Ro-Accutane tablets, monitoring blood tests, dry skin, dry lips, more monitoring blood tests, dry eye brows, dry everything and I was completely clear of zits.
I had some ‘pock mark’ scarring to my face, chest and back but over the years these have reduced.
I did another medical for the military and I got in and have never had a problem since.
It’s been over 30 years since I took that course of Ro-Accutane treatment and although I may get the odd zit here and there they are nothing in comparison and are gone within a few days anyway.
Ro – Accutane or Accutane has had a bad press in subsequent years and was said to be associated with depression but and other side effects but I didn’t experience any of those.
Later in life my own son also experienced the same skin problems and he went through hell as a teenager because of it. Lack of confidence to do anything and a reluctance to even go to school sometimes. Really demoralising and debilitating and I felt for him every day.
So off we went to his doctor and I mentioned my own teens and Ro-Accutane. My son started his own 6 month course of the modern version of this drug and he cleared up completely within 6 months. He was unrecognisable physically and emotionally. He has been clear for a number of years also.
I think it clear to determine between a few pimples every now and again as opposed to full blown medical acne that spreads and gets infected and leaves life-long scarring.
Hope that helps someone.
Thanks for sharing! Your skin looks perfect, and though there are plenty of products in this post, I believe it worth trying. Keep up the good work.
I’m in my mid thirties and have suffered from acne since my early teens. I have tried every product and medication under the sun to get rid of it and have never come across a product as effective as Citrus Clear. My acne had cleared up within a week and six months later my skin still looks fantastic. Whenever I get a pimple or two around the chin I just slap the Citrus Clear Spot Treatment on overnight and by the morning they’re completely dried out. I should state that I very oily skin and this product does tend to try out the skin a lot so if you suffer from dry skin to start with it might not be ideal for you.
Thanks for the helpful post!
I have personally experienced that food consumption can have a big effect on acne. Things like peanut butter, chocolate and foods high on sugar can really increase my outbreaks!
YES! This is so true. Thanks for sharing!
This is a very good post! I admire the way you shared this topic! Keep it up a good job!
Thanks
You explained it all really well in this post.How it happens?At which spots of face and Cure for acne.A really good work you put up on that.Keep up the good work
Hi! So glad I found this blog,lots of ideas to try. I’m a 49 yo woman, not in menopause (probably close tho)yet but I’m sure my acne is hormone related and probably other areas related as well based on your face chart. I get white heads on the mid to lower part of my face-cheeks,around the mouth and chin. I will try the oil cleanser first then some of the other suggestions if that doesn’t work. BTW I’m right down the highway from you, in Lewisville,hey neighbor!lol Thanx for the tips-wish me luck!
Hey lady! Thanks for reading. I truly hope you’re able to find freedom with your skin–I know the hormonal acne struggle all too well! Also, hi from a few miles north! *Waves* 😉 I’m so jealous that you’re near a La Madeline, it’s my FAVORITE! Enjoy some tomato basil soup for me! XO
Great Article! New things I’ve got to know about treatment for acne. I have also read about a Zeroblem serum which is best used as a medical grade product to cure acnes and pimples, also scars which gives gives blemish-free skin and moisturise the skin thoroughly.
I’ve been having problems with acne, mostly my adult life, because when I was a teenager I never had that problem.
I have oliy skin, so I tried jojoba Oil, mixed with almond and coconut oil, it totally help me with the oil of my skin, after 2 days my skin wasn’t shiny.
So I was super excited about this, i thought that I finally found something that worked for me… My excitment only lasts until my period came, like 5 days before, my skin strarts being oily again, and then the acne pop out.
So I keept looking for any solutions, and I found an acne clearing scrub from the brand Bioré, it is for dialy use, and it truly worked for me.
The comparison is that before, my pimples last like 3 weeks, now with this product it was only 4 days…
Then for the marks , I use the combination of oils mentioned before and I add vitamin E.
This is the first month that I’ve done this and I’m really happy with the results.
I guess that my comment reinforces the comment that said that every skin is different and some things will work different for everyone.
But I hope it helps somebody to fight the acne, and also to see that you can “listen” to your face, and see that maybe you need a mixed routine depending on your hormonal levels , weather etc…
Sorry if I have some words wrong, English is not my first language.
I realize I’m coming late to the conversation on this post and haven’t had time to reach every comment completely. Forgive me if this has been discussed.
I’m 48 years old. I had breakouts as a teen, and throughout my 20s and early 30s, I’d get an occasional bump or two. I had no special skin treatment at all. As a matter of fact, I washed my face with the soap in the shower — that was it. No creams, occasional sunscreen if running, hiking, but I never even washed at night or in morning as a general rule and since I worked for myself, I rarely put on any make up and certainly no foundation. After 35, I did develop some cystic acne each month, and the doctor prescribed Retin A, which helped.
At 39/40 I began washing my face morning and at bedtime for the first time in my life, and began a face cream regimen. Things got worse, generally from that moment, on, though still manageable, still, on some level. Nothing truly embarrassing I couldn’t live with. And, I still looked 10-15 years younger than my actual age. Until a couple of years ago….
I started developing tiny pimples all over my chin area and between my brow. Even if I didn’t touch them, they would pop if I even touched my face absent-mindedly. I’d never had pimples like this even during adolescence. And, no one is able to tell me anything more than “acne.”
I’ve tried everything. I mean that almost literally, though, the clay mask is one I’m about to try this morning! I’ve tried prescriptions; I’ve tried going au naturale again. I’ve tried upping C and Zinc supplements; I’ve eliminated sugar, gluten; I’ve used tea tree oil, and still absolutely nothing will stop these. They also come with dry, flakey skin patches where they flare up. I’ve noticed more oil production in conjunction with the time they arrived, so it does appear to be an acne issue. But, it’s just such an odd turn of events, and it’s been near impossible to find similar stories online from which to draw advice or understanding. The docs have been less than concerned or helpful, too. If you have any information or suggestions at all, I’m all ears!
Thank you so much for documenting your own journey. Obviously, it’s tremendously helpful for so many.
A friend told me about dermalmd acne serum line, specifically about the duo. Her teenage son was recommended dermalmd acne serum from his Dermatologist. I’m 38 and have been battling hormonal adult acne worse than when I was a teenager. Dermalmd is like MAGIC!!! I cleared my face up in 2 days, no exaggeration. It did dry it so I went from twice a day to once. I have never not had black heads let alone pimples. I still get the occasional pimple, wearing makeup and stress along with hormones contribute. However, this keeps my face clear for the most part and manageable.
Hi Blair,
Found your blog through Pinterest…. Searching for solutions for adult acne.
I’m a 37 year old mom. I’ve had adult acne since I was about 30. I used all different kinds of products & was never able to clear my face up. I also had blackheads all around my mouth. I’ve been using Dermalmd blemish serum for not even a month & my WHOLE face is clear. The blackheads are now gone. I HIGHLY recommend!!!
Only Dermalmd blemish serum has worked wonders on me! I used to have terrible acne on my chest and back, however since I’ve been using this serum for the past couple weeks, my acne is completely gone!