Conquer adult acne with 5 surprising tips

There is more to treating adult acne than keeping your skin clean. What you put on your skin, what you eat, and even your stress levels can contribute to breakouts. Start with a good facial cleanser, but, if cleansers, scrubs, and masks are not enough to keep your pores unclogged, then you may want to try something different.

Finding ways to relax isn’t just good for your mental well-being, it is also good for your skin! Go for a walk, set aside 10 minutes in the morning for yoga or meditation, end the day with a cup of herbal tea and a soothing lavender oil bath. Beat stress to help cut down on blemishes. While it is not the cause of your acne, it is a trigger. Stress increases the release of the hormone cortisol, which causes your skin’s oil glands to release more pore-clogging oil.

Most women layer their skin every day with a long list of creams and powders. Make sure your moisturizers, sunscreen, and makeup are not clogging your pores. Look for products that are noncomedogenic, which means they will not block your pores.

Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is found in many over-the-counter anti-aging creams because it increases cell turnover, promoting a more even complexion. According to Dr. Jonette E. Keri, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine, it also can help to relieve acne. Try a Retinol serum or cream to improve your skin.

Chocolate may not be the cause of breakouts, but the sugar in a chocolate bar may be a problem. A diet that is high in sugar and starchy, low-fiber foods like white rice and white bread, isn’t doing your skin any favors. According to a study printed in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a low-glycemic diet may improve problems with acne. Eat lots of whole grains, beans, nuts, and vegetables to try to clear up your complexion.

Pure, distilled rose water is your best friend if you have adult acne. It helps to calm the inflammation, and keep your skin clean without causing dryness or irritation. Alcohol-based toners may work for teenagers, but gentle, soothing rose water is a great option for adults. Spritz it on your skin after cleansing. Keep some in your gym bag to wipe away dirt, oil, and sweat after working out. Dab some on your face with a cotton ball during the day to sop up excess oil.

Lots of women battle with blemishes in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. To get to the root of adult acne, you may have to do more than maintain clean skin. Find ways to manage stress, make a few changes to what you eat, and be choosy when picking out skin care products and makeup. If problems are persistent, you can always talk to your dermatologist about treatment options. There are lots of solutions for this frustrating and incredibly common skin problem.