ADULT ACNE!

[#1]

I have never had a problem with Acne until recently. I'm in my mid thirties and don't think i've gone a day within the past year without acne. About a month ago I started using the Philosphy On a Clear Day and haven't seen much improvement. I only wear a Stila Tinted moisturizer and wash my face before I go to bed. Any suggestions? I used to have perfect skin and now I am going crazy!

[#2]

I'm in my 30s too & battling acne, but I'm winning the battle I suspect that the On a Clear Day regimen might be to harsh for your skin since you are in your 30s too. Some of those products contain alcohol which can make the skin over-react and produce more oil/sebum.  Here's a regimen that I came up with after much research, and a few trips to the dermatologist.

Mornings

Cleanser: Philosophy Purity Made Simple (no alcohol or sodium laureth sulfate) w/ my Clarisonic

Toner: First Aid Beauty Radiance Pads (gentle glycolic acid & lactic acid; exfoliates & preps skin for treatments)

Treatment: Proactiv Repairing treatment (gentle benzoyl peroxide, won't bleach towels & clothes!!)

Moisturizer: Philosophy Hope in a Jar (original works great for most skin types; I'm oily, aging, acne-prone)

Evenings

Cleanser: Philosophy Purity Made Simple (no clarisonic in the evenings; allow brush to dry to eliminate bacteria)

Toner: First Aid Beauty Radiance Pads

Treatment: Philosophy Help Me (retinol lotion helps with acne & wrinkles!)

Moisturizer: Philosophy Hope in a Jar

Good luck!

[#3]

I've battled acne my entire life, so I understand your frustration.  I would recommend the below acne regimen and if you don't begin seeing an improvement in 6 to 8 weeks, then I would go to see a dermatologist.

I would try Clinique's "Acne Solutions" line of products.  They make some great skincare products (I love their foaming cleanser) and I will list a few below:

• Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam:  http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P188309​&categoryId=B70
• Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion:  http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P188307​&categoryId=B70
• Acne Solutions Clearing Moisturizer Oil Free:  http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P188306​&categoryId=B70

You can get the three above items in a set together to try out (and save money by getting them in a set) called "Acne Solutions Clear Skin System Kit" and you can find it at:  http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P188308​&categoryId=B70

Acne Solutions even makes a liquid foundation, concealer and other makeup products also.  The Acne Solutions products are gentle on sensitive skin, too.

I hope this helps you. 

[#4]

Hello. Adult acne is not at all uncommon. I recommend using a cleanser with salicylic acid. Check to make sure the concentration of it is not too strong, especially if you have sensitive skin, or other issues like Rosacea. Also, try a cleansing masque. in the sephora searchbox, type in "Umbrian Clay Masque" and read about this to see if you like it. It's going to help pull out some of the congestion that causes breakouts. Lastly, my miracle product in Skinceuticals LHA Exfoliating Serum. I can't tell you how much this has helped my skin. I used to have whiteheads all over my face, but this has helped so much. It's also great because it is designed for older skin. (By older, I mean not in your teen years anymore). Between these products, you should see some improvement. **Remember, even if you are having breakouts, it is still important to moisturize. You don't want to dry out your skin, as it will make your acne worse.** Try an oil-free moisturizer. Or better yet, try the Ole Henrisken Sheer Transformation Serum. This works wonders, too! But, if you use the Ole Henriksen, don't use the skinceuticals. The combination will be too harsh. I hope this helps!

[#5]

I just started the On a Clear Day kit a week ago and I see some improvement so far, but every person's skin is different. Maybe you can try Ren's ClearCalm 3 Anti-Blemish Clay Cleanser. It contains natural salicylic acid, so it's not as harsh as a lot of the acne ingredients out there. It's not drying at all. You should try a sample of it. By the way, when you say you only wash your face before you go to bed, do you mean you don't wash your face in the morning? I know that even if I don't wash my face in the morning, by noon, my T-zone starts getting shiny. Maybe try washing your face with water only in the morning instead of any cleanser. I hope this helps!

[#6]

Kate Somerville makes an acne kit that works well and you get everything you need to get started. It's called the 9!! Kit and comes with cleanser, treatment, toner, mask and moisturizer.

When I got acne as I got older, I went to the dermatologist, who gave me prescriptions to get it under control, fast. Plus, I got my sun moles checked while I was there, which gave me great peace of mind. Often it is cheaper in the long run to go to the dermatologist, especially if something has recently changed, since you can spend a lot of money on over the counter treatments that don't work for you.

Good Luck!

[#7]

Try washing your face morning and night, applying a balancing moisturizer after washing to replenish the skins moisture barrier.  Also a mask like NARS mud mask as a spot treatment or once a week all over.  With the mud mask wash your face before putting it on, then moisturize after taking it off. Don't get "greedy" and do an all over mask multiple days in a row - I've irritated/dried my face that way.  If the acne is deep/cystic then you may need to see a dermatologist for a low-dose antibiotic wipes or cream or ingested works best (not an option if you are pregnant ..).  I use the NARS skincare, pretty much as described above and it is controlling my adult acne.

[#8]

I too, have adult acne and have tried many products. What works the best for me is  Bare escentuals  acne medicine. It is a powder and I can see improvement in just one use. You can also wear it under makeup. I hope this helps !

[#9]

I love eastakrongirl 's answer. Clearasonic definately will help you. I LOVE the First Aid Beauty Radiance pads and use them daily as well. I have recently tried REN and LOVE LOVE it. Check their acne line out and invest in the Clearasonic!!!

[#10]

I feel for you. I am in my mid twenties and acne has been a problem since hitting puberty. I find the important thing is to find a good skin care regiment. The problem is that a lot of over the counter products or even ones from the doctor are very harsh and drying. You want to find a face wash and lotion that does not dry out your face, which will only cause your face to create more oil, hence more break outs. I totally stay away from toners and products with alcohol. I am using Origins Zero Oil and it is so soft and soothing to the skin and it does work for me. Next, I make sure I use a moisturizer, then an oil controlling primer that is water based, and completely avoid make-up products with oil in them as well. Water-based products are the way to go. Too much or too little oil on oily skin types and it is mayhem.