Adult Acne or Something Else?

[beautypr222]

I’m 34 and have always had good, clear skin. About a year ago these small skin colored bumps

 

 

 

mixed with a random pimple/blackhead started to appear on my cheeks. I’ve tried exfoliating, using AHA & BHA peel, acne face washes and I still can’t get it to go away. I’ve been using The Ordinary acne serum too. Nothing works. Please help!!  

[CanadaSkin]

I had the same issue about a year after I had my son. I recently found out I have tracers for celiac and have changed the way I eat, going 98% gluten free. I’ve noticed a HUGE difference in my skin. It’s actually completely cleared up. I’d recommend looking inside your body. Don’t do what I did and go years of trying EVERY product that Sephora has and nothing working. If you’ve done this then it’s likely something inside. 

[Sabahat123]

Hi. Could you please share more about the changes you made which helped with this? Did you have keratosis pilaris as well? Did it help with that?

[WinglessOne]

@beautypr222  If you gave BHA (salicylic acid) exfoliants and face washes ample time to do their thing—say, a month or 2—and nothing's changed, I recommend seeing a dermatologist if you can. I could say your bumps look like closed comedones but they could be a symptom of another skin condition. Since I'm not a medical doctor, I can't truly diagnose you. Neither can anyone else on BIC unless they happen to be a medical doctor who deals with skin. 🙂 

I will say there are a few other things you can try, if it's acne: 

• Azelaic acid, like The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Cream for Redness and Blemish-Prone Skin 1 oz/ 30 mL or Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster 
• Benzoyl peroxide, readily available in drugstores; Paula's Choice has one in her CLEAR line of products 
• The retinoid adapalene: OTC options are Differin and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel; you can also get prescription strength adapalene from a derm or other doctor 
• Other retinoids (retinol, retinaldehyde, tretinoin, etc.) might also help; see a doc to decide which one's best for you 
• A clay mask can sometimes help with blackheads: consider The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque Clarifying Charcoal & Clay Mask for Blemish Prone Skin 1.7 oz/... which contains BHA, clay, and charcoal; I like to use Origins Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Face Mask to Clear Pores 2.5 oz/ 75 mL on my oily zone and wherever I see acne clusters 
• Frequently change your pillowcase to cut down on bacteria exposure 

I hope you're able to find something that helps! I know how frustrating it is to suddenly get acne well into adulthood. I'm in my late 40s and occasionally get acne outbursts. 🤦‍♀️ With my derm's guidance, I usually treat mine with a rotation of BHA products, retinol (I use retinol for other reasons, but it does also help my acne), a clay + charcoal mask, and azelaic acid. 

[beautypr222]

I also use a retinol at night  that I love from The Ordinary!! 

[beautypr222]

Thank you for the advice! I’ve never been to a dermatologist but think it’s time for a visit. I’ve been using a benzyl peroxide face wash but it still hasn’t helped. I keep hearing great things about Paul’s Choice! I think I will try that. I also love the Ordinary but haven’t tried these products.