How to build a skincare routine to help with adult acne? Discover our step-by-step guide
Whilst many people leave acne behind after their teenage years, some of us continue, or even begin, to suffer from breakouts later in life. There are many causes for adult acne, including stress or fluctuating hormone levels – but don’t worry, there are kind and gentle solutions out there for everyone!
- Choose gentle products
- Get into a cleansing and toning routine
- Exfoliate to rejuvenate
- Moisturise without clogging your pores
- Use topical treatments when needed
##How to care for your blemish-prone skin##
+Step 1: Look for gentler products+
When a breakout occurs, it’s tempting to reach for super-strong cleansers and topical treatments. However, these types of products can lead to irritated, dried out skin, potentially making your breakout even worse. Instead, implement a skin-care routine that hydrates and creates a good balance for your skin on a daily basis.
+Step 2: Develop a cleansing and toning routine that works for you+
Many acne-fighting cleansers contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients, when part of a complex formula unclog your pores, dissolving dirt and dead skin cells, which helps reduce irritation and improves your skin’s overall texture. Toners also work to remove extra oil and pore-clogging environmental toxins, resulting in better long-term skin health.
+Step 3: Exfoliate to rejuvenate+
In addition to chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, you can also use physical exfoliants to help clear dirt and oil and promote healthy skin cell rejuvenation. Add a gentle exfoliating scrub to your night-time skin-care routine a few times a week, or use your cleanser in conjunction with a specialised face washing brush. Whichever you choose, make sure it's gentle to avoid irritating your skin.
+Step 4: Give your skin a moisture boost+
Use a light, oil-control moisturiser or hydrating serum to provide the lasting hydration your skin needs. It is a common misconception that being in the sun can help you cure acne! Debunk this myth and in the morning, be sure to use an SPF moisturiser like the Garnier Light Complete Serum Cream with SPF 40 to protect your skin against the sun’s rays before going out, no matter the weather! Being in the sun will actually do your skin more harm than good.
+Step 5: Use topical treatments when needed+
If you really want to take care of a few individual pimples, try using a topical spot treatment like the Garnier Men Acno Fight Pimple Clearing Pen at night before bed. You can also place a small spot plaster over the affected area while you sleep to help prevent picking.
##How to choose a face mask for adult acne##
When your skin feels like it needs a pick-me-up, choose a soft clay mask. Kaolin, red and white clay are gentle on the skin, drawing out excess oil and purifying pores without stripping away moisture. A clay mask with activated charcoal is a powerhouse formula that draws out impurities and helps prevent blackheads and blemishes from forming! Try the Garnier Charcoal Serum Sheet Mask or the Garnier Men XL Charcoal Mask to give your skin an instant charcoal detox and deep clean your skin. Here are some more ways to deal with blackheads and keep your skin looking clean and fresh.
There you have it – follow this easy 5-step routine to help keep adult acne at bay.