Adults outgrow quite a few things. You'd think breakouts would top the list. But, as many of us have learned (the hard way), adult acne can pop up, regardless of how old we are. It's unsightly. It's unpleasant. And it can make you cripplingly insecure.
According to the National Institute of Health, acne has the dubious distinction of being one of the most common skin diseases out there. As frustrating as it can be, board-certified dermatologists tell Shop TODAY that there are ways you can manage it.
What is adult acne? | What causes adult acne? | How can you treat adult acne | Best products for adult acne | FAQs | Meet the experts | How we chose
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What is adult acne?
Whether it shows up as cystic or whiteheads, adult acne can vary depending on the person, says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Papri Sarkar. "Probably the most common thing we see is cystic acne in a hormonal distribution, which essentially means the jawline and the chin in women that are in their premenopausal age," says Sarkar.
A spike in hormones the week before your period can put oil glands into overdrive, predisposing skin to breakouts, said Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Adult acne occurs in a wide age range of people, with many assuming it starts in your 20s. Sarkar says she defines it as occurring between ages 30 through 50 (depending on menopause), and being more common in women. "To me, when you're in your 20s, you know, there are — especially young men — who are still growing at the time," she explains and notes that it's due to the sex and growth hormones.
What causes adult acne?
Along with hormonal changes, adult acne can also be a a result of stress and what we’re eating. Dr. Whitney Bowe, a New York dermatologist, calls it an “epidemic.” To elaborate on diet, Sarkar says dairy and an increase in sugar intake can be a factor, as well as consuming whey protein supplements, which she sees more in men.
“I encourage my patients to make the switch to plant-based protein supplements,” Bowe says. “Foods that have what’s called a high glycemic index are known to trigger acne. These are processed, packaged foods that are loaded with refined carbs and sugars."
Easier said than done, but stress can increase the oil production in your skin and promote inflammation. Meditation, yoga and calming music before bed will relieve stress and help avert morning breakouts, says Zeichner.
How can you treat adult acne?
Depending on the type of acne, Sarkar says you can speak with your dermatologist about being a candidate for prescription medicines, as well as hormone replacement therapies. And thankfully, there are many ingredients, products and treatments you can use at home.
"All the regular ingredients that help with acne in your teen years, also help in your adult years," says Sarkar. "So things like benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, retinoids, like retin-A [and] salicylic acne." Other key ingredients she notes are alpha hydroxy acids: glycolic acid, lactic acid and mandelic acid.
Sarkar's word of advice is to treat your skin like a relationship, some days it needs a little more support and some days a little less. "I feel that that's probably the most important thing is kind of figuring out what behavior your skin can tolerate at that time," she says.
Whiteheads and blackheads
These types of pimples tend to appear due to clogged pores, says Sarkar. That's why she suggests cleansing with a salicylic acid cleanser, especially if you have dry skin. If you lean on the oiler side, then she says benzoyl peroxide can help, and for those with a lot of acne.
She suggests using an AHA treatment, such as glycolic acid since its molecules are small enough to get into pores, this can help with future acne, too. Another treatment worth trying is using a topical retinoid (whether it's prescription or over-the-counter), or adapalane. However, she does note that you'll want to use these active ingredients on alternate days and no more than three times a week.
Cystic acne
Treating this type of acne is trickier and Sarkar says most options tend to be prescription. However, she does say you can lean on benzoyl peroxide and notes that it works well as a spot treatment, too.
"As soon as you get one, use benzoyl peroxide on the spot ... and then wash it off after 30 to 60 minutes," she notes. "That way you get most of the effectiveness without getting all the side effects."
For all types of acne, Sarkar says she loves a pimple patch to keep yourself from picking at it. There's nothing worse than the kind of large, bumpy, painful spot on your face," she says. "The more you traumatize one of those, the more likely it is to scar and the more likely it is to leave a dark spot."
Best products for adult acne
Below we're rounding up expert and editor-approved acne treatments, including cleansers, exfoliants and more. And while you might want them gone, if zits don’t clear up overnight, don’t panic. Most treatments take about four to six weeks to work, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Alba Botanicals Acnedote Maximum Strength Deep Pore Wash
- Free of harsh ingredients
- Non-drying formula
- Slighty scented
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, witch hazel | Size: 6 oz. | Usage: Twice a day
Associate editor Lauren Witonsky says she's been using this face wash for over 10 years to help combat cystic acne flare-ups. "Today, it helps keep my combination skin soft and clear, preventing new pimples from popping up but never stripping the protective barrier," says Witonsky.
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel
- Non-scented
- A little goes a long way
- Can be drying
Key ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide | Size: 1 oz. | Usage: One to three times a day, as needed
For stubborn cystic acne, Sarkar recommends using a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide. This spot gel contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, and according to the brand, can help reduce inflammation and redness within two hours.
Good Molecules Pimple Patches (60 Patches)
- Works quickly
- Many patches for low cost
- One size
Key ingredients: Cellulose gum and pectin| Size: 60 patches | Usage: Leave on up to 8 hours or overnight
Associate editor Kamari Stewart likes to target breakouts with these affordable pimple patches. "I was surprised at how well they work. I notice a difference in my pimples when I use these. If it’s a new pimple, it usually takes two nights of wearing them but if it’s a whitehead, it just takes one," says Stewart.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash
- Non-drying formula
- Good for oily skin, says users
- Slight scent, says reviews
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid | Size: 9.1 oz | Usage: Daily
This classic gentle acne wash happens to be a Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner. According to the brand, the oil-free formula contains 2% salicylic acid to help unclog pores and help fight existing acne. Plus it can be used for all skin types!
PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash
- Fast working
- Good for face and body
- Can be drying
- Strong for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide | Size: 6.1 oz | Usage: One to three times daily
Associate editor Shannon Garlin says she has her fair share of adult acne moments, which often show up as painful cystic spots. To help clear it up, she says this face wash has been the only thing that works for her. "Every now and then I will get a hormonal or stress flare-up, as soon as I feel one coming on I use this face wash and it really helps minimize and clear it up," she says. "Sometimes I'll use it before that time of the month, just to be proactive."
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
- Light feel
- Can use on body
- Doesn't dry out skin
- Doesn't lather well
ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide | Size: 4 oz | Usage: Daily
Editorial operations manager Jill Ortiz turned to this acne cleanser for hormonal breakouts, which contains 5% benzoyl peroxide.
"I like that it is formulated for sensitive skin and moisturizes as it cleanses," says Ortiz. "With other face washes, I found that I’d see dry patches of skin after a shower, but I don’t experience that after using this wash. It is formulated with benzoyl peroxide (5%), which I think makes it gentle enough to use every day (I usually use it twice a day)."
Norie Kimchii Cleanser
- Soothing formula
- Works well with oily skin
- Can sting eyes
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, Probiotic L. Kimchii | Size: 5 oz | Usage: Twice daily (but start off every other day)
This Shop TODAY Beauty Award winner has "innovative" ingredients, such as L. Kimichii, which the brand says can help manage breakouts and smooth textured skin. "I’m relatively satisfied with how effective it is with smoothing out my texture, ridding of lingering oil that accumulates while I’m sleeping or from my daily activities, mellowing out hormonal breakouts, and removing (most of) my makeup," says senior editor Jess Bender.
She does note that her only qualm was not being able to use it near her eyes.
Differin Acne Treatment Differin Gel
- Prescription strength
- Good for sensitive skin
- Un-scented
- Don't use with other actives
Key ingredients: Adapalene | Size: 0.5 oz | Usage: Once a day
Dermatologists previously told Shop TODAY that this Differin Gel will not only fight signs of aging but it's also a great spot treatment for acne. In fact, the brand says it used to be only available through a prescription, but has become over-the-counter. Sarkar says it contains adapalene, which is a type of retinoid that works well at targeting whiteheads and blackheads.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream Cleanser
- Soothing, creamy formula
- Good for combination skin
- Some note a scent
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycerin | Size: 4.22 oz | Usage: Daily
According to the brand, this cleanser is great for oily skin, helps tighten pores and works best on whiteheads and blackheads. "One of the best things about this cleanser is that it hasn’t caused any breakouts. In fact, I’ve noticed fewer blemishes since I started using it. It’s definitely helped keep my skin clear and smooth," wrote one Amazon reviewer.
Paula's Choice Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
- Suitable for all skin types
- Fights future breakouts
- Can sting
- Can be over-drying
Key ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, allantoin | Size: 2.25 oz | Usage: Daily
Another treatment Ortiz likes to lean on is this option from Paula's Choice, which she says "changed her life" by drying up pimples within three days.
"Whether I have a fat honker ahead of my period or am just struggling with a random breakout because I have been eating like garbage, I can always count on this treatment to save the day. After cleaning my face (and using the BHA exfoliator), I spot-treat blemishes with this and it gets to work," says Ortiz.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
Key ingredients: Adapalene | Size: 1.6 oz | Usage: Once daily
Another retinoid (adapalene) treatment worth trying is this option fro La Roche Posay. Reviewers say you'll want to start really slowly with this product, since it's a prescription-strength formula. But with patience and consistency, many Amazon reviewers said they noticed skin improvements.
"I can now say that this stuff has basically gotten rid of the rest of my acne that didn’t go away with the birth control pill. The biggest difference I see is in the clogging rate of my pores — I have no blackheads or texture now," wrote one Amazon reviewer.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oil-Control Moisturizer
- Reduces oil production
- Good for oily and combo skin
- Small amount for price
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Size: 1.7 oz | Usage: Twice daily
Ortiz likes completing her skin care routine with this oil-control moisturizer. According to the brand, it's formulated with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate skin and it also features "oil-absorbing technology" to help minimize sebum production.
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
- Sooths inflamed skin
- pH-balanced
- Some note "odd" smell
Key ingredients: Hypochlorous Acid | Size: 4 oz | Usage: Twice daily before moisturizer
According to the brand, this facial spray can help reduce inflammation from acne and contains antimicrobial properties to help fight bacteria. Associate editor Sierra Hoeger says it's been a savior for her skin. "My skin is naturally red, but most especially after washing my face. Using this spray has worked wonders for my skin, as it tones down the redness, and even calms down pimples. I use it twice a day before my moisturizer," says Hoeger.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Good for sensitive skin
- Super soft
- A little goes a long way
- Can dry the skin
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea | Size: 4 oz | Usage: Twice daily before moisturizer
Both Ortiz and Garlin swear by this BHA exfoliant, which contains a combination of salicylic acid and green tea. "I use this about twice a week during my 'skin-cycling' routine and it has changed the texture of my skin," says Garlin. "Since adding this to my routine, I haven't experienced as many hormonal breakouts as I used to."
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
- Prevents dead skin buildup
- Good for anti-aging, too
- Two-step system
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid | Size: 30 treatments | Usage: Morning or night, recommended once a week by Sarkar
This Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner also happens to be a favorite of Sarkar's. "They have a glycolic acid and a salicylic acid, so it helps to prevent any kind of dead skin buildup," she says. She also explains that glycolic acid is a small molecule so it easily penetrates pores and prevents future breakouts.
FAQ's
Meet the experts
- Dr. Papri Sarkar, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Boston. She was previously president of the New England Dermatologic Society, where she still serves on the board.
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Dr. Whitney Bowe, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and research scientist. She is also the founder of Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty.
- Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and an assistant professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
- Dr. Julie Russak, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic and an assistant clinical professor the Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Dr. Michael Lin, MD is a Los Angeles-based dermatologist and founder of the Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute.
How we chose
We selected these adult acne treatment products based on insights and recommendations from dermatologists and approved picks from Shop TODAY editors and staffers. Other options were sourced through verified shopper reviews and brand reputation.