Are you 25 or older and seeing pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads when you look in the mirror? You’re not alone. An increasing number of adults, especially women, are battling breakouts.
With so many acne products available online and in stores, it’s hard to know which lotion, wash, or wipe can help clear your skin.
To get the lowdown, we asked two board-certified dermatologists how to treat adult acne at home.
Who can treat acne at home?
"Many adults who have mild acne can effectively treat it with over-the-counter (available without a prescription), acne-fighting products available today," says Ramone F. Williams, MD, MPhil, FAAD.
Mild acne means that you may have blackheads and whiteheads along with small pimples, or just small pimples.
If you have large, painful pimples that sit deep in your skin or acne that leaves a scar when it clears, you’ll need to see a dermatologist for treatment. Products that you can buy online or in a store are unlikely to treat these types of acne effectively.
Which non-prescription treatments do dermatologists recommend for adult acne?
It’s all about the active ingredient in the product, according to Julie Harper, MD, FAAD.
Tip for using acne products: When shopping for acne-fighting products, you want to find one product that contains an active ingredient which can effectively treat the type of acne you have.
Use that product for 6 to 8 weeks, taking care to use the product as directed on the instructions. During this time, don’t add another product. Don’t stop using the product you started with.
The active ingredients that Drs. Harper and Williams recommend using to help clear mild-to-moderate adult acne are:
Adapalene: A retinoid, this active ingredient helps to clear blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Azelaic acid: It fights acne and can also fade the dark spots that appear when an acne spot clears.
Benzoyl peroxide: This acne-fighter is especially effective at treating mild pimples. While you’ll find products that contain up to 10% benzoyl peroxide, it’s best to start with a product that contains 2.5%. That will help you avoid side effects like dry, irritated skin or a burning sensation.
Salicylic acid: Because it unclogs pores and exfoliates the skin, salicylic acid works best on whiteheads and blackheads.
Since skincare routines can be so time-consuming, adding a toner to the mix may seem unnecessary — that is until you start incorporating the right formula into your rotation.
Typically a liquid consistency, toners are applied to the skin after cleansing and before moisturizing. Their main functions are to balance the skin's pH and prepare it for the rest of your skincare routine, as well as remove any traces of makeup and dirt without stripping the skin of natural oils that it needs to stay nourished. If it seems like there is an overwhelming amount of products in that category, that’s because different toners are designed to do different things: Some exfoliate and brighten the skin, while others hydrate and soothe.
Best Overall: Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner
Best for Dry Skin: CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: CosRx AHA/BHA Treatment Toner
Best for Dull Skin: Iope Bio Conditioning Essence
Best for Sensitive Skin: HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
Best for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water