How to deal with adult acne

Acne, bad skin and blemishes were the banes of our teenage existence, but we were always told by our parents that there was light at the end of the tunnel, that once we reached fully fledged adulthood these skin problems would disappear. For some this was true, but for a lot of people, these problems continue well into our twenties and thirties.

Here is how you can manage your skin to help minimise symptoms of bad skin and acne.

Nail down a morning and night skincare routine

It may take some trial and error to find the perfect routine but a good rule of thumb is to keep it simple. Wash your face in the morning and evening with a soft cloth or cleansing brush and a gentle facial wash and pat it dry after with a clean, soft towel.

If you have oily skin you may be tempted to wash your face more often but try to avoid this as much as possible as over washing the skin can make it overproduce oil, making the problem worse. Instead, use blotting papers to soak up excess oil during the day.

Look for the right ingredients

Try to purchase products that contain ingredients that tackle bacteria and spots. Ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid are known to actively fight acne. Lots of facial cleansers and even some cosmetic products contain these ingredients. You should also look out for cosmetics which are non-comedogenic, meaning it won't block the pores.

Home remedies can work

Many home remedies are effective at fighting spots so don't overlook them. Pasteurized apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, coconut oil and green tea are all considered good topical treatments for acne. You may need to trial a few though as different skin types may react differently to different treatments. You also shouldn't forget about good old water, try to drink 2.5 litres a day to help flush out toxins and impurities.

When should I see a doctor?

If your acne is very severe and causing you a lot of problems no matter what over the counter treatments you try, you should consult your GP. They may be able to prescribe medication for it or refer you to a dermatologist. Acne can occur for different reasons and may be a sign of other issues such as a hormonal imbalance so your doctor will be able to give you the advice that you need.