Adult Acne: Honest Advice for Clearer, Calmer Skin
Breakouts arenât just for teenagers. In fact, adult acne is increasingly common, especially among women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. Whether it's hormonal changes, stress, diet or skincare thatâs triggering flare-ups, navigating acne as an adult can feel frustrating and emotionally draining.
At Face the Future, we believe in cutting through the confusion and offering honest, expert-led advice to help you take back control of your skinâwith compassion, not judgement. Hereâs what you need to know.
1. Understand Whatâs Behind It
Adult acne often stems from a combination of factors:
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Hormones, especially fluctuations linked to menstrual cycles, pregnancy or perimenopause.
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Stress, which can trigger oil production and inflammation.
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Diet, particularly foods with a high glycaemic index or dairy.
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Skincare, including overly harsh products that disrupt your barrier.
Identifying your personal triggers can be a helpful starting point, but donât stress if itâs not immediately clear. Skin is complex, and your routine should reflect that.
2. Simplify and Strengthen Your Routine
When dealing with breakouts, itâs tempting to throw everything at your skin. But a stripped-back, consistent routine with the right active ingredients is usually more effective.
Look for:
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Gentle cleansers to remove excess oil and impurities without over-drying.
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Salicylic acid or azelaic acid to exfoliate and calm inflammation.
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Niacinamide to regulate oil and strengthen the barrier.
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Non-comedogenic moisturisers to keep hydration levels balanced.
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SPF every day, even when itâs cloudyâUV exposure can worsen pigmentation and prolong healing.
Avoid scrubbing, stripping or overloading your skin. Less really can be more.
3. Donât Ditch Hydration
A common myth? That acne-prone skin doesnât need moisture. In reality, dehydrated skin can overcompensate by producing even more oil, leading to further congestion. Hydration helps maintain a healthy barrier and supports the healing process. Look for lightweight, oil-free hydrators or gel-textured moisturisers that wonât clog pores.
4. Be Mindful with Makeup
You donât have to give up makeup but consider switching to mineral-based or non-comedogenic formulas that let your skin breathe. Always remove it properly before bed, and avoid heavy concealers that can irritate active breakouts.
5. Seek Expert Support
If acne is impacting your confidence, you're not alone and thereâs no shame in asking for help. Our skincare experts offer one-to-one consultations to build tailored routines based on your skin type, concerns and lifestyle. From at-home treatments to in-clinic solutions, weâll help you feel supported every step of the way.
You Deserve Clear Skin and Clarity
Adult acne can be stubborn, but itâs treatable with the right approach. Whether youâre tackling hormonal breakouts, stress-related flare-ups or long-term congestion, weâre here to help you face the future with confidence.
Browse our adult acne solutions or book a consultation with one of our experts for personalised support.
Adult Acne Essentials
The unique formula of these skin supplements addresses all levels of problem skin for a clear and radiant complexion.
Eminence Organic Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser available from Face the Future. Eminence Organic Skincare products are free of parabens, animal by-products, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, harmful colourants and fragrances, mineral oils, petroleum and other...
