Acne doesn’t just plague teenagers—adult acne is a common issue that can carry well into your 30s, 40s, and beyond. Whether it’s an unexpected breakout or persistent acne, finding the right skincare routine can feel like a never-ending challenge. Fortunately, with the right combination of acne-fighting ingredients and proper skincare habits, you can achieve clearer skin while also addressing anti-aging concerns.

But what makes adult acne different, and how should your skincare routine change as you age? Let’s dive into the best acne-fighting skincare routine as recommended by dermatologists.

What Causes Acne in Adults?

You’re well past high school, yet you’re still dealing with breakouts—why? Adult acne is often influenced by factors that differ from teenage acne, such as hormones, slower cell turnover, and even your own skincare habits.

• Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal acne is a leading cause of breakouts in adults. Pregnancy, your menstrual cycle, birth control changes, and even stress can trigger oil glands to produce excess sebum, leading to clogged pores and pimples. Stress, in particular, elevates cortisol levels, causing the skin to produce more oil, which in turn leads to more acne.
• Slower Cell Turnover: As you age, your skin’s ability to shed dead cells slows down. These dead skin cells can accumulate, clogging pores and contributing to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
• Over-cleansing: Ironically, your own skincare routine might be making your acne worse. Using harsh cleansers and over-scrubbing your skin can strip away natural oils, impair your skin’s barrier, and lead to more inflammation and breakouts.

The key to managing adult acne is striking a balance between treating breakouts and preserving your skin’s natural moisture barrier. This means avoiding overly aggressive treatments and focusing on products that support both acne prevention and skin hydration.

The Most Effective Acne-Fighting Ingredients

When it comes to treating acne, dermatologists often recommend a few key ingredients that have proven their effectiveness time and again. Here are three powerful acne-fighting ingredients that you can find over the counter:

• Salicylic Acid: This beta-hydroxy acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate deep into pores to exfoliate and remove excess oil and dead skin cells. It’s particularly effective for blackheads and whiteheads.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: A staple in acne treatments, benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria (p. acnes) that cause pimples. It’s especially useful for inflammatory acne, but be cautious about concentration. Lower levels like 2.5% can be just as effective and less irritating than higher concentrations.
• Adapalene: A potent retinoid that is now available over the counter. Adapalene increases cell turnover, helping to clear clogged pores and reduce breakouts. Plus, it offers anti-aging benefits by stimulating collagen production to improve fine lines and skin texture.

Is Benzoyl Peroxide Safe for Acne?

In 2024, a controversy arose when an independent lab suggested that benzoyl peroxide might break down at high temperatures, potentially releasing benzene, a carcinogen. Naturally, this caused concern. So, should you avoid benzoyl peroxide altogether?

According to dermatologists, using benzoyl peroxide at a low concentration (like 2.5%) and storing it correctly makes it safe for most users. However, if you’re wary, there are plenty of other effective acne treatments that don’t rely on benzoyl peroxide. Alternatives like salicylic acid or adapalene can be just as effective.

The Best Skincare Routine to Prevent Adult Acne

Now that we know the causes and ingredients, let’s look at the dermatologist-approved AM and PM skincare routine designed to clear up adult acne without irritating your skin.

Morning Routine (AM)

1. Wash Your Face

While it might be tempting to scrub your skin aggressively to banish acne, this can actually make things worse. Acne is an inflammatory condition, so over-cleansing can lead to more irritation. If you have sensitive or dry skin, simply rinsing with water in the morning can suffice.

Recommended Cleansers:

• Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Ultra Gentle Foaming Cleanser
• CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
• Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Niacinamide Cleanser

Dermatologists recommend gentle cleansers that won’t strip your skin of moisture. If you have oily skin, you can opt for a mild cleanser with salicylic acid to target oil and dead skin cells.

2. Apply an Acne Treatment

After cleansing, apply a lightweight serum or treatment specifically designed for acne. This is where salicylic acid or adapalene comes into play. These ingredients will help prevent clogged pores and keep breakouts at bay.

Recommended Treatments:

• SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense
• The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment

For red, inflamed pimples, a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide can be used as a spot treatment. Studies show that lower concentrations (like 2.5%) can be just as effective without the harsh side effects of dryness and irritation.

3. Moisturize with SPF

Hydration is crucial for maintaining your skin’s barrier and preventing acne. Even if you have oily skin, skipping moisturizer can cause your skin to produce more oil in compensation. Look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with SPF to protect your skin from UV damage.

Recommended Moisturizers with SPF:

• Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
• EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Sunscreen is especially important when using acne treatments like salicylic acid or retinoids, which can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Daily SPF helps prevent irritation and further breakouts.

Night Routine (PM)

1. Cleanse Your Face Again

At night, you’ll want to cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove makeup, oil, and pollutants from the day. Opt for a gel-based cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid. If you wear makeup, consider double cleansing by starting with micellar water.

Recommended PM Cleansers:

• Vichy Normaderm Phytoaction Daily Deep Cleansing Gel
• Avene Cleanance Micellar Water

2. Apply a Retinoid

Retinoids are the gold standard for treating acne and aging skin. Adapalene, a powerful retinoid, is available over the counter and works by speeding up cell turnover, clearing pores, and stimulating collagen production. This not only helps prevent acne but also reduces fine lines and improves skin texture.

Recommended Retinoid Treatments:

• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1%
• Differin Acne Treatment Gel

To avoid irritation, apply the retinoid after a lightweight moisturizer.

3. Moisturize

Acne treatments can be drying, so it’s essential to use a hydrating, non-comedogenic moisturizer at night. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to lock in moisture and soothe your skin.

Recommended Night Moisturizers:

• Eucerin Face Immersive Hydration Night Cream
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid

Can an OTC Skincare Routine Really Clear Acne?

Yes! By sticking to a consistent skincare routine with the right products, you can achieve clear, healthy skin. Dermatologists emphasize that consistency is key when dealing with adult acne. Just like exercise, you need to commit to your skincare routine daily for long-term results.

When to See a Dermatologist

If you’ve been using over-the-counter products for at least four weeks without improvement, it might be time to consult a dermatologist. Prescription treatments like topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, or hormonal therapies can be much more effective for stubborn acne. Plus, new FDA-approved treatments offer targeted solutions for moderate to severe acne.

Key Takeaways for Fighting Adult Acne

• Hormonal changes, slower cell turnover, and stress can trigger adult acne.
• Use gentle, hydrating skincare products to prevent breakouts and protect the skin barrier.
• Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and adapalene are proven ingredients that target acne effectively.
• Always include a moisturizer with SPF in your routine, as acne treatments can increase sun sensitivity.
• Consistency is key—stick to your routine and give products time to work.
• If over-the-counter solutions aren’t enough, see a dermatologist for advanced treatments.

With the right combination of treatments and a personalized skincare routine, you can control breakouts while maintaining a youthful, radiant complexion. Adult acne doesn’t have to control your life—with patience and the right approach, you can win the fight against acne.