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New Acne Guidelines Recommend Topical Combinations, Judicious Use Of Antibiotics

Antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and oral isotretinoin received strong recommendations for acne treatment from a panel of experts who drafted an update to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) clinical guidelines.

The panel made 18 treatment recommendations (categorized as strong or conditional) and five good practice statements. Five strong recommendations were made for oral doxycycline, topical antibiotics (including fixed-dose combinations), topical retinoids, and topical benzoyl peroxide. Additionally, the panel strongly recommended isotretinoin for severe acne.

The recommendations, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), begin with a good practice statement: "When managing acne with topical medications, we recommend multimodal therapy combining multiple mechanisms of action."

Other good practice statements advised clinicians to use fixed-dose topical antibiotics plus other topical agents, intralesional corticosteroid injections as adjuvant therapy for larger papules or nodules, and isotretinoin for severe, treatment-resistant acne, as well as to limit use of systemic antibiotics whenever possible.

"The new guidelines provide important recommendations for novel acne treatments such as clascoterone (Winlevi) and sarecycline (Seysara)," guideline panel co-chair John Barbieri, MD, of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, told MedPage Today via email. "Clascoterone is the first FDA-approved treatment that can address hormonal causes of acne in both men and women. Sarecycline is a narrow-spectrum tetracycline that might have some advantages over other tetracyclines such as doxycycline and minocycline."

"It will be important that payers provide coverage to ensure that patients have access to these valuable new treatments," he added. "We also discuss other new treatments such as minocycline foam and lotion formulations of tretinoin and tazarotene."

The guidelines reflect the AAD's transition from Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, which aligns more closely with international standards. A strong recommendation means the benefits clearly outweigh the risks and burdens and apply to most patients. A strong recommendation against means the risks and burdens clearly outweigh the benefits.

Conditional recommendations mean that the benefits are closely balanced with risks and burdens, whereas a conditional recommendation against means the risks and burdens are closely balanced with the benefits. Conditional recommendations for or against imply that the most appropriate action might differ, depending on patient or other stakeholder values.

The guideline panel conditionally recommended the topical agents clascoterone (though supported by high-level evidence), salicylic acid, and azelaic acid, as well as the systemic antibiotics minocycline and sarecycline. The panel also conditionally recommended doxycycline over azithromycin.

"While minocycline and doxycycline are currently prescribed in roughly equal proportions for the management of acne, there is a lack of evidence that minocycline is more effective, and there are important safety concerns such as vestibular dysfunction, autoimmune hepatitis, drug-induced lupus, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)," Barbieri noted. "As a result, while the guidelines have a strong recommendation for the use of doxycycline, they have a conditional recommendation for the use of minocycline. We should consider whether reducing use of minocycline might be beneficial to our overall care of patients with acne."

With respect to hormonal treatments, the panel conditionally recommended oral contraceptives and spironolactone. Potassium monitoring for spironolactone is not necessary in healthy patients but might be considered for patients with risk factors for hyperkalemia.

For patients with severe acne, conditional recommendations were made for daily isotretinoin dosing over intermittent dosing and for use of standard isotretinoin or lidose-isotretinoin. The experts conditionally recommended against adding pneumatic broadband light to adapalene gel.

The panel advised clinicians to limit use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole because of a risk of severe adverse reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis and acute respiratory failure.

The complete guidelines are available to the public on the JAAD website.

Charles Bankhead is senior editor for oncology and also covers urology, dermatology, and ophthalmology. He joined MedPage Today in 2007. Follow

Disclosures

The authors had an extensive list of disclosures in the journal article, which is available to the public.

Primary Source

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Source Reference: Reynolds RV, et al "Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris" J Am Acad Dermatol 2024; DOI: 10.1016/j.Jaad.2023.12.017.

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8 Best Acne Cleansers Of 2024 We Reviewed To Keep Breakouts At Bay

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The repertoire of cleansers on the market is quite vast. From the lineage of products suited for sensitive skin to the elite, rising-in-popularity assortment of cleansing balms, choosing the best acne face wash is a careful choice.

Maybe you've struggled with hormonal or cystic acne for quite some time, rotating between all the spot treatments and body washes you can get your hands on. Or, perhaps your skin is mostly sensitive and you struggle with the occasional clogged pores or army of blackheads. After speaking with a trusted dermatologist, of course, you may find it appropriate to shop for the very best acne cleanser.

"Acne cleansers are specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, and often contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur that can help reduce breakouts," Carolyn Stull, MD, NYC-based double-board-certified dermatologist, told the New York Post. "In addition, acne cleansers should be non-comedogenic, meaning they are formulated without ingredients known to clog pores and contribute to acne."

RELATED: Best acne scar treatments, per dermatologists

To help you understand some of the most-talked-about acne cleansers on the market, I put a select grouping to the test for as long as three years, detailing the top ones to shop in this review. My skin is surely sensitive though I find noticeable benefits when I opt for an acne face wash; a good one will make my overall complexion more clear and hydrate quite gently.

Additionally, be sure to check out the below q+a with board-certified dermatologists in the in-depth FAQ section following the top products tested.

Click to jump to a specific section:

best acne cleanser overall

Versed Keep the Peace Acne-Calming Cream Cleanser Amazon Pros:

Contains 1.5% salicylic acid, which is dermatologist-recommended for acne-prone skin

Ultra-hydrating

Affordable

Cons:

Contains a subtle fragrance, which some may not like, though isn't irritating on sensitive skin

There's something about the Versed Keep the Peace Acne-Calming Cream Cleanser that keeps me coming back for more. It's one of the most gentle among my cleanser stockpile and is ultra-hydrating, too.

Not only is it among the more affordable options on this list but it also contains 1.5% salicylic acid, which is dermatologist-recommended for acne-prone skin. It offers the most beautiful lather that allows my breakouts to be kept at bay. Hey, they're even diminished when I use this formulation consistently.

Its creamy formula moisturizes well while getting the job done. Aside from the star salicylic acid ingredient, I love how it contains apple fruit extract to serve as a gentle exfoliant, helping to remove buildup that may contribute to breakouts, while calming and moisturizing the skin. In tandem, its blue hue is thanks to the blue tansy ingredient, a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe and cool. For less than $20, it's a rockstar.

Best Drugstore Acne Cleanser CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser Amazon Pros:

Trusted drugstore skincare brand developed by dermatologists

Contains 2% salicylic acid, which is dermatologist-recommended for acne-prone skin

Helps clear pores

Cons:

Leaves the skin more matte, which some users may not prefer, though not a dealbreaker

When in doubt, go with CeraVe. It's one of the best skincare brands I've reviewed, as I also love to layer my routine with the AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($14) — one of the best moisturizers with SPF I've reviewed — and the Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum ($17).

This acne wash contains 2% salicylic which is somewhat higher than some other options on this list but it's ultra-gentle. Whenever I apply the product to rinse my face, I notice that larger pores are diminished.

The Acne Control Cleanser tends to leave my skin more matte, which some users may not prefer, though it's not a dealbreaker. I love how it makes my skin feel and, whenever I want a drugstore recommendation, I always flock to this one.

Best Foaming Acne Cleanser Curology Acne Cleanser Amazon Pros:

Easily absorbs into the skin

Contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, which is dermatologist-recommended for acne-prone skin

Safe for use on sensitive skin

Cons:

Contains a subtle fragrance, which some may not like, though isn't irritating to sensitive skin

Meet Curology, one of the best brands appealing to acne-prone skin. It contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, a dermatologist-recommended ingredient for acne-prone skin, and is also safe to use on my sensitive skin. Whenever I want to feel like I'm receiving a "deeper cleanse" and want to see the foam appear on my face, this is the one I reach for.

It's easily absorbable and, while it contains a subtle fragrance, it's not strong enough to make me want to toss it aside. Its ability to lather is one of the best among the litter I've tested and I love how benzoyl peroxide is a topical microbial that helps kill surface bacteria. This helps fight any blemishes or acne spots whenever I have them while effectively leaving my skin hydrated and well-balanced.

Best Acne Cleanser for Oily Skin La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin Dermstore Pros:

Leaves the skin incredibly well-balanced and nourished

Gel consistency helps prevent shininess once used

Contains zinc to purify and help prevent breakouts

Cons:

The price point is more expensive than some other cleansers tested

When I first used the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin, I thought, "wow, this is a really good cleanser." Whenever I use it, it leaves my skin incredibly well-balanced and nourished. Even better, I love its gel consistency that leaves my skin oil-free. Hence, its award for oily skin types in particular.

What's more, this cleanser contains zinc to purify and help prevent breakouts. I always feel like I have the deepest cleanse when I use this formulation and it's one I reach for regularly. Even though I don't have fully oily skin, I appreciate its ability to cleanse away impurities, resulting in that super-clean feeling. While its price point is more expensive than some other cleansers tested, it's surely worth it.

Best Acne Cleanser for Sensitive Skin Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser Amazon Pros:

Cosmetically elegant when applied

Helps diminish the look of pores

Hydrating and versatile for morning and evening use

Cons:

Doesn't absorb as quickly and may require more washing and rubbing, though is effective

At this point, I think I need to bow down to Paula's Choice. Whether I'm using the brand's BOOST C15 Super Booster ($55) to its Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 ($38), I always feel like I'm treating myself to an incredibly gentle yet effective formula.

It's cosmetically elegant when applied and has an affinity to help diminish the look of larger pores. I love how it's hydrating and versatile for morning and evening use, in addition to it leaving the most stunning, lightweight glow. As a result, it's effective, pleasing to use and worth every penny. My sensitive skin truly can't get enough of the product.

Best Acne Cleanser for Hormonal Acne Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser Amazon Pros:

Always helps mitigate hormonal acne, especially on the cheeks and chin area

Pleasing, spa-like consistency and refreshed feel

Affordable

Cons:

Contains a subtle fragrance, which some may not like, though isn't irritating on sensitive skin

When I went to an in-person facial at the Mario Badescu Salon in NYC (which I highly recommend, BTW), I was told to begin using the Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser whenever I was experiencing a breakout. My skin tends to be on the dry side around my jawline and by my ears and the creamy nature of this formulation cancels that out completely.

Whenever I'm experiencing a bout of hormonal acne, I love reaching for this less-than-$20 cleanser. It's the closest acne face wash to a spa cleanser among all options I've used and it's always pleasing to use.

While it contains a subtle fragrance, it's nothing averse to my skin. I love using the product with the brand's Clarifying Serum ($17) to help clear breakouts even more and its Flower & Tonic Mask ($24) to help tackle excess oil and blemishes.

Best Cleansing Balm Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Daily Cleansing Balm Ulta Beauty Pros:

Hydrating

Helps balance the skin tone to make it look more refined

Affordable

Cons:

May have a shiny or greasy look if overused, so be weary with how much you apply (a dime-sized amount is best)

The obsession with the Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Daily Cleansing Balm is real, especially because it deserved an entire review on its effective, non-greasy texture. It always helps balance my skin to make it look healthier than before. Oh, and it's hydrating and affordable. What's not to love?

Helping to cleanse my skin in the morning and wash the day away in the evenings, it's my go-to cleansing balm as of late. However, you'll want to use it with caution; it may leave a shiny or greasy look if overused, so be wary of how much you apply. I find a dime-sized amount to work perfectly. Plus, it leaves the skin more youthful with a dewy feel.

Best Cleansing Oil Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser Peach & Lily Pros:

Effectively cleanses away impurities

Leaves the skin supple, bouncy and hydrating

Pleasing consistency and subtle scent

Cons:

The price point is higher than other acne cleansers tested

The Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser is a splurge, but one worth making. I love the fresh scents the brand includes in most of its formulation and, while I don't normally resort to cleansing oils of any kind, this one right here is the only one I'll use.

Whenever I use this product, there's never a greasy residue. My skin always feels bouncy, hydrated and supple. It's safe to use on the eyes and doubles as an effective makeup remover. It's also 100% vegan and consciously curated with grapeseed oil to help fight bacteria and even the skin tone. As a whole, all of these benefits are ones I find to be near-instantaneous.

An FAQ on Acne Cleansers

Ahead, two board-certified dermatologists deliver the intel on acne cleansers. Here, you'll find how to shop for one, ingredients to scout out and more.

What is an acne cleanser?

"Acne cleansers contain active ingredients that treat and prevent acne," Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatologist specializing in laser rejuvenation at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, plainly told The Post. "Some common such ingredients include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and sulfur."

What's more, acne cleansers typically contain active ingredients that work to exfoliate the skin, decrease oil production and reduce concentrations of bacteria that contribute to acne.

What are the benefits of using an acne cleanser?

"Regular use of an acne cleanser can help minimize clogged pores, improve skin texture and reduce breakouts," Dr. Stull listed. "In addition, by exfoliating dead skin cells, cleansers prepare the skin for topical treatments and allow them to be absorbed more effectively."

While exfoliating the skin, a quality acne cleanser may reduce bacteria which, in turn, helps clear pores, and/or reduce inflammation, per Dr. Murphy-Rose.

What ingredients should I look for in an acne cleanser?

Acne cleansers often contain exfoliants such as salicylic or glycolic acid, or antibacterial agents such as benzoyl peroxide. "While these agents can effectively cleanse the skin of excess sebum and debris, they can also cause irritation, particularly in patients with sensitive skin," Murphy-Rose said. "It's important to select products with low enough concentrations of these active ingredients to avoid excessive irritation, which can compromise skin barrier function."

A breakdown of these active ingredients is as follows:

Salicylic acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that has a keratolytic effect, meaning it helps exfoliate dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores and improve skin texture. In addition, salicylic helps regulate sebum production and can be a good choice for those with oily, acne-prone skin.

Glycolic acid: An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates by breaking down cellular connections called desmosomes in the outermost layer of skin. In addition, glycolic acid can stimulate collagen production and is a humectant, meaning it can attract and bind water to improve skin hydration.

Benzoyl peroxide: An oxidizing agent that reduces levels of Cutibacterium acnes (C. Acnes), a type of bacteria that lives within pores and contributes to acne formation. Benzoyl peroxide also helps prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of C. Acnes that can arise with long-term use of antibiotics.

Sulfur: A mineral that contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

What ingredients should I avoid in an acne cleanser?

According to Stull, avoid comedogenic or pore-clogging ingredients like oils, butters and tocopherol (vitamin) that occlude skin. "Also avoid skin irritants like fragrance, dyes, parabens and common allergens that can increase inflammation contributing to breakouts," she added.

What allows an acne cleanser to be foaming?

"Foaming cleansers contain surfactants that form foam when mixed with water, helping to lift dirt and oil from the skin," Stull explained. "They are best for oily or combination skin and may be too harsh for dry or sensitive skin types."

Many foaming cleansers also contain sulfates, which can effectively remove dirt and oil but may be irritating to sensitive skin, Murphy-Rose warned.

What are the best acne cleansers for oily skin?

According to Stull, look for translucent gel cleansers that contain an acne-fighting active like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Above all, salicylic acid is the clear-cut winner as it "can help regulate sebum production," Murphy-Rose added.

What are the best acne cleansers for sensitive skin?

"Those with sensitive skin should select acne cleansers with lower percentages of active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or glycolic acid to avoid excessive irritation," Murphy-Rose advised. "Opting for a cream or gel-based formula, and avoiding products containing potential irritants such as fragrance, may also be helpful. Cleansers with a lower pH, closer to the normal range of human skin (5.4-5.9) are generally less irritating than those with a higher pH."

More, Stull recommended an oil-free, hypoallergenic hydrating cleanser containing barrier-supporting ceramides is best for sensitive skin. "Usually, I recommend use of a non-active gentle cleanser to be paired with a skincare routine that contains a leave-on product with an acne-fighting active (like an OTC retinoid or low concentration salicylic acid)," she shared.

What is hormonal acne?

"Hormonal acne may appear as papules, pustules, or deeper cystic lesions most commonly in a jawline and temple distribution. It may be associated with menstrual cycle flares," Stull said.

Hormonal acne is acne that is triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels and can be associated with high levels of androgens like testosterone. "Hormonal acne can arise in puberty, in association with menstrual cycles, during pregnancy or during menopause," Murphy-Rose added. "It's also commonly seen in a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)."

This type of acne is typically characterized by tender cysts or papules affecting the perioral region chin and jawline. "These pimples are often deeper than typical whiteheads or blackheads," Murphy-Rose explained. "When it comes to treatment, best results are often seen when topicals are combined with oral therapies like spironolactone or contraceptive pills."

When searching for a cleanser suited for hormonal acne, it's important to understand that the hormonal fluctuations that trigger acne prior to a menstrual cycle can also make the skin more sensitive. "Because of this, gentle cleansers that do not excessively dry or irritate the skin are best," Murphy-Rose recommended.

What is cystic acne?

Cystic acne often affects the face, chest and back with deeper reddish nodules that may be painful and have an increased tendency to scar, according to Stull. As far as acne washes go, she recommends looking for "translucent gel cleansers that contain an acne-fighting active like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide."

It's characterized by inflammatory, painful cysts and nodules underneath the surface of the skin. "This type of acne is also more likely to result in scarring, and can have a significant psychological impact," Stull noted.

Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.

Adult Acne: I'm A Decade Past Puberty — Why Am I Still Breaking Out?

You may have adult acne if you have a genetic predisposition, changing hormone levels, certain bacteria, or irritation from skin or hair products. Treatment typically depends on the cause.

Though it most often occurs during puberty, acne affects adults as well. Adult acne appears to affect females more often than males.

Adult acne can be mild, moderate, or severe:

Mild adult acne may consist of blackheads, whiteheads, or small pustules.

Moderate adult acne might also include papules, which cover between one-quarter and three-quarters of the face or body.

Severe adult acne often involves extreme redness or other discoloration, swelling, irritation, and deep cysts.

Here's everything you need to know about adult acne and how to treat it.

"Acne is an issue where the skin and pores are not functioning properly," explains Dr. Robin Schaffran, chief dermatologist and co-founder of BalmLabs, a skin care line designed for adult acne.

"Oil is being overproduced by the sebaceous glands, and the pores aren't effective in eliminating the oil. This causes the pores to clog, which ultimately leads to blackheads, whiteheads, and 'pimples,'" Schaffran says.

A few different factors can play a part.

Family history

Some people have a genetic predisposition for acne.

"Usually, when someone presents with acne, someone in the family has also experienced breakouts, either as a teen or adult," Schaffran says.

This person doesn't have to be your parent or sibling, either. It might be a more distant relative, such as an uncle, aunt, or cousin.

Changing hormone levels

Fluctuating or excessive sex hormones can lead to changes throughout your body and skin, including:

pH imbalance

inflammation

differences in circulation

excessive production of oil (sebum)

These changes often play a part in the development of adult acne.

Remember that fluctuations in your hormones don't necessarily translate to imbalanced or irregular hormone levels, according to Schaffran. Rather, your skin might respond to the typical hormonal fluctuations that characterize periods like puberty or perimenopause.

Hormonal acne usually appears as deep and cyst-like, and it's often tender or painful.

"If you suspect you might have some hormonal abnormality, like abnormal menses or excess hair growth, it can be helpful to have a dermatologist evaluate further and treat accordingly," Schaffran notes.

Contact irritation

Anything that irritates your skin, from harsh cleansers to razors on dry skin, can lower your skin's defenses and cause a protective reaction that leads to inflammation.

Hair and skin products

Oil-based products designed for use on hair and skin can potentially trigger acne breakouts.

Examples include:

shampoo and conditioner

styling products

leave-in conditioners

makeup

face creams and moisturizers

"Usually, this is only with oily or highly comedogenic products," Schaffran notes.

Emotional stress

Stress can create biological changes in the body that can worsen adult acne.

For example, when you feel scared, anxious, or pressured, your adrenal glands make more of the stress hormone cortisol. This can lead to increased sebum production, which can make acne worse.

Physical stress

Physical strain on your body can also trigger hormonal changes, weakened immunity, and inflammation — any of which can worsen acne.

Potential causes include:

People who smoke are also more likely to have adult acne.

Clogged pores

Excess oil can clog pores, and a rapid turnover of skin cells can lead to backed-up hair follicles. In both cases, you'll usually experience acne as a result.

Bacteria

Bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes can cause acne when present in the skin, especially when the bacteria buildup.

The bacteria accumulate under the skin and can't always be reached through surface cleansing. In other words, you can't remove it simply by washing your face. It requires treatment with an oral antibiotic.

Foods

Many people believe that excessive white flour products, sweets, chocolate, dairy, and fast food may contribute to adult acne. That said, experts haven't come to any conclusions on whether specific foods can cause breakouts.

"There is no good science that has demonstrated that eating sugar leads to acne breakouts, despite many studies looking at this issue. In my practice, I can show you many patients who eat clean diets and still experience terrible acne, along with many patients who eat nothing but junk food and have acne-free skin," Schaffran says.

Still, you may notice a pattern of acne after eating certain foods, so a dermatologist might recommend keeping a food diary to identify potential triggers.

Some evidence suggests that a diet high in high glycemic foods and cow's milk may worsen acne.

Medications

Some medications may increase the risk of adult acne breakouts, including:

Although many people use hormonal birth control pills to help treat adult acne, specific formulations may also cause it. A healthcare professional can offer guidance on choosing a hormonal contraceptive that meets your needs.

Undiagnosed medical conditions

Some health and skin conditions can resemble acne or lead to acne breakouts.

Examples include:

If you suspect an underlying medical condition could be triggering your acne, it's best to contact a healthcare professional for more guidance.

"Working with a dermatologist is a good idea whenever acne has become unmanageable and creates emotional distress or when over-the-counter products aren't helping," Schaffran says. "A good dermatologist can evaluate what type of skin you have and what type of acne you have and put you on a skin care regimen tailored to your specific needs."

Potential treatments for adult acne include home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) products, and prescriptions. Results can vary from person to person, and not all types of acne treatment will work for everyone.

Sometimes, OTC remedies might work quickly — but if they don't provide the results you want after a week or two, it's generally best to get professional support.

A dermatologist or other healthcare professional can help determine whether a prescription might work better.

Home remedies

Home remedies for adult acne include oral supplements and topical treatments you apply directly to your skin.

Some examples include:

Schaffran says many home remedies aren't particularly helpful, especially for extensive or deep acne.

"Some home remedies, such as apple cider vinegar, toothpaste, and lemon juice, can actually damage the skin barrier, leading to further irritation and rashes," Schaffran explains.

She does note that warm compresses can be somewhat effective for deep cystic acne.

Medical treatment

OTC and prescription-strength medications that treat adult acne include:

Some people with adult acne may experience breakouts on other parts of the body. Common locations can include:

back

chest

upper arms

shoulders

buttocks

Treating acne on other areas of the body can depend on the severity and how deep the acne is. You may be able to treat mild to moderate body acne with at-home treatment, such as cleansers and topical products. But for severe acne, you may need treatment options prescribed by a dermatologist.

Hormonal changes can continue throughout your 20s and 30s as your body adjusts to adulthood.

Changing hormone levels that contribute to adult acne can also happen as a result of:

You can ask a healthcare professional about possible tests and age-specific recommendations for hormonal acne.

There's a process to effectively treating and preventing adult acne:

Be diligent about your skin care routine: "The best tip for treating current breakouts and preventing future ones is to get yourself into a regular skin care routine using topical ingredients appropriate for your skin type," says Schaffran.

Moisturize properly: Schaffran says many people prone to acne tend to skip the moisturizing step since they've been conditioned to believe that drying out breakouts is the only way to treat them. "In fact, excessive dryness can actually exacerbate acne and propel a continuous breakout cycle."

Be patient: Change won't happen overnight. "Too many people give up too early and don't give the solution time to effectively work and generate results," Schaffran notes. "Far too often, people get frustrated and switch from product to product, but I promise you… consistency and a little patience are key to any acne treatment regimen."

Take care of your physical health: Steps like minimizing stress, eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep can make a difference in getting relief from adult acne.

While some triggers are hard to avoid, you have plenty of options for treatment.

But some treatments from your teenage years may have less effect now that you've reached adulthood. Switching to acne treatments designed for adult skin could make a big difference.

"Adult skin is often more sensitive and prone to dryness and irritation," Schaffran explains. "So harsh ingredients commonly used in traditional acne-fighting topicals, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, are often not tolerated well in adult skin."

Why do I still have acne in my 20s, 30s, or 40s?

You may experience adult acne due to a genetic predisposition, changing hormone levels, certain bacteria, or irritation from skin or hair products. Treating adult acne can depend on the cause.

What's the best way to treat adult acne?

Dermatologists are often able to recommend treatment options to reduce or clear adult acne. The specific treatment can depend on the cause. Treatments can include oral medications such as antibiotics or birth control pills, topical treatments, and skin procedures like blue light therapy.

How do I know if my acne is bacterial or hormonal?

A dermatologist can conduct tests to determine the cause of your acne and recommend an effective treatment.

Maybe you never expected to still have acne, long after leaving your teenage years in the dust. But you're not alone — and you have plenty of options for treatment.

If OTC products don't do much to improve your breakouts, a dermatologist can offer more guidance on a skin care routine and treatment approach that fits your unique skin needs.

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