We thought we'd spend adulthood warding off wrinkles, not fighting the same pesky breakouts of our youth. Luckily, there are skin-care products designed to nip adult acne in the bud—minus the harsh formulas of our teenage years. Here are three we recommend.
3 Skin-Care Products That Fight Adult Acne
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Published Feb 25, 2019
Renée Rouleau
Renée Rouleau Anti-bump Solution
When it comes to those dreaded under-the-skin blemishes, you definitely can't pop ’em…and loading up on harsh spot treatments often just leads to a flaky mess that you can't even hide with concealer. Enter this serum, which was specifically designed for cystic zits deep within the skin. The non-drying gel absorbs quickly, reduces redness and inflammation, and in our experience, will cut a pimple's lifespan in half.
Target
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1 Percent Acne Treatment
For clogged pores, whiteheads and blackheads, it's all about reducing inflammation and speeding up cell turnover—you want to prevent cells from blocking pores and creating pimples. A retinoid does just that, and Differin is available over the counter. While it takes time to see results (we're talking up to 12 weeks), the end result is clearer skin and fewer fine lines. Just make sure you start slowly, applying ever other night (or every third) until your skin can acclimate.
Dermstore
Paula's Choice 10 Percent Azelaic Acid Booster
If you're dealing with a bumpy texture combined with post-pimple dark spots (aka post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), azelaic acid can target both problems. It's a powerhouse ingredient that's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and exfoliating, all while being gentle enough for daily use. After trying the Paula's Choice version, we noticed a more even-toned complexion, with less redness and fewer bumps.
