Clear Skin Starts Here: How to Treat and Prevent Acne at Any Age
Acne isn’t just a “teenage problem.”
From hormonal breakouts in your 20s and 30s, to stress-induced flare-ups in your 40s and beyond, acne can happen to anyone—and it’s more than just a skin issue. Breakouts can impact your confidence, your mood, and how you feel walking into a room.
The good news? You can get clearer, calmer skin with the right approach—and it’s not always about using the harshest products or scrubbing your skin raw. Let’s talk about what’s really going on, and how to get you glowing again.
1. Know the Type of Acne You’re Dealing With
Not all breakouts are created equal. Knowing your acne type is key to treating it effectively.
Whiteheads - Caused by clogged pores from dead skin cells and sebum. White little tip with no redness.
Blackheads – Caused by clogged pores filled with oil, dead skin, and debris that oxidize.
Papules - Caused by a clogged pore that's inflamed but hasn’t filled with pus yet.
Pustules – Inflamed, red bumps from a papule that now contains puss and a white head.
Nodules - Caused by a pores blockage that has spread in the skin layers. Hard long lasting lump under the skin that can take weeks to heal. Swollen and painful.
Cystic Acne – Large, painful, under-the-skin bumps caused by deep inflammation filled with puss. Softer feeling than a nodule.
Why it matters: Different types of acne respond to different treatments. This is where a professional skin analysis can save you months (or years!) of trial and error.
2. Use the Right Ingredients
Here are some acne-fighting powerhouses to look for:
Mandelic- Great for sensitive skin and all acne types!
Glycolic- Great for oily skin and moderate acne especially texture.
Sulfur- Anti bacterial and great for inflamed acne and rosacea.
Salicylic Acid- Great for oily skin and rosacea and blackheads.
Benzoyl Peroxide- Anti microbial helps with inflamed acne bringing oxygen into the pore to clear debris.
Retinal-Great for cellular turnover and all types of acne. Great for moderate acne levels and helping boost collagen.
Lactic- Great for dry and sensitive skin plus pregnancy safe. Perfect to help brighten dull skin and minimal acne.
Azeliac- Anti bacterial and pregnancy safe helps with inflammation as well!
💡 Pro Tip: You don’t need all of these at once. Overloading your skin can cause irritation and make breakouts worse. The goal is a balanced, consistent routine. This is why seeing a licensed esthetician is so important! Their are so many options for each skin type/acne type.
3. Ditch the Skin-Sabotaging Habits
Sometimes, the little everyday things are what’s keeping your skin from clearing up:
Not changing your pillowcase often enough
Touching your face throughout the day. Dirty hands have lots of bacteria and can trap oil in the pore.
Skipping SPF because you “don’t want to clog pores” (hint: there are acne-safe formulas!) Believe it or not these protect the skin as a barrier.
Over-exfoliating, which can strip your skin and cause rebound oil production. Along with no barrier to protect and block the pores from being trapped and introduced to bacteria more frequent.
Clear skin isn’t just about what you add—it’s also about what you stop doing. Consistency is key!
4. Balance the Inside + Outside Approach
What you eat, how you manage stress, and how much sleep you get all play a role in skin health. While food isn’t the only cause of acne, some people notice flare-ups with:
High-sugar snacks and drinks
Dairy products
Highly processed foods like saturated fats and processed oils
Gluten and high carb foods
Blood sugar imbalances- which can be caused from irregular eating patterns or high carb/sugar foods, foods that you get digestive issues with or stress on the body.
Pairing a balanced diet with stress-reducing habits (like walks, journaling, or yoga) can help support your skin from the inside out. Add more fruits and vegetables with protein and some healthy fats youll notice a difference. Aim for a vegetable and fruit at each meal.
5. Know When to Call in a Pro
If you’ve tried the drugstore aisle with no luck, or your acne is painful and persistent, it’s time to get professional help.
In-studio treatments can speed up results, reduce scarring risk, and keep your skin calm while clearing. Options might include:
Customized acne facials
Chemical peels
LED light therapy
Targeted extractions
Oxygen therapy
Barrier support
Gentle enzymes
High frequency
The Bottom Line
Clear skin is possible, but it’s rarely about quick fixes. It’s about understanding your skin, using the right products consistently, and working with someone who can guide you through the process.
✨ If you’re tired of battling breakouts alone, book your Skin Consultation today. Together, we’ll create a plan that works for your skin and your lifestyle—you deserve to glisten and glow with confidence about your skin at every age.
