Spots are supposed to happen at a time when life's biggest stresses are late-night exam cramming, deciding on an Instagram filter and the next-day shame after getting drunk off one too many WKDs. They shouldn't happen when you’re leading board meetings and business brunches. The reality is that adult acne is now practically epidemic with over 50% of women over the age of 25 suffering, and it’s increasing year on year.
"Typically teenage acne will clear up once you finish puberty and your hormones settle", explains Debbie Thomas, Advanced Skin Specialist. "Acne continues into adulthood if you suffer continual hormonal imbalance (hence the flare ups) which are often triggered by diet and stress – modern life can be pretty full on." Consequently, these late onset hormonal spots tend to be angrier and more inflamed, often as red cysts clumping around your chin, which is why they take longer to heal and are trickier to control than they were in your teens.
"Where most people go wrong is that they’re overly harsh and try to strip the skin of oil in the hope they can literally scrub spots off. But adult acne isn’t an oily issue – it’s an inflammatory one and requires a sensitive approach to not aggravate it further," advises Dr Jane Leonard, GP and Hormone Specialist. So if your bathroom is host to a graveyard of half-used bottles that promised so much but left you bitterly disappointed, bin the lot and give the products ahead a go.
Rammed to the rafters with salicylic and glycolic acid (if you aren’t acquainted with this killer duo, make sure they're a part of your routine pronto) – the former is an anti-inflammatory so takes down redness and also dissolves the ‘glue’ that sticks clumps of dead skin cells together in pores (which form spots). The latter is preventative as it gently exfoliates the top layer of the skin so pores are less likely to clog.
One to pop on your Christmas list as it’s pretty pricey but it definitely delivers results. You scan the laser over problem areas for a couple of minutes after cleansing (it’s wireless so can be done whilst lounging on the sofa in front of Netflix).
Far from being just a gimmick, blue LED light (laser) pulsates through skin to kill bacteria deep in pores before it gets a chance to multiply into a spot. You won’t notice immediate results as this assassination of pore cloggers is a lengthy process but after a couple of weeks you’ll notice spots aren’t as inflamed and skin will look noticeably clearer after about a month. You’ll need to continue using it even when the spots have gone but the results and subsequent compliments will be worth it.
You know a moisturiser’s effective when leading dermatologists actually prescribe it to patients. Another product with salicylic acid, it helps to keep pores clean and hydrated which is key as "if you let your skin get dry and sensitised it just becomes weaker and more susceptible to breakouts" explains Thomas. Unlike most gloopy moisturisers this leaves a velvety, primer-like finish to skin making it great base for makeup.
Hey you. Yes you, gamely dabbing toothpaste on your spots. STOP. This spot-repelling pen is the more effective solution that won’t irritate or worse still, burn your skin in the process. Added antiseptic tea-tree sterilises whilst the soothing chamomile takes down redness. Apply under concealer, overnight or for emergency zapping – it fits neatly into a purse or desk pen pot so you always have one in grabbing distance.
Super lightweight, this soft concealer melts over blemishes or scars and won’t crack over wrinkles. Although it’s tempting to sweep the wand over spots, doing so will actually dilute the coverage; always dab then tap any excess in with your finger. Plus, it’s crucial to pick a shade that matches your skin tone and undertone; go too light and it’s like shining a spotlight on blemishes which is the last thing you want.
What’s so great about oxygen in foundation? Well, it encourages cells to repair and renew much faster which in turn helps spots heal quicker and without scarring. It has a decent coverage considering how light it is and gives a blurry Instagram filter effect over skin to even the tone and any redness. We buy it in bulk.
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation, £45, available at Cult Beauty
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