Acne at Any Age? Why You’re Breaking Out & What to Do About It
Acne at Any Age? Why You’re Breaking Out & What to Do About It
Thought you’d left acne behind with your teenage years? Think again. Many of us are dealing with fine lines and breakouts at the same time—because life just loves to keep us on our toes. In this episode of the Beauty Lab Podcast, we break down exactly why acne doesn’t just disappear with age, the different types of acne, and the best ways to treat it—without making things worse.
*This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may make a commission at no additional cost to you.
What Even Is Acne?
Acne isn’t just a temporary annoyance—it’s a skin disease caused by clogged pores, excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. And thanks to hormones, stress, and even the wrong skincare products, breakouts can show up well into adulthood.
Common causes of acne include:
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Hormonal Fluctuations – Think puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, or even
that time of the month.
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Genetics – If your parents had acne, there’s a good chance you will too. Thanks, mom and dad!
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External Triggers – Stress, pollution, diet, and the wrong skincare products can all make acne worse.
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Gut Health – Your skin and digestive system are more connected than you think!
The Three Main Types of Acne & How to Treat Them
Not all acne is the same, and treating it the wrong way can lead to scarring, irritation, and more breakouts. Here’s how to identify and manage each type:
Acne (Pimples & Cysts)
- These inflamed bumps are caused by excess oil, bacteria, and clogged pores.
- How to treat: Look for benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria, chemical peels to reduce inflammation, and professional treatments like high-frequency facials.
Blackheads
- Open clogged pores that oxidize and turn dark.
- How to treat: Exfoliate with salicylic acid or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and use gentle cleansers to break down trapped oil.
Whiteheads (Milia)
- Small, hard bumps trapped under the skin with no opening.
- How to treat: DO NOT pick at them! Instead, use exfoliating acids like glycolic or lactic acid to encourage cell turnover.
What About Those Bioré Strips?
We get it, ripping off a blackhead strip and seeing all the gunk is oddly satisfying. But the reality? You’re only pulling out the top layer of buildup—leaving most of the debris behind. For a long-term fix, go with chemical exfoliation and regular facials.
Does Diet Really Affect Acne? (Spoiler: Yes, It Does)
Turns out, your food choices can trigger breakouts. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Forehead Acne = Too much sugar, dairy, fried foods, or citric acid
- Cheek Acne = Poor digestion, not enough fiber, or gut imbalances
- Jawline Acne = Hormonal imbalances, stress, and high-sodium foods
To clear up your skin, cut back on dairy, sugar, and processed foods while adding more probiotic-rich foods like kimchi and fermented veggies.
To Pop or Not to Pop?
The urge to pop a pimple is real, but resist! Popping can spread bacteria, cause scarring, and make things so much worse. Instead, use benzoyl peroxide spot treatments, pimple patches, or tea tree oil.
Best Over-the-Counter Acne Products
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CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser – Gentle benzoyl peroxide formula
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Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – Perfect for blackheads & whiteheads
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Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment – A solid benzoyl peroxide spot treatment
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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Matte Moisturizer – Hydrates without clogging pores
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Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 46 – A lightweight sunscreen that won’t break you out
My Favorite Product for Acne + Gut Health
Our teams at Three* recognize focusing on gut health has many advantages, including but not limited to gentle whole-body cleansing and detoxingwith Purifí:
- Gentle enough to use daily for a whole-body detox.
- Natural ingredients bind to toxins to remove them from the body.
- Detoxifies and cleanses 5 organs (liver, lungs, colon, kidneys, and skin).
- Milk Thistle and Burdock Root cleanses and supports the liver, supporting the body’s elimination organs to remove toxins.
- Coriander and Dandelion support kidney and gallbladder function.
- Eliminates heavy metal toxins.
- Increases nutrient absorption in the body.
- Maintains the health of lungs and the respiratory system.
- Helps support a healthy weight.
*THREE Disclaimer: I am an Independent Brand Ambassador with THREE. These statements are based on my personal experiences and may not be typical. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease/illness.
Final Thoughts
Acne might not have an expiration date, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. With the right skincare, diet, and patience, you can keep your skin clear—without the teenage angst.
