Acne Solutions for Every Age
Blemishes! Acne! Pimples! Tackling these unwanted facial invaders can be a pain, no matter what age you are. We expect to have pimples as teens, perhaps even in our 20's, but at 40? Unfortunately, acne does not discriminate and can attack you no matter where you are in life. Every age brings with it different skin concerns and goals, because we are constantly going through changes. No sooner have we finished fighting off terrible acne in our teens, than we arrive in our 20's needing to start premature aging prevention. We make it to our 30's hoping to avoid fine lines and searching for that famous facial "glow"; and when we finally reach our 40's, we take a stand for an age-spot-free complexion. So let's be honest, battling blemishes or acne on top of all these changes is not fun-but using the right combination of acne products will make the journey easier. Read on to find some tips that will help this year be your best skin year ever.
Teens: This is the time when you can have fun with makeup and playful clothes, and you can get away with experimenting. However, you are more prone to breakouts because of hormonal changes causing you to produce more oil. Don't let these pore-cloggers get in your way! Combat these culprits with a solid skin-care routine, making sure you are washing your face morning and night – no exceptions! Simply use a mild cleanser and warm water. Avoid harsh scrubs with almond or apricot shell fragments, which can further irritate your skin, and skip toners; they can be too drying and cause you to have dry, flaky skin that produces more oil. Treat any pimples with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid gels, and make it a habit to use a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15. Ensure that your products (moisturizers, makeup, even hair gels!) are oil-free and non-comedogenic. And remember "hands off"! No picking or squeezing that zit – unless you want it to hang out forever!
Here comes the cavalry! Charge on with these blemish blasters: Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser, Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Cream , Proactive Green Tea Moisturizer
Twenties: These are the "roaring twenties" – the time to join the workforce, establish your look and go out on the town! Yet your fun, busy and sometimes crazy lifestyle can lead to some nasty skin habits. You may be guilty of "forgetting" to wash your face at night because you're too tired, or perhaps you tend to "recycle" your mascara and liner from the night before to get a jumpstart for work the next morning! This is bad news. Not washing your face at night makes you more susceptible to clogged pores, pimples and inflammation. You are not only leaving the makeup, but you are adding a layer of oils and dirt from throughout the day. YUCK! You may have conquered the pimple pile-up in your teens; however using the same products now is not a good idea, since they are probably too harsh. Instead, establish a sensible daily routine that matches your skin type. Always remove make-up and cleanse your face (for those nights when you just can't stay awake, keep gentle cleansing cloths by your bed to wipe away grime before hitting the hay). Luckily, your rate of cell turnover is still high, so keep exfoliating to a minimum – although mild chemical exfoliants, such as AHA'S and BHA's, can help keep blemishes at bay. Shrink existing blemishes with drying potions that have benzoyl peroxide, sulfur or kaolin (to absorb extra oil). Don't forget the ever-important sunscreen, and combat redness and puffiness by drinking lots of water and using products with green tea, aloe or chamomile. The process shouldn't take more than a minute or two, and it will pay off in the long run!
Wipe out spots with these winners: Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild , MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel, Oil Of Olay Daily Facial Cleansing Cloths
Thirties: There is probably no busier time in a woman's life than in her 30's. Between building a career, running a home and/or raising kids, you often don't have a second to spare. Stress, hormones and even your sunscreen can often be offenders, making acne more frustrating than before! Hopefully you have already customized a skin care routine, so that small adjustments won't mess up your stride. The good news: your skin isn't producing as much oil and there is an arsenal of acne-fighting products that can ward off the occasional annoying breakout. In treating and preventing acne, consistency counts. An effective antibacterial regimen includes cleansing, but also an acne fighting solution with salicylic or glycolic acid that is applied to the entire face (which will treat existing blemishes and suppress new ones from forming). You want your plan to penetrate the acne cycle that is deep in your pores even after surface pimples disappear. Look for multi-tasking products to help save you time! During your 30's, it's a good time to include skin care that is rich in antioxidants – which builds skin's resilience – sunscreen, and the use of retinoids to smooth early fine lines. Most importantly, get your beauty sleep so you will reduce stress-induced breakouts, and be rewarded with vibrant skin. 
Some front liners include: Dr. Brandt Lineless Foaming Cleanser, Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock, RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum, Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Makeup (absorbs oil, unclogs pores)
Forties + : You are a secure and strong woman who knows yourself well. It's a time when your confidence should flaunt your best features. You've spent your life adopting wise skincare choices and you can do it all in your sleep. So why do you wake up one morning to find pesky pimples that have sprouted like weeds on your face? At 40 you should be over this phase, right? Well, unfortunately, during this time, the skin's natural cell renewal process is slower, and along with hormonal changes, medications and stress, your complexion can look dull, feel dry, or worse, breakout! Outsmart these persistent pests, by sticking to your basics: cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and sun block. Of course the occasional glycolic acids and retinoids added into your skin care mix can boost your acne attack. This may also be a good time to experiment with microdermabrasion–which promotes deep cleansing and improves skin texture and tone. Nevertheless, the goal is not to do too much at one time; keep it gentle and simple. You don't want to risk unwanted inflammation. Choose non-comedogenic and oil-free moisturizers to keep pores clear and boost hydration. For added aging bonuses look for ingredients like Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and peptides, which promote collagen and elastic growth. Remember acne 101: relax and don't touch your face!
Arm yourself with these breakout bombers: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, Dermalogica Solar Defense, DDF Discoloration Reversal Pod (exfoliating disks), Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10
An effective blemish treatment will reduce excess oil, eliminate skin-cell buildup, and kill the bacteria that cause the problem. Three main steps for stellar skin are eat well, keep it clean and never pick! It takes time for those stubborn pimples to disappear, but if you have tried many over-the-counter products and still get no relief (especially if you have nodular or cystic acne), then it's time to make an appointment with your dermatologist. He may recommend oral or topical medications, or even suggest laser treatments for any scarring. Remember, acne is different for everyone and you should watch your skin's triggers and try to avoid them. Lastly, don't despair when confronted with acne. There are many solutions, and chances are there is one out there for you!
What acne products can't you live without? Leave a comment and share with us!
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Comments page 1 of 2
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EmmaJ said 2-25-2010 @2:07PM
Having acne is a drag. You're self-conscious; it's embarrassing. You just want to be normal. I know how it feels. I started breaking out when I was about sixteen, and that's a tough enough age without a face full of pimples. Acne doesn't care how old you are; even in my thirties I was still breaking out and in my business, that's unacceptable. I first started using http://cli.gs/ClearPores after finding it for my teenage daughter. Within a week, I noticed an immediate change in the smoothness of my skin; fewer bumps, less redness. Now I have my brother on it, my babysitter on it. If only we had it sooner.
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Dina said 2-25-2010 @3:02PM
I'm 62 and still breaking out, near my eyebrows or on my cheeks or chin. Everyone says I have a beautiful complexion, but now I'm getting spots after the pimples fo away. What is there for us 60 year olds.
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AZ Sue said 2-25-2010 @4:33PM
I'm in my early 60s. Have had acne on and off since age 30. Now taking spironolactone and doxycycline and the combination has worked miracles. Nothing else has ever worked this well for me.
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kendall said 2-25-2010 @7:52PM
i would try proactiv. it works very well and quickly. or clean and clear deep action cream cleanser followed by use of clean and clear astingent and then mousterizing with Cetaphil (a lotion you can find most places) either one should word but it you have more sensitive skin use the second option.
•http://thespecialktreatment.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/cetaphil.jpg
•http://blogs.glam.com/glamblush/files/2008/10/clean-and-clear-deep-action-cleanser.jpg
•http://www.overstockdrugstore.com/product_images/t/381370033677.jpg
everything except for proactiv is available at target, wal-mart, or the pharmacy.
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joanne said 2-25-2010 @8:05PM
Do not use Proactiv. It is just like comet to your face as you are older. Stay away from the harsh over the counter products, I know I have used them all. Finally went to a dermatologist and getting great results. The best thing is just use Dermologica products which you can by on line or at a mall in a beuaty supply place or better yet, go to the Dermatologist and get differin gel. A milder form of Retina-A, inexpensive and isurance will pay for it. Work greaat and your face will stay soft and clean.
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Jennifer said 2-25-2010 @3:58PM
My MUST HAVE is Mary Kay Timewise. My skin has NEVER looked better!!
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Cathy said 2-25-2010 @5:34PM
I am pushing 70 and have used Noxema Deep Cleansing cream since I was 14. I like the tingly sensation it leaves on my skin and also use it after showering. People actually comment about my great looking skin. I also do not wear makeup on a daily basis and when I do it is lightly applied. That is a long time to be using a product and thankfully they still manufacture it.
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past60 said 2-25-2010 @10:02PM
I can't help your blemishes but how about your saggy neck? Try hemmoroid cream daily. Tightens it up and improves your appearance.
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Dash-2 said 2-25-2010 @5:18PM
Oxy 10 face wash is what works for me.
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Mary Lou said 2-25-2010 @6:58PM
Me, too!
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eric said 2-25-2010 @5:33PM
Im 22 yrs old and the one product that has worked very good on my face is AcneFree Severe Terminator 10. This product I started using it and in weeks the acne started to disappear, and it only cost $ 4.95. I have tried other products and nothing had worked like this one. I recommend this product to anyone out there that has severe acne.
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Lysa said 2-25-2010 @6:11PM
where do you get the product?
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Ellyce Field said 2-25-2010 @6:08PM
Those commercial products are not going to clear up your acne. Shame on the writer for promoting them. You should see a dermatologist if you are serious about getting rid of acne.
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Ami said 2-25-2010 @6:25PM
I am 47 started premenopause a couple of years ago and now have acne. It took me a while bit the thing that works for me is EFFACLAR bu LA ROCHE-POSAY. It really keeps my acne under control.Then I use CVS all day moisture lotion spf 15 sunscreen for sensative skin.They are the only two things I use faithfully. If you find something and it works stay with it.
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jojo said 2-25-2010 @6:34PM
i use olay products i'm in my 30's and my teenage daughter uses the same products !they have products for every skin type and i love the moisturizers as well.
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eric said 2-25-2010 @6:40PM
Lysa if your talking to me, I buy it in wal-mart.
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Mary Lou said 2-25-2010 @6:57PM
OXY 10!!! LOVE it and so easy to use. Love the cleansing sheets...very easy to use when I am in a hurry or very tired. I occassionaly make the mistake of switching over to a department store brand (Nordstrom where I get facials done) paying 10X the price for just a cleanser, then more for a toner, then more for an eye cream, then more for a moisterizer...totally around $180! After 10 days of ue, I break out! So, I always end up returning the product. Never again! I am sticking to my $5.99 OXY 10!!!
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paulette said 2-25-2010 @8:02PM
Why do you quit before you get to age 60 when you really really need products? Do cosmetic companies take us into account? Be aware that "baby boomers" have the money, time and desire to look good. We also account for a large number of women.
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ERMA said 2-25-2010 @8:08PM
IF YOU WANT BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LOOKING SKIN I RECOMMEND OIL OF OLAY I HAVE BEEN USING IT SINCE HIGH SCHOOL AND EVERYONE THAT SEES ME ASK ME AM I EVER GOING TO AGE. MOST PEOPLE CANT BELIEVE MY AGE, IL BE 41 THIS YEAR. THANKS OIL OF OLAY
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Ann said 2-26-2010 @10:14AM
Hey guys! I have been using Cetaphil for years and the stuff is really good! It's gentle and it takes off all of my make-up! Also, the BHA stuff rocks!!! I noticed some of you older gals said the cut-off is 40-well, if you look at the article,you will notice that is says 40's PLUS!!! Also, why are some of you such bashers? The are good SUGGESTIONS, not to mention it says that every skin is different and if acne is a continuous problem you should go see a derm. !! Let's be lovers, not haters :)
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