Trying to fight adult acne? Then you need to try these treatments

You likely thought you'd be free of breakouts once you left secondary school, but acne can be one stubborn and annoying visitor. 

In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, 80 percent of people between 11 and 30 deal with acne at some point in their lives, and it can commonly crop up into your forties too. 

But with so many products, potions and procedures claiming to clear your skin, it can be hard to know which one actually works; or which one is right for your skin. 

Here, we look at true acne game changers, from ones that are effective temporarily, to the ones that can banish the breakouts for an extended length of time:

Temporarily Effective

DIY remedies

If you're in need of an emergency SOS, a few at-home remedies do really give quick results. 

If you have any eye drops lying around the house, a quick dab can knock down redness before a big event. 

And if that doesn't work you can also mix Aspirin with a few drops of tea tree oil for an over-night mask that will help flatten the inflammation of a big zit. 

Spot treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can also work well.

 

Diet and stress control

Recent studies show that there is an association between dairy and acne since some people are sensitive to the hormones found in dairy products. 

Also a high-starchy diet (white bread, we're looking at you) has been connected to acne due to insulin levels increasing inflammation in the body.

And even though stress doesn't cause acne, studies show that it does aggravate those who are prone to it due to the release of hormones that increase oil production. 

 

Very Effective

Birth control pills

A lot of adult female acne is connected to hormonal changes that cause an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone levels in the body. 

This usually leads to stubborn breakouts on the lower half of the face, especially right before and during your period. 

If you see this type of breakout happening like clockwork over the next few months, birth control pills will help rebalance hormone levels for a clearer complexion all month long.

 

Retinoids

Retinoids usually come in a topical cream form and work by penetrating and unclogging the sebaceous (oil) glands where acne starts.

They also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits that are seen as the standard care for acne patients.

The only catch here is that you need to be patient; retinoids can take up to two to three months to take full effect, but it will be worth it. 

 

Most Effective

Constant cleansing and skin care

Acne patients are usually (and understandably) impatient and inconsistent with skin care products, but this makes breakouts worse. 

Numerous studies support the consistant use of a twice-a-day gentle cleansing, along with the use of a sunscreen and moisturiser.

You'll be improving your acne by routinely clearing skin of unwanted oil and dirt, improving the skin barrier and reducing irritation. 

However, don't use harsh or over-drying products, keep it simple with gentle formulas that will nuture your skin. 

 

Chemical peel

Chemical peels work by breaking down the 'glue' between surface skin cells to promote exfoliation and unclogging of block up pores.

In addition to clearing acne, peels have the added benefit of lifting discolouration from scarring. 

Salicylic and glycolic acids are the most effective chemical peel agents to look for since they promote exfoliation and penetrate the oil glands to break down sebum.