20% off comforting favorites. code: JOYFUL | DETAILS

Your cart

Your cart is empty

Acne in your 40s: Adult acne causes + solutions

Acne in your 40s: Adult acne causes + solutions

Dealing with acne beyond your teenage years can be frustrating, confusing and downright unfair. But adult acne is nothing to be ashamed of – in fact, it is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting up to 50 million people every year. Still, if you’re ready to break up with problem pores and breakouts, we have solutions. Are you in your 40s and looking for the right treatments for you? Keep reading. 

“Why am I breaking out in my 40s?”

In your 40s, skin undergoes significant changes that can lead to unexpected breakouts. The collagen fibers that once kept your skin firm begin to weaken, causing lines and wrinkles to form. Skin cell renewal also slows down, making your complexion dull and uneven. As this natural exfoliation process declines, dead skin cells can linger on the surface, clogging pores and contributing to acne.

Hormonal changes in your 40s further complicate things, as fluctuating hormone levels can trigger breakouts. Your skin also produces few lipids – natural fats that protect against water loss – resulting in dryness. Combined with slower lymphatic drainage, these changes can cause puffiness and stress-related skin issues, making it more challenging to maintain clear, balanced skin. This is why it's essential to establish an at-home agenda that supports your skin's changing needs. 

Your acne at-home agenda for your 40s

In the morning: pore thingsoothing reset mist, daily meds, oxygen boost barrier treatment, SPF

In the morning, start with a gentle cleanser like pore thing, which targets problem pores and clarifies skin without stripping moisture. Follow with a soothing toner like soothing reset mist to nourish, hydrate and reduce redness. This step is particularly important, as mature skin can become more reactive and prone to inflammation.

Another important factor is your skin’s barrier, which weakens as you get older. An acne clearing serum like daily meds is a great, gentle option that strengthens your barrier while targeting lines, tone and dullness. 

With age, oxygen levels in the skin also decrease, weakening the barrier even more and leaving it vulnerable. To amplify cellular respiration, incorporate oxygen boost barrier treatment into your morning routine. This light-as-air supplement wakes up cells with a burst of essential oxygen to purify pores, maintain elasticity and improve barrier integrity. 

And, of course, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect against UV damage, which can exacerbate acne and further weaken the skin’s barrier. Try raydefense for a lighter, moisturized coverage, or spf 50 facescreen for the ultimate, anti-aging sun protection.  

In the evening: pore thing, soothing reset mist, oxygen boost barrier treatment OR barrier fix daily hydrator for those with dry skin

While you sleep, your skin undergoes repair and regeneration processes vital for maintaining a clear complexion. Oxygen is essential during this time to prevent acne from developing and worsening. Maintain these levels with a formula designed to give your skin an oxygen boost, like oxygen boost barrier treatment

During the night, your skin can also lose moisture, leading to dehydration which you may feel throughout the day. This moisture loss can exacerbate skin issues, including acne, as the skin may overproduce oil in response. If you notice excessive dryness, swap oxygen boost barrier treatment for barrier fix daily hydrator. This clinical moisturizing treatment pushes comforting hydration deep into the skin, to protect against inflammation and help restore barrier damage. 

Weekly/as needed: peel breaker 3x a week, spot defy on active breakouts

In your 40s, the skin's natural cell turnover rate slows down, leading to a buidlup of dead skin cells that can clog pores and contribute to acne. This decreased exfolaition can result in a dull complexion and increased breakouts. A leave-on exfoliating treatment like peel breaker breaks up clogging oils and dead skin cells to reveal smother, brighter skin.

As the skin ages, it can also become less resilient, making it more prone to irritation and sensitivity. This means targeted interventions become necessary to effectively address stubborn blemishes without exacerbating inflammation or discomfort. An overnight acne spot treatment like spot defy can target specific breakouts without irritating the surrounding skin. 


Sources: https://www.aad.org/media/stats-numbers#:~:text=Acne%20is%20the%20most%20common,to%2050%20million%20Americans%20annually
Previous post
Next post

Peel Breaker Sample
Peel Breaker Sample

Added to Bag
In Cart
Pore Thing Sample
Pore Thing Sample

Added to Bag
In Cart
oxygen boost barrier treatment Sample
oxygen boost barrier treatment Sample

Added to Bag
In Cart
Dewluxe for Body Sample
Dewluxe for Body Sample

Added to Bag
In Cart
Time Sensitive Sample
Time Sensitive Sample

retinol-free, multi-benefit serum for delicate skin with bakuchiol, peptides + deep hydrators

Added to Bag
In Cart
Hydroplunge Sample
Hydroplunge Sample

hyper-saturating immersion mask for dehydrated skin with sugar beet + hyaluronic acid

Added to Bag
In Cart
Dewluxe Sample
Dewluxe Sample

facial oil with occlusive argan, squalane + sea kale for dewy hydration

Added to Bag
In Cart
vc10 daily glow Sample
vc10 daily glow Sample

glow-getting serum with triple-sourced antioxidant 10% vitamin C

Added to Bag
In Cart
Urban Undo Cleanser Sample
Urban Undo Cleanser Sample

deep purging copper + clay cleanser to undo pollution, makeup and sebum

Added to Bag
In Cart
Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil Sample
Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil Sample

A 2-in-1 makeup remover + cleanser with soothing, reparative plant and olive oils

Added to Bag
In Cart
Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator Sample
Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator Sample

Whipped hyaluronic acid + silver ear mushroom calms reactive skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Quick Refiner Sample
Quick Refiner Sample

Leave-on gel exfoliator with powerful AHAs

Added to Bag
In Cart
Sleepwear Sample
Sleepwear Sample

Overnight creme for dry to combination skin with calcium, retinol + peptides

Added to Bag
In Cart
Plump Start Sample
Plump Start Sample

Antioxidant concentrate to improve fullness and smooth lines

Added to Bag
In Cart
Quick Refiner for Eyes Sample
Quick Refiner for Eyes Sample

Wrinkle-reducing, gentle AHA + lactic acid peel for eyes

Added to Bag
In Cart
Sleepwear for Eyes Sample
Sleepwear for Eyes Sample

Overnight age activist eye creme to moisturize and nourish thin fragile skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Really Rich Moisture Sample
Really Rich Moisture Sample

Ultra-emollient creme moisturizer to saturate very dry skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Moisture x10 Sample
Moisture x10 Sample

Super hydrating hyaluronic acid facial serum

Added to Bag
In Cart
Measured Micrograins + Sample
Measured Micrograins + Sample

Multi-action facial scrub for all skin types, including sensitive

Added to Bag
In Cart
Remineralist Daily Moisture Sample
Remineralist Daily Moisture Sample

A pollution-neutralizing, hydrating lightweight lotion for modern day aging skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Beyond Hydration Sample
Beyond Hydration Sample

Gel moisturizer for oily skin refreshes without shine

Added to Bag
In Cart
Moisture Positive Cleanser Sample
Moisture Positive Cleanser Sample

Rich facial cleanser for dry skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Collagen Rehab Sample
Collagen Rehab Sample

Face + lip mask to rehabilitate aging, lined and exhausted skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Radiance Rescue Sample
Radiance Rescue Sample

Instant-radiance mask for face and eyes

Added to Bag
In Cart
Pumice Peel Sample
Pumice Peel Sample

Manual microdermabrasion treatment in a jar

Added to Bag
In Cart
Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum Sample
Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum Sample

All-in-one youth serum to brighten, hydrate, smooth, minimize pores, improve lines, and firm

Added to Bag
In Cart
Decongestant Cleanser Sample
Decongestant Cleanser Sample

Lathering gel cleanser for oily skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Makeup Dissolver Perfected Sample
Makeup Dissolver Perfected Sample

Non-stinging makeup remover

Added to Bag
In Cart
CreateFirm Sample
CreateFirm Sample

Advanced anti-aging facial serum

Added to Bag
In Cart
Recovery Serum Sample
Recovery Serum Sample

Moisture-binding ceramide facial serum

Added to Bag
In Cart
Skin Editor Sample
Skin Editor Sample

Leave on AHA peel creme to target texture, dullness, congestion, discoloration, lines and more.

Added to Bag
In Cart
Kerafole Sample
Kerafole Sample

Deep purging facial mask that reveals fresh, radiant skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Crucial Moisture Sample
Crucial Moisture Sample

Emollient creme moisturizer for dry skin to improve the look of lines

Added to Bag
In Cart
Absolute Moisture Sample
Absolute Moisture Sample

Lightweight facial moisturizer for combination skin to balance and smooth

Added to Bag
In Cart
Oil Control Sleepwear Sample
Oil Control Sleepwear Sample

Overnight creme for combination to oily skin with calcium, retinol + peptides

Added to Bag
In Cart