“Acne is a teen thing.” True, but it doesn’t only happen to teens. Acne pimples and blackheads occur for all kinds of reasons, no matter what your age. Thankfully, there are solutions to help you control these troublesome problems.

What causes acne?

The best way to fight acne is to learn all about it. So, let’s start. Acne is caused by overactive sebaceous glands that secrete sebum—a natural, oily substance that protects your skin. But, too much sebum can clog your pores, causing bacteria to grow and multiply.

Hyperactivity in sebaceous glands is generally caused by hormonal changes that are common during adolescence (the same hormones that bring on puberty, menstruation, etc.). But other factors are also involved, like:

• Stress;
• Genetics;
• Pregnancy;
• Menopause;
• Alcohol and tobacco use;
• Excess sweating;
• Certain medications;
• Exposure to certain chemicals;
• Cosmetics that are too greasy or oily.

What about diet?

You might have heard that foods high in fat or sugar can also cause acne. It’s a myth! In fact, some studies have shown there’s actually a closer causal link between flare-ups of pimples and the consumption of certain refined foods, like cereal, white bread, white rice and cookies. Either way, there’s no scientifically proven link between diet and acne. But it’s always a good idea to avoid junk food and overprocessed or highly sweetened foods.

How to apply makeup properly with acne on your face?

An appropriate acne skincare routine involves taking the time to carefully choose your makeup, as having acne-prone skin should never be a barrier to wearing makeup. After all, isn’t it one of the best ways to cover up blemishes?

However, to make sure you apply your makeup properly, here are a few best practices:

• Focus on hypo-allergenic, non-greasy and non-comedogenic products, ones that don't cause comedones (pores blocked with bacteria).
• Choose gentle, unscented, alcohol-free products.
• Always remove your makeup! Avoid aggravating acne by cleaning your skin gently before bed with a fragrance-free, paraben-free makeup remover.
• Don’t use too many products. Try to use makeup simply and sparingly.
• Be regular! Once you've found the skin-care products that are right for you, apply them on a regular basis without skipping days.

What are the most effective products for acne pimples?

You know that old bar of soap that’s sitting on the edge of the tub? Get rid of it. Chances are it contains abrasive ingredients that can irritate and dry out your acne-prone skin.

Here are some skincare products to use in your daily routine instead.

Anti-acne skincare for teenagers and adults:

• Soap-free cleansing gels;
• Lotions and micellar waters;
• Light, low-fat day creams;
• Zinc-based acne creams;
• Sebum regulators.

Look for these anti-acne ingredients in your skincare products:

• Salicylic acid: This is the ideal ingredient for unclogging pores by exfoliating dead skin cells.
• Glycolic acid: This ingredient is highly effective for gently exfoliating the skin while promoting cell renewal.
• Niacinamide: Recommended for oily, acne-prone, or breakout-prone skin, this powerhouse ingredient regulates sebum production and strengthens the skin barrier.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

While you can’t control all the factors that cause acne, you can help yourself by adopting certain habits on a daily basis. Proper hydration, physical activity, stress management, plenty of sound sleep and a balanced diet can all help improve the health of your skin and limit the intensity of your acne flare-ups.