“Just when I thought my acne had cleared up, it appeared in the same spot again…”

“I didn’t have much acne as a teenager, but it started recurring after I became an adult.”

“I’m worried about my acne and am working hard on washing and skincare, but it’s not improving.”

There are many people who suffer from these kinds of concerns.

Adult acne is not simply caused by having “dirty skin.”

It occurs due to a combination of various factors, such as hormonal changes, sebum, clogged pores, skin irritation, and lifestyle habits.

Therefore, to prevent acne, it is important not to rely on care like “just washing” or “popping the acne that appears,” but rather to avoid over-stimulating the skin and review your daily skincare routine.

In this article, we will explain as clearly as possible the main causes of recurring adult acne and the correct skincare methods you can start today.

What are the main causes of recurring adult acne?

First, it is important to know that adult acne is not necessarily caused by just one factor.

Acne occurs when pores become clogged, sebum accumulates, and inflammation occurs there.

So, why does acne become easier to repeat as you get older?

1. Changes in hormonal balance

Hormonal changes can be involved in adult acne.

Especially for women, hormones change due to factors like the menstrual cycle, which can worsen acne.

It is also said that acne can worsen when you are feeling stressed.

If you find that “acne has increased since I got busy lately,” it is also important to review not just your skin, but your entire lifestyle.

2. Sebum and dead skin cells accumulate in pores

When sebum and old dead skin cells from the skin accumulate in the pores, the pores become prone to clogging.

If this state continues, it can lead to whiteheads or blackheads, and if further inflammation occurs, it can turn into red, swollen acne.

In short, for acne countermeasures, it is important not only to consider “what to do about existing acne,” but also to keep pores in a state where they are less likely to clog.

3. Excessive skin irritation

When acne appears,

“I must remove the sebum”

“I must remove the dirt from my pores”

Some people think this and end up scrubbing their face too hard.

However, scrubbing strongly when washing your face or repeating harsh care can put a strain on your skin.

Precisely because you have acne-prone skin, it is important to not wash too much and not scrub.

4. Dry skin

Some people think, “Acne means I shouldn’t moisturize.”

However, even if you have acne-prone skin, proper moisturizing is important if your skin is dry.

Especially when your skin is dry due to acne treatment, using a moisturizer can suppress dryness and irritation, making it easier to continue treatment.

10 Correct Skincare Methods to Prevent Recurring Acne

From here on, I will introduce 10 skincare habits to keep in mind to prevent recurring adult acne.

You don’t need to do everything perfectly at once.

First, try incorporating what you can, little by little.

1. The basic rule for face washing is to be “gentle”

When washing your face, try not to scrub your skin.

Lather the facial cleanser well and wash gently using the pads of your fingers.

After washing, use a clean towel to gently pat away moisture without rubbing your skin.

Washing your face is not a case of “the harder you scrub, the cleaner it gets.”

The important thing is not to give your skin unnecessary irritation.

2. Be careful not to over-wash your face

Even if you are concerned about sebum, avoid washing your face too many times.

Basically, wash your face a reasonable number of times, such as morning and night, according to your skin condition.

If you have been sweating, washing gently afterward is also an option.

If your skin feels tight after washing, check if you are over-washing or if the facial cleanser is right for your skin.

3. Moisturize after washing your face

Even if you are concerned about acne, don’t forget to moisturize after washing your face.

When skin is dry, it can become more prone to feeling tight or irritated.

For those prone to acne, checking for labels like “non-comedogenic” or “less likely to clog pores” when choosing products is one method.

4. Do not apply too much lotion or milky lotion

Skincare is not a case of “the more you use, the better.”

Layering many types of products such as lotion, serum, milky lotion, and cream can sometimes cause skin irritation.

First, start with a simple routine:

“Wash”
↓
“Moisturize”
↓
“Use sun protection during the day”

Try making this your basic care routine.

5. Do not scrub hard with exfoliants

When you are concerned about blackheads or rough skin, you might want to scrub your skin hard with an exfoliant.

However, if you scrub skin with acne hard, the irritation may worsen the condition.

Focus on “not damaging the skin” rather than just “removing dirt.”

6. Do not pop pimples

Avoid popping pimples with your fingers as much as possible.

I understand the urge to touch them because they bother you, but popping or pressing them firmly can prolong the healing process and lead to acne scars or hyperpigmentation.

When you have a breakout, make a conscious effort to “not touch” it.

7. Choose cosmetics that are “less likely to clog pores”

When choosing cosmetics, sunscreen, or skincare products, one method is to select products designed for acne-prone skin.

Check for labels such as “non-comedogenic,” “oil-free,” or “less likely to clog pores.”

However, these labels do not guarantee that the product will not cause acne for everyone.

It is important to use them while checking if they suit your skin.

8. Keep hair from touching your face

If your bangs or hair often touch your face, try to keep them away from your face as much as possible.

Especially if you are concerned about acne on your forehead, it is important to check if your hair care products or hair itself are touching your skin.

9. Protect against UV rays

Even when you are concerned about acne, do not forget to protect your skin from UV rays during the day.

When choosing sunscreen, it is easier to use products designed for acne-prone skin.

UV protection is an important part of skincare not only for acne itself but also for those concerned about skin discoloration after acne has healed.

10. Do not change your skincare routine frequently

When you get acne,

“Was this product not good enough?”

You might think, “I should use stronger cosmetics.”

And you may end up changing products one after another.

However, continuing to try various products in a short period can increase irritation to your skin.

For skincare, it is important not to seek results too quickly, but to continue with a method that suits your skin.

NG Skincare Habits to Avoid for Adult Acne

Contrary to the methods introduced so far, there are also habits you should avoid.

Typical examples include:

・Popping pimples
・Scrubbing hard when washing your face
・Washing your face too many times
・Not moisturizing even when your skin is dry
・Forcing yourself to use cosmetics that cause irritation
・Changing skincare products one after another in a short period

and similar actions.

In particular, because of the desire to “heal acne quickly,” rubbing or touching the skin forcefully can have the opposite effect.

What is important in skincare for acne-prone skin is not to overdo it.

If Acne Still Recurs, See a Dermatologist

“I keep getting acne even though I’ve reviewed my skincare routine”

“I get large, painful pimples”

“Acne leaves marks after it heals”

In such cases, do not try to solve it only with self-taught skincare, but consider consulting a dermatologist.

In particular, acne that swells significantly deep in the skin or acne that tends to leave marks may not be adequately addressed by over-the-counter skincare alone.

Acne is often thought of as something that “will heal eventually,” but medically, it is a skin disease that can be treated.

The Japanese Dermatological Association also treats acne as a skin disease called “acne vulgaris” and has published guidelines for its treatment.

Summary | Adult Acne Countermeasures Start with “Treating Your Skin Gently”

Adult acne is caused by a combination of various factors, including hormonal changes, sebum, clogged pores, stress, and skin irritation.

Therefore, it is not as simple as thinking that “removing all sebum is good” or “popping a pimple will make it heal faster.”

First, let’s focus on these 10 points:

1. Wash gently
2. Do not over-wash
3. Moisturize properly
4. Do not rub your skin
5. Do not touch your acne
6. Choose cosmetics that are less likely to clog pores
7. Keep your hair from touching your face too much
8. Use sun protection
9. Do not change your skincare products constantly
10. Consult a dermatologist if necessary

Try to keep these 10 things in mind.

The important thing is not to panic and rush your care only when a pimple appears, but to review your daily skincare routine little by little.

The more you think “I want it to heal quickly,” the more likely you are to touch your skin or wash it too vigorously.

However, the basic approach to adult acne care is to reduce irritation and treat your skin with care rather than attacking it.

If you are suffering from recurring acne, consulting a dermatologist is one option before you continue worrying that “my skincare routine might be wrong.”

Find the care that suits your skin condition and aim to gradually build a skin environment that is less prone to recurring acne.