Leave it to perimenopause to strike again with an old familiar foe—acne! If you were lucky enough to struggle with acne as a teen, you’re even more likely to spar with it again in midlife. And not unlike teen zits, the adult variety is usually the result of shifting hormones and is no less annoying. It’s no wonder they call perimenopause the second puberty. But according to the American Academy of Dermatology, adult acne should never be treated with the same harsh ingredients we once resorted to as teens—does rubbing alcohol and toothpaste come to mind?
Instead, dermatologists recommend products that are gentle on adult skin which becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic as we age. Thankfully, acne medications that contain trusted ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur can help clear mild-to-moderate adult acne without harming your skin or requiring a prescription. So the next time you’re tempted to pop that pimple or reach for your teen’s pimple patches, consider the following over-the-counter options to safely stop those pesky pimples dead in their tracks.
Proactive Emergency Blemish Relief
Dermatologist-tested and safe for all ages, Proactiv’s Emergency Blemish Relief contains a powerful dose of microcrystal benzoyl peroxide, one of the oldest and most trusted topical treatments for acne. Designed to target acne-causing bacteria inside the pores, it quickly clears up unexpected blemishes and prevents future breakouts from forming.
Burt’s Bees Acne-Clearing Spot Treatment
Formulated with salicylic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid known for exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clear, this spot treatment uses willow bark and witch hazel extracts to reduce the appearance of blemishes in just 48 hours. Its natural and non-irritating cleansers effectively target problem spots while gently nourishing your skin.
Vichy Normaderm S.O.S Acne Rescue Spot Corrector
Rescue your skin with this maximum strength acne spot corrector containing 10% sulfur, a natural element that has been used for centuries to treat acne. This potent but lightweight formula not only reduces acne and redness, but it absorbs quickly, blends evenly, and allows your skin to heal.
Versed Nix It Complexion Solution
Go ahead and nix that deep-down acne with Versed Nix It Complexion Solution. Its non-drying formula combines the exfoliating power of salicylic acid with skin-friendly rosemary and tea tree oils to help control excess oil, soothe redness, combat bacteria, and stop pimples from having a fighting chance.
FAB Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel
Packed with exfoliating acids and fruit enzymes, FAB Pharma’s acne treatment gel uses a 2% concentration of salicylic acid to quickly and effectively treat breakouts and unclog pores. Dermatologist-tested and safe for sensitive skin, 100% of users said it visibly improved their blemish-prone skin after just 24 hours.
Paula’s Choice BHA 9 Treatment
This highly-concentrated exfoliating formula delivers a controlled release of 9% salicylic acid for noticeable results practically overnight. Apply as a leave-on spot treatment before bed and rest well while its unique formula works to minimize stubborn bumps, redness, and enlarged pores without over-drying your skin.
Dr. Barbara Strum Clarifying Spot Treatment
Dr. Barbara Strum’s Clarifying Spot Treatment targets imperfections and impurities at the source, immediately reducing the appearance of redness and the size of blemishes without any harmful side effects. Fortified with antioxidants and formulated with an active complex of macular biofluids, tea tree oil, and zinc oxides, you’ll see results from the very first application.
Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
A leader in the health and wellness space, Murad combines the power of nature and science in this fast-acting spot treatment proven to reduce blemishes within four hours of application. With salicylic acid as its star ingredient, it soothes on contact and gently exfoliates to clear pores while preserving skin’s healthy balance.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dual Action Acne Treatment
This dual-action acne treatment reduces the number and severity of acne blemishes, pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Formulated with 5.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide and micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid, this dynamic duo provides fast and visible results in less than 3 days.
Urban Skin Rx Acne Serum + Spot Treatment
Developed by Rachel Roff, a highly successful licensed aesthetician with a passion for clinical skincare that meets the needs of diverse skin tones, Urban Skin Rx Acne Serum + Spot Treatment helps to reduce and prevent future breakouts, improve the appearance of aging skin, and address the most common concerns of people with melanin-rich skin.
Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment
Kate Somerville’s best-selling spot treatment is clinically proven to diminish breakouts in just one hour. Developed with the maximum level of sulfur to clear pimples, clean pores, and prevent new breakouts, you can use this blemish control treatment at the first sign of a pimple or whenever you feel one about to pop up.
Blume Meltdown Oil For Acne Prone Skin
It seems counter-intuitive, but if you apply a drop of Blume’s Meltdown Oil on acne-prone skin before bed, you’ll wake up to clearer skin. A truly revolutionary skin care product, Blume effectively reduces acne, redness, and inflammation, all while preventing future breakouts. And with the help of blue tansy and rose hip seed oil, expect your skin to be smoother, brighter, and more hydrated than ever before.
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