Acne isn’t exclusive to your teenage years – it can follow you into your 20s, showing up uninvited at a time when you’re likely balancing work, social commitments and the quest for balance. This can be a frustrating time, especially as your skin adjusts to new pressures like lifestyle changes and ever-evolving skin care needs. The good news? Acne in your 20s isn’t just manageable – it’s an opportunity to refine your routine and give your skin the care it needs. By understanding what’s fueling your breakouts and fine-tuning your approach, you can achieve the clear, balanced skin you’re craving – for your 20s and beyond. 

Why am I breaking out in my 20s? 

Acne in your 20s is influenced by a unique combination of factors, including: 

• Excess oil production: Excessive production of oil, known as sebum, is closely linked to acne prone skin. Sebum is naturally produced by sebaceous (oil) glands within follicles throughout the body. In your 20s, these glands can become overactive due to stress, over-cleansing, hormonal fluctuations or even dietary factors. 

• Clogged pores from dead skin cell buildup: By your 20s, your skin’s renewal process begins to slow, allowing more dead skin cells to accumulate on the surface. This buildup can clog pores, developing into whiteheads and blackheads. Acneic skin actually exhibits an accelerated production of skin cells, typically four to five times faster than typical skin. 

• Product overload: The rise of multi-step, trending (and overly complicated) skin care routines can overwhelm your skin. Layering on too many actives without understanding how they interact could disrupt your skin barrier, making acne worse. 

• Weakened skin barrier: Harsh products, over-exfoliation or lack of hydration can leave your skin’s natural proactive barrier compromised, making it more prone to irritation and breakouts. When the skin barrier becomes compromised, it slows the acne healing process and creates an atmosphere where acne bacteria can thrive. 

Your acne at-home agenda for your 20s

In the morning: pore thing, soothing reset mist, daily meds, 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. 

Skin is complex, and if you’re looking for a formula that can target your breakouts while also combatting various other skin concerns, try daily meds. This non-drying acne clearing serum is safe for everyday use and virtually invisible, so you can tackle breakouts confidently – even under makeup! It seamlessly blends, letting you hide blemishes while actively treating them. 

And, of course, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect against UV damage, which can exacerbate acne and weaken the skin’s barrier. Try raydefense for a lighter, moisturized coverage. This 2-in-1 formula protects without adding shine and is dermatologist + clinically tested to be non-irritating. 

In the evening: pore thing, soothing reset mist, daily meds, oxygen boost barrier treatment

Keep your routine simple by using the same expert-recommended products morning and night, with just one product swap. Your skin barrier health is especially important when it comes to acne. Incorporating oxygen boost barrier treatment into your evening regimen can literally boost your barrier by delivering a burst of essential oxygen. Without oxygen, your skin can become dull, clogged, congested and bumpy – this formula helps purify your pores and maintain barrier integrity. Bonus: it boosts the results of the formulas it’s applied over. 

Weekly/as needed: alternate with sensitive skin cleansing oil, peel breaker 1-3x a week, spot defy on active breakouts  

To enhance your routine, our experts recommend alternating pore thing with sensitive skin cleansing oil as a pre-cleanser and makeup remover. This oil-based cleanser removes makeup, dirt and irritating skin impurities while helping to repair and strengthen your skin’s barrier. 

As your skin renewal process begins to slow down in your 20s, dead skin cell buildup can accumulate, leading to breakouts. To prevent this, add peel breaker to your nightly routine 1-3 times a week. This leave-on exfoliating treatment breaks up pore blockage oils and dead skin cells, eliminating bumps, rough texture and congestion – plus it’s simple to use and easy to incorporate into any routine. 

Looking for a solution to the occasional breakout? Spot defy is the perfect addition to anyone’s at-home agenda, clearing and healing acne overnight without irritation. This precision spot treatment can be applied to active breakouts – simply flex it into your routine as needed. Free of problematic benzoyl peroxide, it leaves your skin clearer, smoother and calmer by morning.