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 thing, soothing 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.