Here, we uncover the reasons why adult acne is so prevalent and what's the most effective way to get rid of them.
It is easy enough to write off acne as normal for teens, but the same can’t be said for adults. Care Budreski struggled to keep it all together.
Care breezed through her teenage years without so much as a blemish. But at the of age 28, persistent acne started to crop up on her cheeks.
She spent years trying diets, herbal and natural remedies: NO dairy, keto, apple cider vinegar washes and kombucha scoby masks.... but the breakouts kept getting worse.
Then she turned to the professionals: Prescription antibiotics and acne creams, dermablading, peels at medi-spas and even laser treatment but the bouts of breakouts got progressively worse.
Her skin continued to weaken with each treatment.
Care, 37, had enjoyed clear skin throughout her teenage years but started to get adult-onset acne through her 20’s. She tried every cosmetic, diet, and lifestyle change imaginable but could not find a solution that's lasting.
"As I tried all of these products, my skin became more sensitive and the acne flare ups became worse. As my skin got worse, I used more makeup. It was a vicious cycle … my foundation was causing more clogs but I didn’t want to meet anyone without covering it all up." - Care B.
To understand how Care started getting acne at 28 and how it eventually evolved into cystic acne, we turn to the experts.
Why Is Acne More Prevalent Than Ever?
A 2016 study¹ from the University of Colorado found that, between 1990 and 2010, acne rates increased 11% among U.S. teens.
In the 80’s, adult acne was a rare occurrence amongst our population. Yet just over the last few decades, rates of acne in adults are rising² — extraordinarily fast (especially among women).
Figuring out the causes of acne’s apparent surge is tricky.
Some researchers speculate the relationship between diet and hormones. However, Dr. Adam Friedman says it’s also possible that acne treatments are to blame³: They could be unbalancing the skin’s bacteria populations — also known as the skin microbiome — in ways that promote pimples and breakouts.
“It’s only during the last 50 years that people started using all these acne products” — antibacterials, but also benzoyl peroxide creams and salicylic acid, to name just a few — “and now we’re seeing massive numbers of adults with acne,” - Dr. Adam Friedman
…But It’s Always About Diet, Isn’t It?
“Drink more water,” people say – even though Gemma is probably the most hydrated person on the planet.
“Avoid carbs and dairy,” say friends – even though she had cut out those foods entirely and still the breakouts would come back.
While there is emerging evidence that specific dietary changes may help reduce the risk of acne, the truth is that there is still NO SOLID link between acne and diet⁴ – We still see hundreds of thousands of vegans battling acne every year!
Note: While researchers tried to link diet and acne, the evidence is still weak, and NONE of these studies establish a clear cause and effect, just an association. So far, what we know is that a pro-inflammatory and processed diet is associated with more acne.
"Diet myths resulted in many people cutting out foods from their diet, and in resultant disordered eating patterns⁵. I have seen patients refuse to eat cake on their birthday, decline dinner with friends, and develop health anxiety around food, for fear of triggering acne. There are inherently no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods. Diet is more about eating in a sustained, healthy manner across the course of one’s lifetime. Moderation is key." - Dr Anjali Mahto
In desperation, we've probably had this thought many times …
So I Need Scrubs, Masks, Facials, and Peels…?
Many have spent thousands on masks, scrubs, peels or cleansers that some YouTuber or Instagrammer recommended to treat our pimples – only to end up with more breakouts...
Forget the marketing hype!
It's NOT about scrubs, masks, and facials, as they DON'T STAY on your skin long enough to make a difference⁶!
It is also NOT about using a acne spot treatment to calm down angry pimples*.
*There is little that one can do to stop a pimple once it has surfaced since the body needs to send blood into the area in order to fight off bacterial infection.
In fact, over 90% of the acne treatments use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid which are unlikely to have the strength to stop adult acne.
But, there must be a way to stop pimples from surfacing at all. Right?
Yes! There is...
The key is to get rid of clogs trapped deep inside your pores to PREVENT pimples from surfacing rather than trying to treat them.
Retinol - The Gold Standard
Maybe you’ve heard of topical vitamin A (retinoids)?
They are the primary tool derms use to treat breakouts⁷.
And for a good reason!
It's very well-researched and the gold standard in promoting skin renewal, reducing blemishes and stimulating your skin’s collagen production.
However, they require a derm's oversight because they are HARSH, can IRRITATE your skin (topical) and are HARD on your liver (oral).
Before resorting to prescription, look first to retinol, a GENTLER* variant⁸ of it.
*To further reduce the possibility of irritation and increase effectiveness, we've paired it with other ingredients that balance the pH and amplify the results thereby causing LESS irritation and more targeted results.
AZA - The Unsung Hero?
It’s a mystery why some great skincare ingredients fly under the radar, despite plenty of research proving them worthy of your attention. AZA is one of those ingredients!
In the standard acne treatment listed above, derms' second choice ingredient against acne is AZA.
AZA is very helpful in flattening existing pimples and diminishing the appearance post-acne marks⁹.
It also reduces skin sensitivity and improves skin texture10. In short, AZA is a must-have in your acne treatment.
Meet Clear Out – Effective, Gentle Solution for Clear Skin
Most acne products only have a SINGLE active ingredient. However, to maximize effectiveness and minimize irritation*, Clearly Basics spent years formulating Clear Out so that it contains BOTH retinol + AZA.
*We've combined the top two ingredients which derms use to fight acne (in the right percentages) to drive synergy. This means Clear Out is very effective in flushing out clogs while being gentle on sensitive skin. Over 50% of our users have sensitive or combination skin and they have no issues using Clear Out.
This unique formulation is a deadly combination that flattens active pimples and reduces future breakouts.
It took us years of intensive research to create this formulation that can’t be found anywhere else on the market!
98% of people who use Clear Out see significant improvements. If you don't see a noticeable improvement after using your first bottle of Clear Out, you can get a full refund through Clearly's moneyback guarantee.
Within five months of using Clearly Basics, Care went from cystic acne to clear skin. Individual results may vary.
See what others have to say...
Real People with REAL, Lasting Results
Toni (@xx.tonilumsden), a stylist from Hertfordshire spent over $6500 in acne products and treatments that did nothing for her acne…
Then she discovered the Power Duo and it changed her life…
@xx.tonilumsden Individual results may vary
“Never in my life did I imagine my skin would be this clear! Clearly Basics has completely transformed my skin!”
Alisha (@skinwithak) suffered from severe acne and went on oral medications 3 times before finding Clear Out:
@skinwithak Individual results may vary
All I can say is ‘Clear Out’ by @clearlybasics is a Godsend ❤️ It doesn’t leave me overly dry or flaky which most retinol creams did.” "I wish I came across Clearly Basics before starting oral medication as I would have purchased these and wouldn't have had to put my body through so much!"
Although Deanna(@deannaskin)saw minor progress by going vegan and using natural products, she saw the most improvement using Clear Out. Occasionally, she may get a flare up, but with Clear Out, it goes away quickly.
@deannaskin Individual results may vary
“At the moment, my skin looks a lot clearer and fresher than usual and I've gained so much more confidence after using Clear Out."
Or Ella (@_myskinstory), an aesthetician and a makeup artist who has not found anything like Clear Out to keep her breakouts under control.
"Clear Out is my favorite and most recommended product to any of my followers who suffer with mild-acne as well as post-acne suffers. The combination of ingredients are unique and work THE BEST in keeping spots at bay as well as improving acne marks & scars."
And many more reviews....
FAQ
How is Clear Out any different from other retinol or AZA products?
Most products in the market contain only a SINGLE active ingredient so it does not use multiple pathways to address your skin concern.
Using multiple ingredients simultaneously is more EFFECTIVE, but getting the percentages correct in order to maximize synergy is difficult without precision machinery.
Every ingredient in Clear Out took years to balance in order to maximize synergy: ingredients work together to address your skin concerns with better results and less side effects.
I have sensitive skin. Can I use Clear Out?
Clear Out can work on its own for 95% of the population. The formulation is gentle yet powerful enough to tackle many cases that would otherwise require prescription medication.
For the 5% with very sensitive skin, add Protective Moisturizer. Using Clear Out with Protective Moisturizer will ensure that it works for even the most sensitive of skin. Protective Moisturizer contains a wealth of antioxidants and botanicals that nourish your skin and peptides that simulate your lipid barrier to regrow.
This moisturizer reduces your skin's sensitivity and reduces general redness/blushing. It doesn't clog your pores even on the most sensitive skin!
I have oily skin, what's best for me?
Acne and larger pores are often attributed to oily skin.
As pores are clogged, oil may not reach its intended target leading to a vicious cycle of overproduction (clogged pores -> more oil production -> more clogged pores).
Thus we designed Matte Hydrator, to break the oil production cycle. It keeps your skin matte and supple so that your skin does not need to overproduce as much oil during the day!
Most skincare brands have one, perhaps two formulations that are really effective.
However, Clearly carries FIVE formulations that are UNIQUE and the BEST in its class: Clear Out, Lighten Up, Protective Moisturizer, Matte Hydrator and Dark Mark Defense.
What if it doesn't work on my skin?
Clear Out is so EFFECTIVE that you will get a full 90-day money back guarantee if you do not see a noticeable improvement after your first bottle. T&Cs apply.
This moneyback guarantee has been on every bottle of Clear Out and we have seen over +98% success rate.
How long will it take to see results?
In the first month, this formulation will trigger a purge of dead skin trapped in your pores which can appear as flakes or low level breakouts.
This purge will peak at week 5 and subside after week 8 of use. At week 10, you will turn over a clearer layer of skin that is less clog prone. See below:
Directions for use?
Clear Out is only used in the evening as part of your night-time routine:
- Wash your face with a cleanser
- Apply toner (if applicable)
- Apply Clear Out (leave-in lotion)
- Apply moisturizer or other skincare that you normally use in the evening
Try Clear Out, Risk FREE!
If you finish an entire bottle and don’t see any results…
You’re entitled to a full refund within 90 days! T&Cs apply.
Try it with CONFIDENCE!
Related story
References:
1. Darren D Lynn et al, 2016 : The Epidemiology of Acne Vulgaris in Late Adolescence
2. Joshua A. Zeichner et al, 2018 : Emerging Issues in Adult Female Acne
3. Adam Friedman, 2019 : Why Is Acne More Prevalent Than Ever?
4. Apostolos Pappas, 2009 : The Relationship of Diet and Acne
5. Anjali Mahto : Can You Cure Acne With Diet?
6. Maria Valéria et al, 2016 : Characterization and Short-Term clinical study of clay facial mask
7. James Leyden et al, 2017 : Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne
8. Marissa Laliberte : Retinol-vs.-Retinoids
9. Nazzaro-Porro, et al : AZA in the Treatment of Acne
10. Paula Begoun : Everything You Need to Know About AZA for Skin
Disclaimer:
Nothing on this article should be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical related matters, please consult with your dermatologist.
