The majority of online advice for skin breakouts is targeted to teenagers and adolescents, so what should an adult do when they are experiencing a breakout?  Below are my expert skin care tips on how to manage an adult breakout.

Use Salicylic Acid

Based on the assumption that you have experienced only one or two adult breakouts, I would recommend that you adhere to your normal skin care routine but with one change. 

In addition to the normal routine, introduce an anti-bacterial serum with salicylic acid to use as a moisturizer for several nights. 

The benefit of using a serum with salicylic acid as an ingredient is that it enters the pore lining of skin cells and destroys any acne-triggering bacteria; thereby, preventing breakouts.

Salicylic acid is also beneficial in that it can reduce the discoloration of skin such as brown sports caused by sun, age or hormones. 

By using this ingredient as an exfoliation agent, it is possible to keep the skin evenly toned and smooth - a benefit for people who are searching for anti-aging skin care options.

Salicylic acid is one of my personal favorite ingredients for fighting adult breakouts because it also addresses issues associated with aging skin. 

I recommend to my clients formulas that are alcohol-free, such as BHA clarifying serum, because this is a non-drying formula and can keep the skin smooth. 

The lactic acids in the serum can also help the skin clear and reveal a rejuvenated visage.

By including this type of serum in your daily routine, you will address the issue of adult breakouts; however, it is important that you always use a moisturizer above the serum to avoid drying out. 

This is particularly important when experiencing a breakout and you may want to opt for light moisturizers at night.

Use Chelated Zinc

One option I highly recommend to avoid adult breakouts is the use of chelated zinc - a product that can be found at the local health food store. 

Taking out of these supplements on a daily basis can act as a natural anti-biotic, but can also help in preventing new skin breakouts.

Learning The Different Types Of Breakouts And The Relevant Treatments

Contrary to popular belief, not all breakouts in adulthood are equal and each requires a specific type of treatment when they appear. 

If the breakout experienced is a cystic one with hard, painful bumps below the surface of the skin that rarely appear with a head; it is recommended that you apply an anti-cyst treatment to reduce the inflammation. 

Traditional blemish products will dry the surface of the skin resulting in flaky top-skin and a bump underneath.  This anti-cyst treatment will address the cyst and help avoid any other treatments such as a cortisone injection.

If, however, the breakout presents with whiteheads appearing on the surface of the skin, the best course of action is to leave the breakout alone until the infection is visible. 

Waiting for the infection comes to the surface allows you control over the blemish without damaging the skin and once the Whitehead is visible, you will be able to squeeze the infection with your fingers. 

After squeezing the infection with fingers wrapped in tissue to avoid bacteria, it is recommended that you apply a drying spot solution.  This operates as a pore lining treatment to eliminate any residual infection.

Drinking Hot Lemon Water In The Morning

Before you consume any food or drink, it is recommended that you drink a cup of warm water with lemon juice in the morning. 

This will help remove bacteria in the small intestine, which is an area linked to the excessive bacteria growth in breakouts. This alongside a good routine with good skin products will help clear your acne.

Schedule Deep Pore Cleansing Facial Sessions Or Chemical Peels

Skin care professionals and cosmetologists have access to various types of peels and procedures that are effective for dealing with breakouts. 

The peels and skin cleansing procedures are used to clear skin pores preventing blemishes and eradicating bacteria. 

I would recommend an adult suffering from adult acne opt for a 25% salicylic acid peel with bio-brasion - the next step in microdermabrasion. 

This combination of chemical peel treatments can remove blemishes while offering anti-aging benefits by smoothing wrinkles and lines.

To ensure you are receiving the best skin care peel or treatment for your needs, it is important to consult a skin care professional. 

I fully understand the distress associated with breakouts in adult years as my skin does the same, but by using blemish-fighting products, it is possible to give your skin the correct balance required to be healthier, cleaner, and reduce the number of breakouts.