Got adult acne in your 20s, 30s, 40s? Here’s what to do.

Adulting has its perks — like having the freedom to eat ice cream for dinner whenever you want. But there are two things no one prepared us for. Taxes. And post-teenage acne.

In a spotty situation? I can help, babe.

Why does adult acne happen?

Acne doesn't read the memo that says it should stop after your teens. Adult acne — breakouts in your 20s, 30s, and 40s — is extremely common, particularly in women, and it's driven by many of the same factors as teenage acne with a few additions:

• Hormonal fluctuations — your cycle, coming off hormonal contraception, perimenopause, and pregnancy can all shift hormone levels and trigger excess oil production
• Stress — cortisol ramps up sebum production, which leads to congestion and breakouts
• Skincare product choice — pore-blocking ingredients in moisturisers, SPF, or makeup are a common and underdiagnosed cause of adult breakouts
• Diet and lifestyle — high-glycaemic foods and dairy have been linked to acne in some research, though the evidence is mixed
• Genetics — if your parents had adult acne, you're more likely to as well

The key difference with adult acne is that it often appears alongside dry or dehydrated skin, which means the teenage instinct to strip everything with harsh drying products makes it worse, not better. Your routine needs to clear congestion and maintain hydration at the same time.

Step 1: Double cleanse at night

We're all guilty of falling asleep with our makeup still on. But if there's ever a moment to not be lazy, this is it. At night, make an effort to not only cleanse, but double cleanse.

Start with my Enzyme Face Cleanser to dissolve makeup, SPF, and the day's build-up. A second cleanse with the Original Face Scrub or Brightening Vitamin C Mask can follow on exfoliation nights. Two rounds, clean slate.

In the morning, a single cleanse with the Enzyme Face Cleanser is enough.

Step 2: Exfoliate or mask a few times a week

Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells before they clog pores and creates the conditions for a breakout. A few times a week, use one of these:

My Original Face Scrub uses fine coffee grinds alongside sweet almond oil and kaolin clay to polish skin and clear pores without stripping. Good for everyday exfoliation between stronger active sessions.

My Brightening Vitamin C Mask is a chemical exfoliant — the active ingredients (vitamin C, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid) do the clearing work without any physical scrubbing. Leave it on for 5 minutes after cleansing, rinse, and follow with moisturiser. Use it 2–3 times a week.

For body acne on your back, chest, or shoulders, my Triple Acid Body Wash uses glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid in a daily wash to keep body pores clear. Follow up with the Triple Acid Body Mist on hard-to-reach areas between showers.

Step 3: Moisturise — don't skip it

Whoever said not to moisturise on acne-prone skin was wrong. When your skin becomes too dry, it overproduces oil to compensate, which leads to more congestion and more breakouts. Hydration is not the enemy.

After cleansing or exfoliating, apply my lightweight Caffeinated Face Moisturiser to damp skin. It hydrates without blocking pores and the caffeine content helps with puffiness and circulation at the same time.

A few extra tips

More is not always more. Go easy on the layering if your skin is already irritated — adding more active ingredients to an angry complexion fuels the fire rather than putting it out.

Don't over-exfoliate. You want to clear dead skin cells, not strip your skin barrier. If your skin feels tight, red, or sensitive after exfoliating, dial back the frequency and give your barrier a chance to recover.

And if your adult acne is persistent, deep, or cystic, see a dermatologist. A topical skincare routine can do a lot, but prescription options exist that can make a significant difference when skincare alone isn't enough.

It's all about balance, babe.

x frank