Acne in Your 40s and 50s: Treatments & Prevention

Acne in your 20s and 30s is often influenced by hormonal fluctuations, similar to teenage acne. Women may experience breakouts related to menstrual cycles or hormonal imbalances or treatments. It is also more likely to be associated with lifestyle factors like stress, diet, and skincare routines.

In contrast, hormonal fluctuations are less pronounced after the age of 40, as menopause approaches or occurs and acne at this age is typically found on your jawline, neck, and chin. Gentle cleansing and skin care focused on hydrating and moisturizing is especially important for treating post-40 skin. 

Hydrating products primarily focus on increasing the water content in the skin, while moisturizing products aim to lock in and preserve that moisture. Both aspects are important for maintaining healthy skin, and a well-rounded skincare routine may include both hydrating and moisturizing elements depending on individual needs.

Hydrating: Hydration refers to the process of increasing and maintaining the water content in your skin. Hydrating products are designed to replenish and retain moisture in the skin cells. They typically contain ingredients like humectants (e.g., hyaluronic acid, glycerin) that attract and bind moisture to the skin, helping to improve its hydration levels. 

Moisturizing: Moisturization focuses on sealing and trapping moisture within the skin, creating a protective barrier to prevent loss of hydration. Transepidermal water loss is the natural process of water evaporating from your skin’s surface into the surrounding environment over the course of a day or night. Moisturizers typically contain occlusive ingredients (e.g. petrolatum or ceramides) that form a barrier on the skin’s surface, reducing transepidermal water loss and helping to maintain hydration. 

It’s worth noting that the terms “hydrating” and “moisturizing” are sometimes used interchangeably in the skin care industry, and some products may combine both hydrating and moisturizing properties.  Ask your Total Wrapture skin technician to recommend targeted or combined hydrating and moisturizing skincare based on your skin’s needs and your skincare routine preference. 

High Glycemic Load: Processed foods and foods high in sugar, such as sugary snacks, sodas, and refined carbohydrates, have a high glycemic load. These foods cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, leading to a surge in insulin production. Elevated insulin levels can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which can clog pores and contribute to the development of acne.

Inflammation: Processed foods often contain high levels of unhealthy fats, additives, and preservatives. These ingredients can trigger inflammation in the body, including the skin. Inflammation can worsen existing acne lesions and promote the formation of new ones.

Hormonal Influence: Certain dairy products, such as milk, may contain hormones that can disrupt the body’s natural hormone balance. This hormonal disruption can contribute to increased sebum production, clogged pores, and acne breakouts. Additionally, dairy products may also contain growth factors that can stimulate the overgrowth of skin cells, further contributing to acne development.

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to certain components present in processed foods, excessive sugar, or dairy products. These allergic reactions can manifest in various ways, including skin inflammation and acne-like breakouts.

Not everyone will experience acne from consuming these foods. Acne triggers can vary from person to person, and individual susceptibility to dietary factors may differ. Pay attention to your own body’s response to your removing of certain foods and make adjustments accordingly.

Maintaining a balanced diet with a focus on whole, unprocessed foods and being mindful of potential triggers can help reduce the likelihood of acne breakouts. 

Here are some staple products you should consider adding to your skincare routine that gently fight acne while giving your skin the nourishment and protection it needs at this stage in life:

1. Cleanser:

Use a gentle cleanser that can be used for acne-prone skin. This will help remove impurities, excess oil, and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. Regular use will keep the skin clean and balanced, minimizing the risk of clogged pores and breakouts.

2. Toner:

Incorporating a toner into your skincare routine (after cleansing) helps prevent acne breakouts by effectively removing any leftover makeup and impurities from the skin’s surface, further minimizing the risk of pore congestion. Look for a toner with witch hazel (a natural plant extract) as it possesses natural astringent properties that help tighten pores and reduce inflammation without causing dryness or irritation associated with alcohol-based toners.

3. Serum:

Using a serum under your skincare routine (after toner) is essential as serums are formulated with concentrated active ingredients that can target specific skin concerns such as hydration, brightening, and anti-aging. Serums have a lightweight texture that allows them to penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering potent ingredients directly to the target area for enhanced efficacy and visible results. Here are 2 types of serums to consider: 

A Vitamin C Serum: Helps reduce inflammation, promotes collagen production, and brightens the complexion. It can also help fade acne scars over time, improving the overall appearance and texture of the skin.

Vitamin C & E + Peptides Serum: Combine the power of vitamin C, vitamin E, and peptides to provide antioxidant protection and promote collagen synthesis. Reduces the appearance of acne scars and uneven skin tone, while also enhancing the skin’s overall health and resilience.

3. Retinol

Retinol is known for its effectiveness in both improving acne-prone skin and skin rejuvenation. A pharmaceutical-grade, potent retinol helps unclog pores, regulate oil production, and promote cell turnover. Regular use can result in a smoother, clearer complexion and a reduction in the appearance of acne scars and fine lines.

4. Moisturizer

Opt for moisturizers that are free of oils and non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores, to effectively maintain your skin’s hydration levels. Specifically designed for problematic skin, these moisturizers offer lightweight hydration while preventing pore congestion and breakouts. Seek out moisturizers infused with calming and nourishing ingredients like chamomile extract or aloe vera, which work to soothe and balance your skin.

5. SPF:

Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) after your morning skincare routine, (including under makeup if used), to protect your skin from UVA/UVB-induced aging, prevent worsening of acne scars, and aid in their fading process. Look for sheer sunscreen if you are prone to oily zones, sport sunscreen if you tend to run warm or are active, or tinted protection if you like to combine it with light coverage for radiant skin. We additionally recommend a brush-on mineral sunscreen for easy and necessary re-application throughout the day. 

Our skin technicians can help you select skincare products to build an effective skincare routine with the ingredients to care for your unique skin’s needs. 

Stress triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can increase oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts. It can also disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function, impair its ability to repair itself, and weaken the immune response, making the skin more susceptible to bacterial infections and inflammation associated with acne.

Finding & Minimizing Stressors

Making time for physical activity or relaxing activities is important for your long-term health. So is managing stress in your everyday life.

Consider what situations, events, or responsibilities tend to cause you stress or anxiety. Evaluate your commitments and responsibilities. Identify tasks or requests that can be delegated or declined for a more realistic use of your time and that allows for regular wellness activities. Learn to prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency, focusing on what truly matters to you and your goals. 

Taking care of yourself on a regular basis is essential to sustainably be effective in all areas of your life when you are needed. Setting boundaries and kindly saying “no” when necessary can help manage your stress levels and help you show up more effectively for what you do commit to. It can also help you find some time for stress-relieving activities.

Indented Acne Scars

These are characterized by depressions or uneven texture on the skin’s surface caused by collagen loss during the healing process. Here are our top 3 acne scar treatments for dramatic results:

Microneedling

Stimulate collagen production and promote skin regeneration by creating controlled micro-injuries. It fills in depressions and improves the texture of the skin.

Fractional Laser

Create microthermal zones to stimulate collagen synthesis and remodel the skin. It minimizes depressions and targets pigmentation, reducing discoloration.

Pigmented Acne Scars

These are areas of discoloration or hyperpigmentation left behind after an acne breakout. 

PicoSure Laser

Delivers ultra-short pulses of energy to target pigmented areas or scar tissue. It breaks down melanin deposits, reducing discoloration and promoting a more even skin tone.

In addition to treating acne scars, all of these treatments also improve the appearance and visibility of large pores, resulting in a smoother and more refined complexion over time. Natural collagen remodeling is triggered by each laser or microneedling session, causing your body to naturally produce new collagen fibers and rearrange existing ones in the skin, resulting in improved skin texture, firmness, and reduced appearance of scars.

Multiple sessions (we recommend starting with 3-5 sessions if you are in you 40s or 50s) are typically required for optimal results, as your skin needs time to undergo a new cycle of natural collagen remodeling triggered by each treatment. 

With each session, you’ll notice gradual improvement as your scars fill in and your skin texture becomes clearer and smoother on your journey towards renewed confidence.

Head to our online booking page to book your first acne scar treatment and start your journey to clearer skin!

Not sure which of these you want? Consult with your skin technician during your next facial appointment, where they can assess your scars and discuss your habits. Based on their evaluation, they will recommend the best option to help your unique skin reclaim a smooth, scar-free tone and texture.