
Dealing with Adult Acne? Here’s a Skincare Routine That Works
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Acne isn’t just a teenage problem.
If you’re in your 20s, 30s, or even 40s you can still be dealing with breakouts, irritation, or persistent jawline acne.
In fact, adult acne is increasingly common, and unfortunately, many products designed to fight it end up irritating your skin even more.
But on the upside, the right skincare routine - one that clears breakouts without stripping your skin - can completely transform your complexion.
Because it’s not just about treating acne; it’s about balancing your skin, preventing future breakouts, and supporting long-term skin health.
Let’s break down why acne happens, the best daily routine for keeping it under control, and how we can help you maintain clear, healthy skin.
Acne happens when your pores get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. But there’s more to it than that. Here’s what’s happening beneath the surface:
🔹 Excess oil production – When your skin produces too much sebum, it can clog pores, leading to breakouts.
🔹 Dead skin buildup – Skin that doesn’t shed dead skin cells properly traps oil and bacteria, causing inflammation.
🔹 Bacteria & inflammation – The bacteria C. acnes thrives in clogged pores, leading to redness and swelling.
🔹 Hormonal fluctuations – Stress, diet, and lifestyle can affect your hormones, triggering acne.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology confirmed that adult acne is often linked to skin barrier dysfunction and inflammation, which is why a gentle but effective skincare routine is key (Siddiqui et al., 2022).
To keep acne under control, you need a daily skincare routine that removes impurities, hydrates, and strengthens your skin barrier - without causing irritation.
Here’s how:
Every Day
✅ Cleanse & exfoliate – Removes excess oil and dead skin, keeping pores clear.
✅ Hydrate – Strengthens the skin barrier and prevents overproduction of oil.
And...
⛔ Avoid touching your face – Hands carry bacteria that can cause breakouts.
💧 Drink water & eat skin-friendly foods – Hydration and the right nutrients support clear skin.
🛏️ Prioritize sleep & stress management – High stress levels trigger breakouts.
With the Otis Skincare DAILY FACE WASH
🔹 Why You Need It: A good cleanser removes excess oil and unclogs pores, but many acne-fighting washes strip the skin, making breakouts worse.
🔹 What It Does:
✔️ Gently exfoliates with natural ingredients (no harsh scrubs that irritate skin)
✔️ Clears out dead skin cells without over-drying
✔️ Keeps pores clear and reduces inflammation
✔️ With Lactic Acid, Aloe Vera and antioxidant Black Tea Extract
What the Science Says: Exfoliating with AHAs (like lactic acid) accelerates skin renewal, reducing acne without irritating sensitive skin (Liu et al., 2020 ).
With our HYDRATING DAILY MOISTURIZER
🔹 Why You Need It: Many guys with acne skip moisturizer because they think it will make their skin oilier. But dehydrated skin actually produces more oil to compensate, leading to more breakouts.
🔹 What It Does:
✔️ Balances hydration to prevent excess oil production
✔️ Strengthens the skin barrier to reduce redness and irritation
✔️ Absorbs quickly, leaving a non-greasy, matte finish
✔️ With Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides and Vitamin E
What the Science Says: Moisturizers with humectants like hyaluronic acid improve skin hydration and support barrier function, reducing inflammation and acne flare-ups ( Auffret et al., 2022 ).
With our SKIN SUPPLEMENTS RANGE
Skincare is only part of the solution. Nutrition plays a massive role in skin health, and recent research suggests that certain supplements can help prevent breakouts and strengthen skin from within.
🟢 ULTIMATE GLOW Multivitamin
🔹 Why You Need It: Nutritional deficiencies (especially zinc, vitamin C, and biotin) can make acne worse. ULTIMATE GLOW ensures you have an excellent supply of all essential skin-supporting vitamiins and minerals.
🔹 What It Does:
✔️ Supports skin repair & collagen production
✔️ Reduces inflammation and helps clear acne-prone skin
✔️ Strengthens the skin barrier to prevent future breakouts
What the Science Says: Zinc and antioxidants like vitamin C improve skin repair, reduce inflammation, and regulate oil production - key for acne-prone skin ( Podgórska et al., 2021 ).
🟢 NOURISH YOUR GUT – Probiotics
🔹 Why You Need It: Gut health is directly linked to skin health. An imbalanced gut microbiome can increase inflammation and trigger acne.
🔹 What It Does:
✔️ Balances gut bacteria to reduce acne flare-ups
✔️ Lowers inflammation that contributes to skin breakouts
✔️ Improves digestion for better nutrient absorption and skin health
What the Science Says: Studies confirm that probiotics can help regulate inflammation and balance hormones, reducing acne severity ( Sánchez-Pellicer et al., 2022 ).
How long does it take to see results?
Most people notice less irritation and fewer breakouts within 2-4 weeks. For deep-set acne, it may take 6-8 weeks for significant improvements.
Can drinking more water really help with acne?
Yes! Hydration helps regulate oil production and supports skin cell turnover. But skincare and diet matter too.
Does stress actually cause acne?
Absolutely. Stress increases cortisol, which can trigger more oil production and inflammation, leading to breakouts. Managing stress is key for clear skin.
Should I completely cut out dairy and sugar if I have acne-prone skin?
Some studies suggest that dairy and high-sugar diets can trigger acne in some people, but it depends on the individual. Cutting back and focusing on whole, nutrient-rich foods can help.
Can I just use a strong acne treatment to dry out my pimples?
Not a good idea. Over-drying your skin leads to more irritation and breakouts. The goal is balance - not stripping your skin.
If you’re dealing with adult acne, the solution isn’t harsher products - it’s smarter skincare.
You can reduce breakouts, calm irritation, and maintain a smooth, healthy complexion by:
👉 Upgrade Your Routine & Take Control of Your Skin with OTIS
This article is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. As always, please contact your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
References:
Cruz S, Vecerek N, Elbuluk N. Targeting Inflammation in Acne: Current Treatments and Future Prospects . Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023 Sep;24(5):681-694. doi: 10.1007/s40257-023-00789-1. Epub 2023 Jun 16. PMID: 37328614; PMCID: PMC10460329.
Auffret N, Claudel JP, Leccia MT, Ballanger F, Dreno B. Novel and emerging treatment options for acne vulgaris . Eur J Dermatol. 2022 Jul 1;32(4):451-458. English. doi: 10.1684/ejd.2022.4306. PMID: 36301760.
Siddiqui R, Makhlouf Z, Khan NA. The increasing importance of the gut microbiome in acne vulgaris . Folia Microbiol (Praha). 2022 Dec;67(6):825-835. doi: 10.1007/s12223-022-00982-5. Epub 2022 Jun 16. PMID: 35711021.
Dréno B, Araviiskaia E, Berardesca E, Gontijo G, Sanchez Viera M, Xiang LF, Martin R, Bieber T. Microbiome in healthy skin, update for dermatologists . J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016 Dec;30(12):2038-2047. doi: 10.1111/jdv.13965. Epub 2016 Oct 13. PMID: 27735094; PMCID: PMC6084363.
Podgórska A, Puścion-Jakubik A, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Gromkowska-Kępka KJ, Socha K. Acne Vulgaris and Intake of Selected Dietary Nutrients-A Summary of Information . Healthcare (Basel). 2021 Jun 3;9(6):668. doi: 10.3390/healthcare9060668. PMID: 34205209; PMCID: PMC8226785.
Sánchez-Pellicer P, Navarro-Moratalla L, Núñez-Delegido E, Ruzafa-Costas B, Agüera-Santos J, Navarro-López V. Acne, Microbiome, and Probiotics: The Gut-Skin Axis . Microorganisms. 2022 Jun 27;10(7):1303. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms10071303. PMID: 35889022; PMCID: PMC9318165.
Auffret N, Claudel JP, Leccia MT, Ballanger F, Dreno B. Novel and emerging treatment options for acne vulgaris . Eur J Dermatol. 2022 Jul 1;32(4):451-458. English. doi: 10.1684/ejd.2022.4306. PMID: 36301760.
Liu H, Yu H, Xia J, Liu L, Liu GJ, Sang H, Peinemann F. Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne . Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 May 1;5(5):CD011368. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011368.pub2. PMID: 32356369; PMCID: PMC7193765.