How to treat breakouts for all ages

The answer to most skincare questions, including breakouts, is a complete skincare routine with products paired on purpose. One of the reasons I love skincare so much is because ingredients in a basic routine are so efficient and effective.

How you may ask? The same practices that help treat breakouts are ALSO anti-aging!! We love that!!

After establishing a routine with cleaners and moisturizers that are best for your skin type, which you can learn with our Free Resources Guide and Free Skincare Matchmaker Quiz, we’ll add treatment steps to target breakouts.

Toners

In the mornings, start with a toning pad as treatment. You can skip that part at night at first. As time goes on, you can add toning pads back at night after cleansing based on your how your skin is responding.

Also use a toning pad to scrub a pimple instead of popping!!!

Retinoids

This is the first-line treatment for acne breakouts in the medical- world and also first line for fine lines (anti-aging) and all types of brown discoloration. If you have questions about retinoids or could use any recommendations I have plenty of insight to offer. It’s an entire discussion on its own!

Pro Tip:

Pimple patches work wonders for spot treatments or to cover during the day! The brand Rael is the best. They have different types of patches for different types of pimples. Genius! You can use SYDNEY10 for 10% off Rael.com.

Product Recommendations for Breakouts

I’ve listed some of the products I 100% love below. As you can see there are plenty of options across the entire cost spectrum!

It’s not ONE product that will solve the problem, it’s the whole routine & how it all works together. Skincare is all about using the right combination of products that work for YOUR skin. Do it consistently and you will likely start seeing improvement in texture of your skin quickly and then in breakouts with a little more time and patience.

Pro Tip: The same products that help with breakouts will also brighten and exfoliate dark spots.

How can I help my pre-teen with acne?

Moms of pre-teens/teens, I have a complete guide in mini-course for you!! There are SO many wonderful products for breakouts at the drugstore so I created a THE Teen Skincare Formula mini-course to share the skincare portion of insurance visits I give to my PreTeen & Teen acne patients in-office. You’ll also learn how to navigate the routine based off what your preteen/teen will actually do and their skin situation.

If you’re ready to learn more, look no further than this free video on skincare treatment for teens.

How to treat hormonal/cystic acne?

Unfortunately, acne does not always disappear after your teenage years. *cue the sighs* and many of you know this first-hand. It’s so important for us to evaluate the root causes of these breakouts. I recommend scheudling an appointment at your local dermatology clinic since prescriptions are often a part of treatment.

Having a skincare treatment like a chemical peel will get you most of the way there in correcting these irritating breakouts. (Did I mention it will also help prevent breakouts and dark spots?!)

All acne is hormonally driven, but from age 20 and beyond, the cause for adult acne in women is caused by different hormonal changes than during puberty and the teenage years.

What if I’m not seeing results?

Patience is just as important as the ingredients you use. Reevaluate your skin 6-8 weeks after starting a purposeful routine. Take before pictures so you can really compare results.

It’s normal to experience a flare up (or "purge") that calms within the first 2-4 few weeks. So it could get worse before it gets better. Know that it usually takes 3-4 months to see the skin you really want to see! In the derm office we always follow up every 6-8 weeks to make adjustments until we achieve desired results. It usually takes 2-3 visits.

I do advise scheduling a dermatology appointment if you are experiencing moderate-severe or painful breakouts or if not gradually improved at the 8-week mark. Prescriptions, in addition to skincare, are often necessary for acne.

You ALWAYS need a daily skincare routine either way. It’s the secret to lasting results and is how many transition off of prescription medicines, especially antibiotics. I’ve seen it proven so many times treating patients in my traditional role as a dermatology PA, but skincare isn't always included in an insurance visit—This is one of the main reasons I started Skincare By Sydney.

But most importantly remember that results are subjective. It’s when YOU actually feel better about your skin that matters. I’m always here for you. Let me, a Derm PA, guide you in you custom skincare routine at your price point.