One evening last week, I got a call from a woman I know a little, but not well. I was surprised to see her name appear on my phone, and sifting through the depths of my mind in an attempt to figure out who was dead or why she might be calling me, I answered with dread. It turned out she just wanted some advice about her skin, but as we talked, it was clear that the sudden appearance of bad breakouts in her forties was materially affecting her self-esteem. Indeed, it was making her feel bad enough to phone someone she did not know that well for help, which is a deeply un-Irish, though quite advisable, course of action. Having experienced adult acne through my twenties, I sympathised. This woman is one of an increasing number of sufferers being diagnosed with adult acne or bad breakouts in their forties. Though only the most serious forms of acne permanently damage the skin, the effects of recurrent skin issues on wellbeing and confidence are not taken seriously enough. There are over the counter products which will assist, but if your skin is robbing you of comfort and contentment, see your GP or, even better, a dermatologist. Skin issues are only as trivial as they feel and you don’t have to be locked in a death match with puberty for your feelings about your skin to be treated as valid.
If the problem is hormonal, which is frequently the case with acne, often some kind of medication is needed. Faithfully try a good skincare routine first, including double cleansing nightly, good glycolic and salicylic acid products, and a good oil, but see a professional if skincare alone is not enough. A targeted serum like Caudalie Vinopure Serum (€31 at Arnotts), which works on skin of any age, or Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Defense Treatment (€90 at skinceuticals.com), which is specifically designed for blemish prone skin for those in their thirties and older, will help the skin without overloading it. A light treatment cream like La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo + SPF 30 (€18.50 at Boots), which also comes in an SPF-free version for night, can be layered under or over a more substantial moisturiser if your skin needs it. Rich in salicylic acid which is essential for the effective treatment of congestion and breakouts, it is best used just once daily, or it may be slightly drying.
To keep hydration levels up, a hyaluronic acid serum like Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Booster (€22 at pharmacies nationwide) is a good idea.
Best applied to damp skin, it will help to counteract tautness and dehydration. To regulate oil production (when this becomes overactive, breakouts follow), use a high quality oil once or twice weekly, or more if your skin enjoys it.
RMS Beauty Oil (€85 at Space NK) is nothing short of sumptuous; it does not irritate or clog the skin, but relaxes and moisturises it deeply, telling skin to relax and stop overproducing sebum.
