Sometimes it feels like there’s no escape from blemishes no matter your age. Whether you’re breaking out because you’re stressed or you have a freshly minted teen who’s dealing with zits, it’s always an annoying thing to have to contend with. But don’t worry too much! Here’s how to get rid of blemishes and seamlessly incorporate acne treatments into your skincare routine so your complexion appears smooth, fresh and clarified.

Causes of Breakouts

Not surprisingly, going back to school can sometimes mean going back to getting blemishes, because the stress of schoolwork can exacerbate breakouts.[1] For adults, stress is also a breakout instigator, whether the stress is from professional or personal reasons.

The root cause of blemishes is excess oil production that combines with dead skin cells to clog pores, or hair follicles, which can then become infected with bacteria that live on the surface of the skin. Inflammation makes the pimple swollen and red, and it can take days or even weeks to heal on its own.

Common Blemish Treatments

Acids like beta hydroxy and alpha hydroxy acids can help accelerate the healing of blemishes. They generally work by unclogging pores and sloughing away dead skin cells. They can prevent the formation of pimples by preventing the clogging of pores in the first place. Applied on an existing blemish, these acids can often work as anti-inflammatories to calm an inflamed pimple.[2]

For Moms

Salicylic acid is one of the most popular over-the-counter treatments that works to reduce the appearance of blemishes. It is a beta hydroxy acid often available as a cleanser or spot treatment. Image Skincare’s CLEAR CELL Salicylic Acid Cleanser helps minimize the look of pimples by turning into a foaming lather and gently clearing away excess oil—without stripping the skin of natural lipids. This is a great option for older adults (like mom), who still get blemishes but need to stay hydrated. Skin won’t feel dry or tight after use. Follow this cleanser use by applying the VITAL C Anti-Aging Serum. This serum is hydrating and anti-aging. It is ideal for mature skin that needs more hydration than teen skin, and it can also help fight the visible signs of aging like wrinkles. It further protects from environmental damage. Finally, apply the Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer with SPF 32+ to hydrate further and protect against sun damage. All together, this is the perfect combination of treatments for mature yet blemish-prone skin.

For Teens

For younger people, it’s a lot more common for an anti-acne product to be part of a skincare routine due to skin being more prone to oiliness and general stress from schoolwork and other life issues. Image Skincare’s CLEAR CELL Medicated Acne Lotion is a great choice. It is potent and can help minimize the appearance of a variety of blemishes like blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed breakouts. It works by unclogging pores and preventing the conditions that cause visible outbreaks. The medicated acne lotion is best followed by the CLEAR CELL Mattifying Moisturizer for Oily Skin. This moisturizer will balance surface oils while keeping skin looking matte and far less shiny. It’s always important to moisturize after using any medicated treatment because it can be drying on the skin. If skin becomes too dry, it produces more oil, and this ultimately leads to even more breakouts.

Bottom Line: Going back to school doesn’t have to be as stressful as usual, especially with the proper skincare routine to help prevent and treat blemishes. Whether you’re older or younger, these treatments can work wonders as long as they are followed and utilized diligently and on a daily basis.