Acne & Ageing Skin

Choosing skincare products can be challenging enough if you are battling acne or noticing signs of ageing. But when you’re struggling with both at the same time, on top of concerns like scars, oily skin, it can be quite maddening.

If you choose anti-acne products, you’re likely concerned they can make your skin dry and flaky. This can make your skin age even quicker. On the other hand, if you use products to stave off skin ageing, the pimple breakouts and clogged pores will likely get worse – especially if the products are creamy or thick.

What can you do about it? The fundamental answer to this dilemma is to use a mix of anti-acne products that won’t make wrinkles worse, and anti-ageing products that don’t aggravate acne problems. And believe it or not, such products do exist!

The Right Ingredients Make a Difference

The anti-acne products must be formulated to be gentle, non-drying, and provide skin softening effects. They must also still be highly effective against acne. Additionally, the arsenal of anti-ageing products you use should be fluid, lightweight and, without pore-clogging ingredients to prevent oily skin.

To prevent acne problems, the absolute best place to start is to opt for a leave-on exfoliant with skin-calming properties. These exfoliants should contain salicylic acid (BHA). The other anti-acne product you’ll need is one which contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, as this works with salicylic acid to keep acne and pimple breakouts at bay.

These are the two essential anti-acne ingredients and should be your first choice before you seek professional attention. Both BHA and benzoyl peroxide are wonderfully effective when you’re dealing with acne and signs of ageing.

Anti-ageing Acne Fighting Products You Can Use

For your anti-ageing needs, you need to use the lightest acne formulas that are loaded with ingredients which can help you normalise and rejuvenate your skin from within. These products should target wrinkles, lessen bumps and lighten the appearance of scars or combat oily skin, while making your skin ultra-smooth and radiant. They don’t need to be in a cream or lotion texture – the products you use can be gel or fluid types, which provide hydration without clogging up your pores.

For your daily skincare routine, try the RESIST Anti-Aging Essential Kit for Wrinkles + Breakouts or RESIST Advanced Kit for Wrinkles + Breakouts from Paula’s Choice. Your skin will love the benefits they can offer, especially in a humid climate like Singapore or other tropical regions. These anti-ageing and anti-acne products are the ideal places to start before you add other products.

It can also be incredibly helpful to use our 10% Niacinamide Booster, which is among the best anti-ageing products for acne-prone skin. You can also try our 1% Retinol Booster as part of your anti-ageing and acne skincare system. Abundant research has firmly established the roles of niacinamide and retinol in minimising pores, as well as their numerous anti-ageing benefits, which include improving the look of skin tone, loss of firmness, and wrinkles.

Learn more about what causes acne breakouts.

Shop Paula’s Choice Clear range for effective acne treatments.

References for this information

Human Microbiome Journal, June 2017, pages 7–13
Dermatologic Therapy, February 2017, pages 926–935
International Journal of Molecular Science, January 2017, page 18
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2016, pages 330–334; and 350–357
Clinical Cosmetic Investigative Dermatology, August 2015, pages 455–461
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, June 2015, pages 14–19; and March 2010, pages 281–292
Dermatoendocrinology, July 2012, pages 308–319
Journal of Women’s Health, February 2012, pages 223–230
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, December 2011, pages 407–420
Cutis, July 2009, pages 48–55
Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, September 2008, pages 170–176