Acne can affect people of all ages, but when people with aging skin start to have acne breakouts, it can be difficult to know how to treat the skin without exacerbating the condition. This is because aging skin typically is drier than youthful skin. People with aging skin sometimes use heavy moisturizers that contain pore-clogging ingredients, which can lead to acne breakouts. If these moisturizers are replaced with the medicated acne creams used by more youthful skin types, they can exacerbate wrinkles and be too irritating to aging skin. Luckily, there are ways to treat acne on aging skin that will clear your skin without making wrinkles worse.
Types of Cleansers
Since acne cleansers can be too drying on aging skin, it is necessary to use an alternative cleanser. One alternative is to replace an acne soap with a gentle soap designed for sensitive skin, which will cleanse your skin without irritating it with perfumes and dyes. A second alternative is to apply a non-comedogenic oil to flush out your pores. To follow an oil-cleansing method, spread 1 tsp. of a non-pore-clogging oil, such as jojoba, olive or castor oil, onto your skin. The oil will bond to the sebum and bacteria in your pores. Massage the oil in deeply for two minutes, then place a hot washcloth over your skin. The heat from the washcloth opens the pores, releasing the oils, impurities and bacteria trapped within. Once the washcloth cools, use it to wipe of your skin. Cleanse your skin in this manner twice per day, once in the morning and again at night.
Types of Spot Treatments
One of the most common spot treatments for acne, benzoyl peroxide, can be too strong and drying on aging skin types. Luckily, there are a few natural spot treatments that can clear up acne blemishes without irritating or drying out your skin. According to the Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, tea tree oil is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but without the irritating side effects. Tea tree oil is usually purchased in its pure form, and must be diluted before it is applied to the acne breakouts. To do this, dip a cotton swab into tea tree oil, then again into water. Dab the tea tree oil onto the blemishes twice per day. Another effective spot treatment for aging skin is pure calamine lotion. Calamine lotion dries up acne pustules and cysts without irritating or drying out the surrounding areas. Dip a cotton swab into calamine lotion, and apply it directly to the acne blemishes. Calamine lotion makes an excellent nighttime treatment, since it can leave a pink residue. Calamine lotion can be used up to three times per day, however.
Side Effects
Aging skin can be more sensitive and delicate than more youthful skin, and can react more strongly to topical skin treatments. If you experience any redness, swelling or irritation from using a treatment, discontinue its use and consult your dermatologist.
Time Frame
Using more gentle acne treatments can take longer to clear your skin than their chemical counterparts, but will still clear your skin effectively over time. According to Salisbury University, acne treatments should be used at least six weeks to receive the greatest skin-clearing benefits.
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