It’s a common misconception that acne is solely relegated to the domain of the adolescent.

Anyone with skin can be susceptible to adult acne - no one is immune to an outbreak, and there is unfortunately no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with skin conditions. There are, however, a few things you do to prevent severe outbreaks from occurring and manage existing ones if they’ve already arrived.

Regular, gentle cleanser with a daily cleanser is an important first step when it comes to keeping outbreaks at bay – especially post-exercise – as is effective hydration and a well-balanced diet.

When an outbreak occurs, two options immediately present themselves: camouflage or treat. The former involves using a light touch concealer to lessen a blemishes presence on your skin; the second requires that you treat the spot in question with medications containing active ingredients formulated to speed up the healing process - chiefly, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. They work to dry-out spots, starve bacteria and hurry along your skin’s healing.

Don’t be dissuaded by any immediate discomfort. A gentle sting often means they’re working. Be sure to follow the instructions unique to each product and apply the correct amount to the affected area. Be wary of overuse, too, as these formulations can irritate sensitive skin. As always, precision is key.