Clear Up Your Skin...for Good!

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If you're still battling pimples long past your high-school years, here's some good news. By targeting the source of the problem, you can finally start to rely on clear skin every day. What that means is you need to get a handle on your stress first. It's the number-one trigger of adult acne, says David E. Bank, M.D., a dermatologist in Mt. Kisco, N.Y. "Stress boosts cortisol and other hormones that increase oil production," he explains. (Oil plus dirt and bacteria equals breakouts.) So make time for exercise or other relaxation every day. Then try these measures to put a stop to your breakouts:

Rethink Your Cleanser.
You know to suds up morning and night, but when was the last time you really examined your cleanser? You need one that deep-cleans without stripping moisture. Steer clear of creamy products; they clog pores. Instead, use one of the new products made for adult acne, with antiaging/antiwrinkling and antiblemish ingredients. Be sure it has salicylic acid (the gold standard of pore decloggers) to slough off dead skin, which can clog pores. We love Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Anti-Blemish Daily Cleanser ($7; at drugstores) and Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser ($15, mariobadescu.com). Or try one of the new acne kits that contain a blemish-fighting cleanser (plus toner and moisturizer), like Rodan + Fields Unblemish Regimen ($85; rodanandfields.com). For body acne, try Murad Acne Body Wash ($35; murad.com).