The Biggest Mistakes You're Making With Your Acne Treatment in Your 20s, 30s, and 40s

 All ages can be guilty of this—using the wrong cleanser: Some women use a cleanser containing active ingredients (like salicylic acid), which can be way too harsh if you’re using multiple topical products during the day. Just find a gentle cleanser that isn’t too drying.

Biggest mistake in your 20s—undermoisturizing: According to Dr. Schweiger, women in their 20s tend to forget this step. Then skin gets too dry and you get rebound oil production, thus making your skin oilier and more prone to breakouts.

You should look for a moisturizer that says “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” right on the packaging. Avoid heavy cream moisturizer.

Biggest mistake in your 30s and 40s—using the same products you used in your teens and 20s: Lots of women will continue to use ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. Many don’t realize that some alternate treatments, like retinol, can have both anti-aging and anti-acne effects.