Sore spotty skin? I'm 31 years old!!!

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In the past 6 weeks I've developed large spots on my face - around chin and jawline. They ache to touch, are bright red and I look a mess.

Wearing make-up makes them hurt more, so I only wear make-up once or twice per week (when in reality I'd like to wear it more).

Trying to not overwash my skin or use scrubs on it, but I'm at a loss as they aren't fading and more are developing.

I'm 31, don't want to look like a teen!!!

Any advice??

Spots on the chin are normally hormonal I think, has anything changed that could have caused them? You could go and see if the GP would give you some topical lotion to try?

I went through a bout just like this a few months ago. They really were sore and I felt like crap. Having said that I've always been prone to the odd few spots before period. But this was pretty bad.

In the end I went for a topical antibiotic gel- Duac. Used that for about a month and also changed my makeup removal from face wipes (I know, I know) to oil cleansing with a waxy balm (Trilogy Make-up Be Gone) and hot cloth, followed by Trilogy Rosehip oil as a moisturiser.

The Duac definitely killed the worst of it but I have to say the cleansing/moisturising regimen has made a huge difference since. I don't think I've gotten a single spot in a good 5 months, and I used to at least get one or two a month.

But bottom line is you may need a medicated cream or gel to shift those buggers.

Thanks for replies.

Is Witch Hazel a medicated gel? I have some in bathroom.

Will check out Duac tomorrow at chemist.

Duac is a prescription cream I think. Witch Hazel isn't medicated but it will calm the spots down a bit.

I'm thirty and getting the same problem after having had zitless skin throughout my tends and twenties. For me it's down to one or the other (or a combination of) starting vaping and starting a stressful college course. Any environmental changes or increased stress for you lately, OP?

*teens

Your hormones change a lot post 30! Your skin is probably sore because your moisture barrier is damaged. This also leads to acne.

I recommend first steps:
Gentle cleanser
Few drops of jojoba oil on damp skin
Moisturiser for sensitive skin

Once you have stopped the soreness and repaired barrier with above you can treat spots with 5% benzoyl peroxide (and apply thin layer to affected areas to prevent future outbreaks).

You can then look at further options such as specific bc (Yasmin worked for me), differin, duac, supplements such as evening primrose oil.

I'd see a GP. Probably just hormonal acne but there is a small chance that it is rosacea. Medicated creams or a course of antibiotics can help.

I went through this about 18 months ago.

Agree with PP that hot cloth cleansing with an oil or balm did more to improve things than anything else. My skin is lovely now, even through a pregnancy, with no change in diet or anything else.

Hibiscrub was also useful in the early stages to remove bacteria, and benozyl peroxide gel - both cheaply available online

What are u currently using to cleanse and moisturise?
U need to treat ur skin as sensitised right now and do not even consider using anything designed to treat spots because those red sore angry ones are completely different to ur usual "acne" breakouts

Having the same problem OP and having pored (!) over threads here and Caroline Hirons cheat sheet on cleansing, I've bought a load of new products and am trying to start a proper routine to help my skin. Only started Thursday though so can't tell you if it's helping!

Just use water to clean face in AM, then SPF20 face cream. Cheap one from Avon, but have used it for years. Never put moisturizer over spots as it annoys them.

In PM to clean face I use Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser. Used it for 9 years, love it. Also use it on days I'm wearing make-up followed by cheap Avon Toner.

My skin is usually lovely and people constantly tell me I look much younger than 31 (stealth boast!!)

Part of me is wondering if spots have been caused by too much rich food and lots of red wine over Christmas/New Year season...

Yes defo the rich foods etc over Christmas could be to blame as the same thing happened to me!
I also use dermalogica ultracalming cleanser its great! Not sure the cheap Avon toner and spf are good idea though it could be the use of them over the years that has now resulted in the angry breakouts, the skin may be reacting to the perfumes and cheap fillers etc.

My acne continued out of my teen years. I had two rounds of accutane, second one when I was 19 and it came back when I was 20. Couldn't have had a third round so I had to experiment with natural remedies. I cut out dairy and started taking evening primrose oil for another health problem and suddenly my skin was the nicest it's been since I was about 10. Wish I'd thought of it years ago!! I also take turmeric which is an anti-inflammatory so good for acne. But honestly, I think diet plays a bigger part in acne than people realise, if I do eat small amounts of dairy now my skin reflects it the next day. Never going back!

Thanks for suggestions! Will be getting some Evening Primrose Oil later!

I developed the same when I was pregnant, so on top of feeling awful the entire way through, I looked it too!

I've been prescribed antibiotics and duac since having the baby and 7 months on it is much, much better.

I've also improved my skin care routine quite a bit.

I double cleanse now, using micellar water to remove makeup and cetaphil to cleanse. I then use pixie glow tonic, then eucerin dermopurifying concentrate, night cream and then duac.

I didn't whack it all on my skin in one go though! Pixie Glow Tonic is a newer addition which I think has made a notice labs difference in the 3 weeks or so I have been using it.

It's horrible when your skin plays up so I feel your pain.