Grown-up women are not only fending off wrinkles: Studies show they're battling zits too. But you don't have to feel as if you're 30 going on 13! A savvy skin-care regimen—and a few simple lifestyle tricks—will smooth the way.
It's easy to associate a pimply face with backpacks, braces, and Bieber fans—but things can get spotty later on too. Research from the University of Pennsylvania has found that low-grade, persistent acne is common among women in their twenties, thirties, and forties (yep, that magical time when wrinkles start to appear). While acne may be nonexistent or dormant for years, certain factors—like stress, hormones, and diet—can eventually cause it to surface, with frustrating emotional side effects. "I've seen patients shy away from certain situations—they've canceled dates and rescheduled meetings at work—because they're ashamed of their breakouts," says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Because no woman should have to endure extra bumps in the road (or on her face), here's a simple zit-erasing plan.