Treat it right
Blemish fighters are often formulated for oily teen skin, even though so many full-fledged grown-ups get acne. You need products that attack your specific problems and are gentle enough for drier, more sensitive adult skin.
Common acne fighters:
* Alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids (glycolic, salicylic, and fruit acids) and retinoids (prescription remedies such as Retin-A, Differin, and Tazorac) exfoliate pores, preventing them from clogging with dead skin cells, oil, and dirt.
* Benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics (like erythromycin and clinda-mycin), and sulfur kill bacteria.
* Anti-inflammatory ingredients like hydrocortisone, tea tree oil, and chamomile are said to reduce redness and irritation.

Before-baby breakouts
If you're pregnant, you're most likely to experience an acne flare-up in the first trimester, when hormone levels tend to shift the fastest. It's safe to use topical treatments such as glycolic acid and exfoliating scrubs, and topical antibiotics like erythromycin and azelaic acid. Strictly off-limits are topical retinoids and any oral drugs, particularly Accutane, which causes birth defects.

Why me?
No, acne isn't caused by the food you eat or by not drinking eight glasses of water a day. You can blame it on your hormones. Between ovulation, pregnancy, and going on and off the Pill, your hormones are constantly in flux, which in turn triggers oil production. Other culprits: stress (does making dinner, changing a diaper, and doing laundry all at once ring a bell?) and heredity.

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