Forget what you've heard: Acne is not a teenage-specific phenomenon, but a disease that can affect anyone beyond puberty, says Dr. Susan C. Taylor, director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatments vary. These suggestions offer some emergency relief for adult acne sufferers: Break bad habits If you suffer from mild, noncystic acne (for example, blackheads and whiteheads), the culprit could be your lifestyle. Are your hair products coming into contact with your face? Are you going to sleep with makeup on? Are you making sure your cleansers and makeup are oil-free and noncomedogenic? Are you keeping your makeup applicators and brushes clean--and if so, are you tossing them into a contaminated makeup bag? Altering one or more of these practices could dramatically decrease the frequency of acne flare-ups. Clean up your act A consistent cleansing routine is key. Mild, gentle cleansers like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash or Lancome's Mousse Clarte work best for our sensitive skin. Remember not to rub and scrub; this only aggravates the skin. And follow up with an oil-free lotion with an SPF of at least 15, like Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion With SPF 15 or Murad's SPF 15 Oil-Free Sunblock for Face. Look for troubleshooting treatments Over-the-counter topical solutions are effective, as long as you stick to products with proven acne-fighting agents such as benzoyl peroxide (which fights bacteria), salicylic acid (an excellent exfoliator that can curtail breakouts) and retinols (which unclog pores and smooth skin texture). Try Skin Control Acne Spot Treatment, Origins Spot Remover, Kiehl's All Day Treatment Masque for Oily Skin or Clinique Acne Solutions Emergency Gel-Lotion. If a product causes dry patches, it may be too strong, in which case it's best to scale back or lower the dosage: You might try using a product once a day instead of twice or perhaps replacing your 10 percent benzoyl peroxide product with a 2 percent. Also, be patient. Washington, D.C., dermatologist Dr. Cheryl Burgess stresses giving over-the-counter acne medications time to work--at least six weeks. Seek professional help If you don't see any improvement after six weeks, it may be time to see a dermatologist who has had success treating African-American acne-prone skin. This is especially critical if you have cystic acne, which should only be treated by a professional. Remember to take every product you're using to the appointment and share as much information as possible about your skin history and regimen.