Blemish-proof your skin: there's a new approach to tackling acne, and it's not only about good habits. It's also about which age box you check off. Read on for the latest ways to fix your flare-ups fast.(COSMO BEAUTY BOOK)

Acne is always a pain, but it seems to be even more so in your 20s and 30s--when you think you should have outgrown it. It can be tackled, but you need to understand that the causes are different. In your 20s, outbreaks are mainly related to changes in hormones, while in your 30s, they're also tied to a weakening of skin cells that happens with age. Once you know the triggers, you can treat and clear up your complexion--from here on out.

ACNE IN YOUR 20s

The big picture: Oil production is still in overdrive from your teens, and you're probably experimenting with products. This means clogged pores and persistent breakouts.

WHY YOU GET ZITS NOW

HORMONE SWINGS. Your hormone levels (estrogen and testosterone) are still fluctuating. These up-and-down shifts cause your skin to overproduce oil, which is a major cause of clogged pores and pimples, says New York City dermatologist David Kriegel.

CONSTANTLY SWITCHING PRODUCTS. Derma say it's common for younger patients to try out a bunch of acne remedies at once. "In your 20s, you're typically still trying to find what works best for you," explains New York City dermatologist Dennis Gross. "But piling on too many things can weaken your skin and make it more susceptible to zit-causing bacteria."

WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE