You probably zapped high school zits with a treatment like Oxy 10 or some other powerful benzoyl peroxide product. Adult acne, however, can be trickier, because older skin tends to be more sensitive and can become abraded by the bite of benzoyl peroxide.

Look for gentler ingredients, such as salicylic acid and sulfur. To heal breakouts, use the following routine. (See Blemish Banishers for product suggestions.)

1. Wash with a mild cleanser

Avoid gel cleansers, which often contain alcohol. "And don't use grainy scrubs," says Keri. "Apricot scrubs, for example, are too abrasive and almost always aggravate adult acne."

2. Use a gentle toner

An alcohol-free toner will deep-clean skin without stripping natural oils. If you have dry skin, follow up with a moisturizer labeled "noncomedogenic," which means it won't clog pores. For people prone to acne, use this rule of thumb when choosing a moisturizer: "If something comes in a jar and it doesn't spill out when you turn it upside down, it may be too rich for you," says Margaret E. Olsen, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California at Los Angeles. RS pick: Clearasil Total Control All-Day Mattifying Moisturizer with SPF 10 ($8 at drugstores). And avoid popping pimples. Powder-room surgery can result in infection and scarring, so don't even think about it.

3. Apply a spot treatment

Put it directly on the pimple, but avoid the rest of your face. "Many over-the-counter products were invented for the super-oily skin of a teenage boy," warns Olsen, and they can wreak havoc on drier adult skin. Those with heartier (or oilier) skin can opt for low-strength benzoyl peroxide treatments. Women with sensitive skin should use products containing sulfur or up to a 2 percent concentration of salicylic acid — no more.