You thought that by the time you were old enough for crow’s feet, the pimples of your teenage years would be history. But for many women, these blights to the complexion can co-exist well into middle age. According to Victoria Radford, Toronto skin pro and former makeup artist to Fergie (yes, Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas!), blemishes can be easily fixed—if you know how to deal with them.

The key? Exfoliation.
“A pimple is just bacteria stuck in the pore,” says Radford. You need to gently remove the bacteria in order to help your blemishes to heal. Radford recommends using an enzyme exfoliator each morning (one that doesn’t require physical scrubbing) to help unclog pores. “Put it on your face and leave it for five minutes,” she says. “Pick out your clothes, walk around, then rinse it off when you get in the shower.” Your skin shouldn’t feel red or irritated afterwards. If it does, the product is too harsh for your skin.

Now comes the hard part: Leave your skin alone. Seriously. Don’t squeeze blackheads. Don’t pick at blemishes. “It’s so satisfying to get those little suckers out of your face,” says Radford. “But if you’re still breaking out in your 30s and 40s, you’re probably touching your face too much.” By picking and squeezing at your pores, it’s likely that you’ll force bacteria back inward, causing more pimples. It can also cause scarring.

Here are a few enzyme exfoliators that will not only remove dead skin and bacteria, but will improve texture and brightness:


Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator, $55, sephora.ca. RAD by Victoria Radford Camera Ready Buff, $45, secure-booker.com. One Love Organics Brand New Day Microderma Scrub + Masque, $50, clementinefields.ca. Éminence Organic Skin Care Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, $40, thefacialroom.ca.

Read more: 

New skin-care innovation: Bounce creams
The latest in anti-aging skin care
10 editor-tested face masks for acne, dull skin and dryness