Female celebrities over 40 are opening up about their struggles with acne

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Some may be tempted to think that acne is just a problem that hormonal teens have to worry about. Unfortunately, this feeling couldn’t be further from the truth. As it turns out, many women over 40 still suffer from annoying pimples, which is just as terrible as it was in their youth. “Some people still suffer from acne after the age of 30, because hormonal changes related to pregnancy or menstruation can trigger acne,” said dermatologist Andrew Tomizawa. Marie Claire In December 2021 on how Hormonal acne It can affect women later in life, especially those who have been diagnosed Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)..

Fortunately, many celebrities are refreshingly honest about their own struggles dealing with acne over the age of 40. We’re talking Tina Fey, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Gabrielle Union, Jenny McCarthy, Reese Witherspoon, Tina Fey, and even one of the newest members of the 40 and over crowd, Amanda Seyfried. As a result, their honesty helps shed light on the issue and debunks the age-old myth that acne is just a problem for teenagers.

Comedian Tina Fey has been candid about her struggle with acne “pants” Her autobiography in 2011. According to Fey, she has always struggled with acne. “My ability to turn good news into worry is rivaled only by my ability to turn anxiety into chin acne,” the 40-year-old said in the book (via New Republic).

But according to Fey, acne is OK. While discussing her radical decision to love herself amid a culture that’s always chasing the next beauty trend, all in an attempt to become her own version of Kim Kardashian — “created by Russian scientists to sabotage our athletes” — Fey wrote, “I wouldn’t even trade the acne scar on my right cheek because that recurring pimple spent more time with me in college than any boy ever did” (via attractiveness). So, uh, thanks for all the memories, chin oil.

Speaking of Kim Kardashian, the leading lady of the family’s brand empire, she’s also no stranger to dealing with skin issues. Over the years, she has been particularly candid about her struggle with psoriasis. But as it turns out, she’s been dealt with as well Acne in adults Breakthroughs. “I never thought I would develop acne in my 40s. This has been a really interesting experience,” she said. hustle in October 2023, while also delivering its new SKKN by Kim Resurfacing Mask. “Fortunately, I documented that, and we worked on a lot of products that took that into account,” she added. “I never thought I would be making acne products, but that will definitely come in the future.” Hey, she’s not a billionaire for nothing.

In June 2015, Hollywood’s golden girl herself, Jennifer Aniston, admitted that she also suffers from acne flare-ups from time to time. When asked who deer What to do when you’re in the middle of a pimple emergency The 46-year-old actress revealed that — after closing her eyes in annoyance, of course — she slathered Mario Badescu’s drying lotion on it, which she said she’s “used for years and years.” Aniston cautioned against being picky at all, though she admitted that was something she had done in the past.

In 2019, 43-year-old Reese Witherspoon admitted this attractiveness She is prone to acne on her chin and nose as a result of wearing heavy makeup and not removing it completely when she washes her face at night. As a result, I became squeamish about my evening face wash and swore by Elizabeth Arden’s retinol capsules. She explained: “I look more awake in the morning. It also works to remove redness in my skin so I don’t have to apply as much foundation.”

In March 2025, Gabrielle Union also made a video for Vogue magazinethis is aptly titled “Gabrielle Union’s Guide to Makeup in Her 50s.” She revealed her daily skin care routine, and talked about her struggle with acne late in her life. Union confirmed that she never dealt with acne when she was younger, but after going through some hormonal changes, all bets are off.

“And then, it was like, ‘Is this acne? How do you get acne as a grown woman? But I found a way,'” she joked. Union revealed that she immediately began testing different products to treat her acne. “I think I’m probably like you guys. Try a bunch of different things, see what works for you and what doesn’t.” Stars, they’re just like us.

In May 2025, Jenny McCarthy, the 52-year-old actress turned founder of her own vegan, cruelty-free and non-toxic cosmetics line, spoke about her late-life acne and how she finally got rid of it once and for all. “I followed a carnivore diet,” the Formless Beauty CEO said. the people. “I was very against it, but my doctor was like, ‘You’ve tried everything but this, so you’re a carnivore.’ Fortunately, according to McCarthy, the diet did the trick. “All my acne is gone,” she declared.

Amanda Seyfried left it all out on the red carpet at the 2026 Met Gala When she revealed that she is currently taking acne medications. “I’m taking medication now for acne on my chin,” the 40-year-old revealed during an interview with Vogue (via Instagram) with Ashley Graham and Cara Delevingne.

However, it’s worth noting that this wasn’t the first time Seyfried discussed her issues with her skin — specifically eczema and perioral dermatitis (a fancy term for a rash around her mouth) — since she was 19. Beauty secrets series from Vogue magazine In March 2025, Seyfried explained that her skincare regimen typically involves applying “a medicated cream for that cute little mustache.” She kept the jokes coming, noting, “My rash is screaming, but it’s okay because I’ll cover it up so I can go out in public.” keep calm and carry on!