Spottiness trends to be associated with younger skins but many women find their skin is prone to breakouts long after they have left teenage angst behind.
Some women experience acne-like spots or redness well into their 40s.
Hormones are a big contributor to skin problems, regardless of age.
Women's hormonal fluctuations brought on by pregnancy, menopause and health issues such as polycystic ovaries and endometriosis can contribute to dramatic changes in skin's appearance.
A common mistake for people with older yet sensitive skins is to avoid moisturising but this can exacerbate the issues as hormonal activity in the skin does not show up just through spots but also through dry, thinning skin, lacklustre tone, deep wrinkles and redness.
Help is at hand in the form of skin care especially formulated to fix skin problems associated with hormones.
The Murad skincare range describes itself as a medical, rather than purely cosmetic, solution to skin problems.
"Use of phytoestrogens to restore the skin's hormone profile also makes the skin less vulnerable to breakouts triggered by hormonal imbalances. Superior hydrators relieve dryness, while powerful antioxidants protect and anti-inflammatories treat redness, irritation and blotchiness," says Lisa Travis, Caci and Murad national sales manager.
Its range includes a targeted regime to combat breakout.
The cleansing range includes a hydrating spray-on toner ($47) that is quick and easy to use after cleaning skin and does not require wiping with cotton wool.
Murad Sheer Lustre Day Moisture SPF15 ($143) is a silky lightweight formula that's designed to restore elasticity, smooth fine lines and reveal a healthy-looking glow.
The Body Shop Aloe Day Cream ($28.50) is an easily absorbed cream that feels instantly comforting on sensitive skin. It also minimises the potential for skin reactions.
Lush's Celestial Facial Moisturiser ($31.90) is gentle and calming with vanilla and orchid extracts.
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Moisturising Daily Moisturiser SPF30 ($22.99) reduces redness and calms irritated skin, and claims to improve sensitive skin issues in one week.
Trilogy Sensitive Skin Very Gentle Moisturising Cream ($47.90) is hydrating and has soothing calendula and chamomile in the formulation.
Weleda Soothing Almond Facial Cream ($25.90) is suitable for very dry skin that is easily unbalanced by the elements and external stress. The cream is good for use under makeup.
Olay's Total Effects Sensitive ($33.72) and Olay Total Effects Sensitive SPF15 ($33.72) claim to combat signs of ageing but are particularly formulated for skin that is prone to breakouts.
Olay Definity's innovative Tone Correcting Anti-Ageing Foaming Moisturiser (7) with SPF15 ($39.99) is a lightweight formula that sits well under makeup and removes dark spots and dullness associated with ageing and hormonal activity.
The Nutrimetics Comfort Skin Range was clinically tested at a leading UK hospital and was proven to be compatible with highly sensitive skin in 98 per cent of cases.
It is free from gluten, colour, fragrance and alcohol and, instead, contains nature's kindest ingredients, oat milk and honey.
For daytime use try Nutrimetics Comfort Calming Day Creme ($48).
The range includes a night cream - often a no-no for sensitive skins but this calms skin overnight: Nutrimetics Comfort Relaxing Night Creme $50.
For oilier skins, New Zealand-made Scarlett & Green products are oil-free and non-comedogenic. They're designed to offer an easy skin care regime with an SPF15 moisturiser, an all-in-one cleanser and a makeup remover plus, when they occur, a break-out control wash.
This zit zapper is formulated for teenage girls, but may be borrowed by mum when needs must.