The Expert Guide To Keeping Breakouts At Bay 2023

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and most of us will experience some sort of breakout at some point. The pores connect to oil glands to excrete sebum to keep skin soft and prevent dryness. When too much sebum is produced, it can clog and block the follicles with dead skin and dirt – causing congestion.

While a combination of factors contributes to the formation of spots, hormones, genetics, environmental factors, stress, skincare, and diet, at the end of the day, the main cause is an overproduction of sebum and clogged pores. (It is always advised to consult with your doctor about dietary guidance and curating the proper beauty regimen).

However, experts agree that certain actives like salicylic acid, niacinamide, sulfur, and topical retinoids and retinol are the most effective ingredients to treat and prevent acne. Keep reading to discover four simple solutions or steps you can take to get rid of acne fast and achieve clearer, more glowing complexion.

Acne-prone skin may benefit from double cleansing. Starting with a micellar water then cleansing with a gentle cream or gel based cleanser and both options are gentle enough not to damage the skin barrier.

Vichy Purete Thermale Mineral Micellar Water - For Combination To Oily Skin

With 15 Mineral-Rich Vichy Volcanic Water to help hydrate and reinforce the skin barrier. Salicylic acid and lactic acid have mild exfoliating properties for softer and smoother skin.

IS Clinical Cleansing Complex

This lightweight cleansing gel has a pH close to the natural pH of the skin. Through a balance of bio-nutrients, antioxidants, and mild resurfacing ingredients the Cleansing Complex cleanses the surface and pores of the skin without stripping essential natural oils.

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

This gentle salicylic acid cleanser is ideal for dry skin, rough and bumpy skin and skin prone to redness. It helps to exfoliate the skin, remove dirt and dead skin cells on the skin without striping moisture from the skin's natural barrier, leaving the skin smooth and hydrated.

If you're interested in adding an acne-treating serum to your routine consider one with niacinamide.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

This serum has a calming and brightening and anti inflammatory effect on the skin, helping to improve overall tone and texture while reducing breakouts and controlling excess sebum and oil production.

CosMedix Clarity Skin-Clarifying Serum

This blemish fighting serum combines salicylic Acid, retinol and niacin amide to fight bacteria, marry the skin and fight post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum

Formulated with Vitamin B3 and pure retinol to resurface and renew the look of fine lines, deep wrinkles and dark spots. Designed for sensitive skin, the serum improves the appearance of uneven skin texture and tone for an even complexion.

Over-the-counter retinoids gets deep into the pores to help dissolve blackheads and regulates cell turnover to prevent dead skin from clogging your pores.

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

If you’ve tried retinol in the past to only find it left skin red and irritated, this night cream is a great option. It targets wrinkles and fine lines, helps smooth skin texture and plumps and hydrates the skin. It’s basically supple skin in a jar.

DermaQuest Advanced Therapy Retexture Serum

This serum uses 1% retinol to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of ageing. This powerful serum helps to exfoliate, refine, and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and discolouration.

A good face mask is necessary for any self-care night or a skin refresh, so why not use one that has acne-fighting benefits too?

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

This mask boasts a blend of AHAs (glycolic, tartaric, lactic, and citric acids) and increases cell turnover. The BHA, salicylic acid, unclogs pores for an overall non-irritating exfoliation with maximum hydration.

Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque - Acne Treatment

This mask is infused with sulfur and kaolin clay to exfoliate the skins surface and absorb excess oil and help purify clogged pores while also preventing future breakouts.