When you suffer with acne prone skin, it can feel like a never-ending search for a solution before you finally find the right products that work for you. Though it can be tempting to layer on the harsh acids and ‘instant’ treatments, avoiding all moisturising products in a bid to dry out your blemishes, it’s much more effective in the long run to find a skincare routine that cares for your skin, helping it to heal over time.
Having had acne for over five years and only just finding the products (after a lot of searching!) that have finally settled my skin, I’m rounding up my favourite best blemish-busting products that won’t break the bank or burn your skin!
Which Ingredients Are Best For Acne-Prone Skin?
Salicylic Acid
A true skincare saviour for keeping the blemishes at bay, Salicylic Acid is a type of liquid exfoliant that penetrates deep into the pores to clear them of any dirt, oil and build up. Used regularly, it not only helps to prevent oil build up, but also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to keep spots calm and reduce redness.
Retinol
Not only a super effective anti-ager, Retinol can also help to prevent breakouts. A form of Vitamin A, Retinol promotes healthy cell turnover, helping to both keep skin clear and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Charcoal
Charcoal is ideal for blemish prone skin that may also be sensitive or dehydrated. The active ingredient absorbs excess oil and impurities that are responsible for blemishes forming. Naturally occurring, Charcoal doesn’t dry the skin out like some other blemish products, supporting its overall health.
Hyaluronic Acid
A great way to keep your skin moisturised without clogging your pores, Hyaluronic Acid holds up to 1000x its weight in water and comes in a variety of different forms and textures including lightweight serums and creams that won’t feel too heavy on oily skin. Able to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin, this wonder ingredient helps to support overall skin health, protecting the natural barrier.
When it comes to skincare, consistency is key, with some products taking up to three months to finally reveal their benefits; whilst it may be frustrating to wait it out, give your skin time to react.
My Top Picks For Acne-Prone Skin
CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser
My desert island skincare product, the CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser has worked miracles on my skin since I started using it about a year ago. Designed to smooth the skin’s texture, the cleanser contains a 0.5% concentration of Salicylic Acid that deeply cleanses, blended with Hyaluronic Acid that ensures that it doesn’t dry the skin out. Although results weren’t instant, I saw a real change in my skin after only a few weeks of using this product, with both fewer and much less aggressive blemishes as well as a noticeable reduction in oiliness.
