The Best Skin Care For Acne Prone Skin

Acne and blemishes can be a difficult to deal with skin condition that affects people of all ages and skin types. Acne can negatively impact your confidence and keep you from looking and feeling your best.

But there are a number of skin care ingredients and treatments that can prevent acne blackheads and blemishes and reduce the appearance of acne scarring – you just need to know which skin care ingredients to use!

So what is the best skin care for acne-prone skin? 

I’ll be sharing the best skin care ingredients for clear, acne-free, glowing skin and the skin care products that contain them.

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The Best Skin Care For Acne-Prone Skin

1 . Salicylic Acid: This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is a go-to for unclogging pores. It penetrates deep into the skin, dissolving excess oil and dead skin cells that contribute to breakouts, sebaceous filaments and blackheads. It is the best type of exfoliating acne for clear, glowing skin.

My favourite BHA-filled skin care products are the cult-classic Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant and the COSRX Niacinamide 2% + BHA 4% Blackhead Exfoliant Toner. I also love The Inkey List’s Salicylic Acid Cleanser – be sure to leave the cleanser on your skin for 30 seconds before rinsing off for best results!

2. Benzoyl Peroxide: A powerful antibacterial agent, benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that thrives in clogged pores, reducing inflammation and preventing future breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide can be drying, so be sure to keep skin hydrated and moisturized.

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 10% is a great acne-fighting cleanser, while the Differin Acne Spot Treatment with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide works as a targeted spot treatment. 

3. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This versatile ingredient helps regulate oil production, reduces inflammation, and improves the skin’s barrier function, minimizing the risk of future breakouts. 

Some great niacinamide treatments include the COSRX 15% Niacinamide Face Serum, The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum, Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum – 10%, The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc Serum and the Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster.

4. Azelaic Acid: This gentle yet effective ingredient targets bacteria, reduces inflammation and redness, minimizes pore size and helps lighten hyperpigmentation caused by past breakouts. It’s an amazing skin care ingredient for all skin types and is a regular in my skin care routine. 

Some great azelaic acid products I’ve enjoyed are The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, and the Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster. 

5. Sulfur: Known for its drying and anti-inflammatory properties, sulfur helps unclog pores and reduce the size and redness of existing pimples, making it perfect as a spot treatment. Consider adding a sulfur-infused gel, toner, cleanser or mask to fight those pesky breakouts.

Warning – sulfur can smell like rotten eggs, but stick it out for clear skin! Try out the By Wishtrend 3% Sulfur Clean Gel, Kate Somerville Eradikate Acne Treatment, or the AcneFree Acne Clearing Mask, 3.5% Sulfur Acne Treatment.

6. Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives, like retinol and tretinoin, promote cell turnover, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation. It’s my most favourite skin care ingredient and has made the biggest improvement to my skin over the years. However, retinoids can be irritating, so start with a low dose and gradually increase as tolerated. I suggest that you read my 11 Tips For Retinol Beginners post first if you haven’t used retinol before. 

I love the Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment (strong), the Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream (strong) and the CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum For Face (gentle). I share a bunch of drugstore retinol picks for beginners as well here.

 

7. Adapalene: Adapalene is a retinoid-like medication that treats acne by decreasing the formation of microcomedones, which are tiny bumps that form when hair follicles are blocked by sebum and dead skin cells. It also increases the rate at which skin cells turn over, which helps to unblock pores and sebum glands and exfoliates pimples that have already formed for quicker healing. Finally, adapalene reduces inflammation that comes from acne and blemishes.

 

8. Zinc: This mineral helps regulate oil production and possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for both acne prevention and treatment. The Ordinary’s Niacinamide + Zine Serum contains this acne-fighting ingredient to help keep skin clear on a budget!

9. Bakuchiol: Bakuchiol is perfect for fighting acne and blemishes because of its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and natural exfoliant properties. I share a ton of information on the effects of bakuchiol for skin here, along with a ton of bakuchiol-infused products to shop!

10. Vitamin C: Vitamin C has brightening benefits on the skin and is an anti-oxidant the protects skin from free radical damage. Even better, vitamin C is great for improving the look of acne scars on skin. You can browse great vitamin C serums here.

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11. Hypochlorous Acid: Hypochlorous acid has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce acne and blemishes. It is also know for speeding up wound healing. I share more information on how to use hypochlorous acid and the best skin care products containing this ingredient here.

Important Note: It’s crucial to remember that everyone’s skin is unique. What works wonders for one person may not be suitable for another. It’s always recommended to consult a dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment for your specific skin concerns.

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By incorporating these powerful acne-fighting skin care ingredients into your skin care routine, you can effectively reduce blemishes and achieve the clear, glowing skin you’ve you deserve!