If you have acne, you’re probably already pretty aware of it. Even if you weren’t aware, acne is super common. Up to 50 million Americans get affected by acne every year, as per the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
But, thankfully, you can get rid of it with the right acne-prone skin treatment. During Acne Awareness Month, COSMEDIX is encouraging you not to get too frazzled about your pimples.
We also want you to understand what’s actually happening in your skin so you can treat it gently, not aggressively.
You can take inspiration from social media. Some skincare-related accounts like @its_just_acne share insights regarding self-love and challenge unrealistic standards by showing off textured, acne-prone skin with pride. We also hope you’ll relax and enjoy your skincare routine instead of feeling like you’re waging war on your acne.
Here’s how to get the best skincare for acne-prone skin:
Acne starts when excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog your pores, leading to inflammation.
Other factors that play a role in developing acne-prone skin are changes in hormones, genetics, stress, and even certain skincare or makeup products.
That’s why dermatologists suggest taking treatments tailored to acne-prone skin instead of going for harsh scrubs. Choosing harsh ingredients and scrubbing will only make breakouts even worse and affect the skin barrier.
“Acne means dirty skin.” Not true — clogged pores are about oil and cell turnover, not cleanliness.
“Moisturizer causes breakouts.” Skipping it can actually backfire (more on that below).
“Popping pimples speeds healing.” It typically increases inflammation and the risk of scarring.
Is moisturizer necessary for oily, acne-prone skin?Yes. An oil-free, balancing formula like Shineless helps prevent your skin from overproducing oil. |
Here are a few luxe, gentle skincare products that can help you pamper your skin while helping reduce the look of redness and evening the look of texture.
A clean, gentle cleanser that doesn’t overdo it is the best place to start for acne relief. Clarify Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser AM/PM is alcohol- and sulfate-free, but still includes acne-fighting hero ingredient Salicylic Acid to help exfoliate skin for a smoother-looking complexion.
This water-based cleanser is also formulated with Aloe Vera and D-Panthenol to help soothe skin and probiotic-inspired Lactococcus Ferment Lysate and Saccharide Isomerate to help encourage a healthier-looking complexion.
Clarification can be incorporated into your morning or night skincare routine to help absorb excess oil without overly drying out the skin, to help keep it looking refreshed and more clarified-looking. It’s undoubtedly the best cleanser for achieving the best skincare for acne-prone skin.
One myth about an acne skincare routine is that you should skip moisturizer if you get breakouts. Moisturizing helps balance the skin’s oil production. If you strip your skin of oil completely, it might generate even more oil and, unfortunately, maybe even more acne.
Formulated with Lilac Stem Cells to help control and balance excess oil, Shineless Oil-Free Moisturizer helps firm, smooth, and brighten the appearance of skin without the added shine.
This green tea mint-scented moisturizer helps you achieve lasting hydration without greasiness. In our clinical study, 48% of users saw a reduction in the appearance of blemishes, and 70% reported having less shiny skin.
Skinimalism is all about finding serum products that help address your specific skin care concerns, and Clarity is a great go-to product if that concern is acne. This skin-clarifying serum helps improve the appearance of acne without overly harsh ingredients that cause skin to flake or dry out.
The secret is a formula that combines powerhouse exfoliator Retinol with Salicylic Acid to help reduce the appearance of oil so that skin appears firmer, clarified, and healthier-looking. Willow Herb, Tea Tree Oil, and Aloe Vera help soothe the skin and help reduce the appearance of redness.
Clarity is perfect for your day or night routine; make sure to layer a broad-spectrum SPF like ultra-lightweight Peptide Rich Defense on top if you’re getting ready to head out in the morning.
Can I use Clarity every day?Some people can. However, if you’re someone using retinol or salicylic acid for the first time, ease in a few nights a week and build up tolerability. |
Making time for self-care and helping unclog pores go hand-in-hand with this Kaolin Clay-infused cleansing mask. Clear won’t leave your skin feeling dry or tight, but it will help to soothe, hydrate, and purify the look of skin as it helps to draw out and absorb any excess oil.
This top-rated skin care mask is also formulated with Tea Tree Oil to help reduce the appearance of redness and Niacinamide to help improve the look of skin texture. Simply apply to damp, clean skin two or three times in the evening for a brighter, more vibrant-looking complexion that lasts.
Finally, don’t let a surprise pimple disrupt your confidence! This targeted rapid spot treatment is formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid to help to deep clean pores. The gentle exfoliating ingredients won’t cause excessive dryness to the skin, and skin-loving Aloe Vera helps to soothe the look of skin for a clearer-looking complexion.
Achieve the best skincare for acne-prone skin by breaking down your use of products around the clock. Here’s how to build an AM and PM routine:
AM — Clarify to cleanse, Shineless to hydrate and balance oil, then SPF.
PM — Clarify to cleanse, Clarity to target texture, and Shineless to lock in moisture. Swap in Clear two to three nights a week, and keep Correct on hand for spot treatment as needed.
How long until I see results?Most people notice gradual improvement over several weeks of consistent use; acne care is a marathon, not an overnight fix. |
The best skincare for acne-prone skin is never about quick fixes. It’s not about picking or squeezing blemishes, which only raises the odds of visible scars.
Daily SPF is essential too, especially while using exfoliating or retinol-based products, since treated skin is more sensitive to sun exposure.
If breakouts are persistent, painful, cystic, or affecting your confidence, it’s worth checking in with a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician. Professional guidance can help tailor a routine to your skin’s specific needs.
