We have previously spoken about the Best Acne Treatments, and What is Acne - which are both very important and I would highly recommend you read those articles. But I felt it was only right for my to share some of my personal favourite products when working with acne-prone skin.
Please note that the prices are based on the most common prices on the internet and are designed to simply be used as a guide.
Make sure to speak to your dermatologist if you have any concerns about using any of the below products.
ACNECIDE™ Gel 5% Benzoyl Peroxide
Product type: Gel
Price: £10.49
Volume: 30ml
Actives: Benzoyl Peroxide
Perfect for: Cystic and Severe Acne
Description:
Benzoyl Peroxide is a natural peroxide which acts as an oxidising agent. The benefits of it's oxidative nature results in:
Antiseptic effects
Keratolytic effects (unclogging of pores)
Anti-inflammatory effects
It is the first most recommended product for anyone with server or even cystic acne, however it can cause irritation to the skin - so far as resulting in allergies in some consumers.
Please note that benzoyl peroxide (especially in high percentages like in this product) can bleach clothing and other textiles because of its oxidative nature.
ORIGINS Super Spot Remover™ Blemish Treatment Gel
Product type: Gel
Price: £16.00
Volume: 10ml
Actives: Salicylic Acid
Perfect for: Everyday Breakouts
Description:
Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells, sebum and dirt which unclogs pores.
It penetrates through the top later of the epidermis to break apart skin cells and promote cell turn over, and works as an exfoliant.
It's great for blackheads and whiteheads, as well as smaller pimples.
Salicylic acid can be drying to the skin, so it is recommended to use a moisturiser after it's application.
This is a more topic treatment product, so if you're just getting into skincare - I would recommend looking into a salicylic cleanser like the one listed below.
Ideal for any skin type, even dry (just make sure to use a richer moisturiser).
PAULA'S CHOICE™ Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Product type: Gel
Price: £12.00
Volume: 5ml
Actives: Retinol
Perfect for: Long-term Treatments
Description:
Retinol treatments are ones which will require some patience (shedding period)
Retanoids are the chemically active forms of Vitamin A on the skin. They promote skin cell turn-over which leads to the unclogging of pores. Retinol is also well known for it's improvements in collagen production which helps with anti-ageing and plumping of the skin.
Please be aware that retinol is a strong treatment, and consumers frequently experience a 1-2 week period where their skin gets worse, before it gets better. Retinol is well known for increasing sensitivity and dries out the skin.
You can choose to opt for a lower percentage of retinol to start off and build up your dosage - there are also prescription dosages of retin-A which you can get for server acne.
Ideal for people with oily skin as people with dry skin can suffer from excess dryness.
PAULA'S CHOICE™ Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Type of product: Liquid Exfoliant
Cost: £10.00
Volume: 30ml
Actives: Salicylic Acid
Perfect for: Clogged Pores
Description:
This is another salicylic acid based product.
Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells, sebum and dirt which unclogs pores.
It penetrates through the top later of the epidermis to break apart skin cells and promote cell turn over, and works as an exfoliant.
It's great for blackheads and whiteheads, as well as smaller pimples.
It is not as drying as the ORIGINS Super Spot Remover due to its lower concentrations, however if you have dry skin, make sure to moisturise after.
If you do experience dryness or slight irritation, make sure to take a step back from exfoliating, or use a more gentle product.
THE ORDINARY™ Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Type of product: Serum
Cost: £5.00
Volume: 30ml
Actives: Niacinamide, Zinc
Perfect for: Regulating Sebum Production
Description:
Niancamide is the biologically active form of vitamin B3. It works by boosting barrier function to produce ceramics in your skin. It is a perfect starting point for people looking to start a retinoid treatment (like with products listed above).
Its anti-acne properties are thanks to its anti-inflammatory actions which reduce the size of papules and pustules.
Ideal for anyone looking to manage their occasional acne as it is non-sensitising and perfect for all skin types.
SUDOCREM™ Antiseptic Healing Cream
Type of product: Antiseptic Cream
Cost: £2.00
Volume: 60ml
Actives: Benzoyl Alcohol, Zinc Oxide
Perfect for: Dry Acne-prone Skin
Description:
Sudocrem is a multi-purpose product - with it's most notable benefits being an antiseptic.
It reduced inflammation which can visibly reduce the redness and size of all types of acne.
It can be used as a mask when applied as a thin layer to the skin - however this is not ideal for oily skin, as it contain lanolin which provides a heavy occlusive effect. Or, for people with oily skin, use a 'dollop' of product on your acne.
Sudocrem also has astringent effects which can help with anti-ageing, especially fine lines around the eyes.
ACNECIDE™ Daily Moisturiser SPF30
Type of product: Moisturiser with SPF
Cost: £14.99
Volume: 50ml
Actives: Non-comedogenic ingredients
Perfect for: Clogged Pores
Description:
A daily sunscreen should be a part of everyone's routine.
This sunscreen not only provides the essential benefits of UVA and UVB protection, but it is also non-comedogenic - meaning that it does not clog pores which is especially important for acne-prone skin. It has a very thin-formula which glides over the skin without feeling heavy.
Of course the sunscreen will protect you from the damaging photos from the sun which cause ageing. If you'd like to read more about How Does Sunscreen Work, check out our earlier article.
I would recommend this product to anyone, but especially for people who have oily skin and wear a lot of products.
I was lucky to never have this acne problem, even during puberty. But I will know how to advise now! 👌