Acne-prone skin has a mind of its own. The causes of acne are multifactor, but this skin type is easily irritated, often inflamed and red, and quickly aggravated if the wrong skincare products are used. Chances are, you’ve had it happen to you—slap any old skincare product on your acne-prone skin, and it will lead to a skincare disaster and more breakouts than imaginable. That’s why acne-prone skin must use the right ingredients.
When it comes to finding the best skincare products for acne that will help clear it up and not have it do a 180, it’s essential to use products formulated with common acne fighters like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, and niacinamide.
What Ingredients to Look For
Acne-prone skin, which can affect teenagers and adults, thrives when treated with the appropriate skincare ingredients for this skin type. Some of the most commonly recommended skincare ingredients that are highly beneficial for acneic skin include:
- Benzoyl peroxide: kills acne-causing bacteria
- Salicylic acid: a beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates dead skin cells from the pores to help unclog them
- Glycolic and lactic acids: under the alpha-hydroxy acid category, they remove dead skin cells to help limit inflammation
- Sulfur: often used with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help shrink the size of a pimple.
- Topical retinol and retinoids: exfoliate the skin to unclog pores and prevent new breakouts
- Anti-inflammatory azelaic acid has an antibacterial benefit
- Tea tree oil: derived from the leaves of the tea tree, which is said to work like benzoyl peroxide but at a slower rate
Each of these anti-acne hero ingredients has its own benefits, and determining which works best for your skin may take some trial and error.
Shop the Best Skincare Products for Acne-Prone Skin
Best Cleansers for Acne
A well-rounded skincare routine for acne should include a good cleanser that delivers precisely what acne-prone skin needs. One of the best skincare products for acne is a gel or light cream cleanser that is formulated with ingredients that fight breakouts, like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, benzoyl peroxide, or niacinamide, and those that keep the skin barrier protected and the skin hydrated like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Acne face washes are known for stripping away much-needed oil, leaving the skin feeling tight and dry, so pay attention to the ingredients in your cleanser to avoid this.
A good face wash for acne skin will break down the oil on the surface and exfoliate dead skin and oil buildup. It’s important to wash your face with a cleanser made just for blemish-prone skin to ensure that debris and bacteria are eliminated and that the cleanser’s hydration factor is just right. Use your cleanser twice daily, and always follow up with a moisturizer and your regular skincare routine.