There are many things in life that we just have to accept. Monday mornings, for instance, are always going to be a struggle. Similarly, winter will always be cold and spray tans won’t stick around forever.
Acne, however, is one thing that we don’t have to accept.
Those who suffer from acne know that it can be painful and unrelenting. In high school, most of us dreamt of the day that we’d outgrow hormonal breakouts, but the truth is, adult acne is more prevalent than ever.
If your acne is affecting your quality of life, your first port of call should be the dermatologist’s office. (You can read about the best professional acne treatments on offer here.) But most of us can kick acne to the curb with the right at-home skincare routine.
What Causes Breakouts?
While there could be a myriad of reasons behind a particular breakout, the most common causes are clogged hair follicles and hormonal changes. Clogged hair follicles occur from a build-up of dead skin cells, excess oil, makeup and dirt. While hormonal changes can increase oil production leading to clogged pores. Stress, insufficient sleep and dehydration can also play a part in acne severity.
The Best Products To Revive Cranky, Acne-Prone Skin
01
CurrentBody Skin Anti-Blemish LED Face Mask
$585 at CurrentBody
It’s no wonder CurrentBody masks are a viral hit! This CurrentBody Skin Anti-Blemish LED Face Mask provides combined LED technology to give you salon-quality treatment from the comfort of your own home.
Key Features:
- Blue (415nm) and red (633nm) LED wavelengths
02
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
$8.99 at Chemist Warehouse
This face wash contains salicylic acid—a chemical exfoliant that unclogs pores. What’s great about this cleanser is that it offers a deep clean to help prevent pimples and clear build-up without over-drying your skin.
Key Features:
- 2% Salicylic Acid and MicroClear Technology
- Deep clean without over-dying the skin
- Removes excess oil and surface build-up
- 175ml
03
Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash
$64.55 at Adore Beauty
Not only does Dermalogica’s Clearing Skin Wash contain salicylic acid, it also contains the soothing, naturally-antiseptic extracts of balm mint, eucalyptus, tea tree, burdock and camphor.
Key Features:
- Oil free
- Pore minimising
- 250ml
04
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Face Wash for Acne
$10.49 (usually $14.99) at Priceline
The hero ingredient in the aforementioned Thursday Plantation face wash is, obviously, tea tree oil. This tea tree oil helps to control the bacteria that leads to break outs.
Key Features:
- Gently cleanses the skin
- Featuring tea tree oil and chamomile extract to control bacteria and soothe the skin
- 150ml
05
Skinceuticals Blemish And Age Defence Salicylic Acid Serum
$145 at Skinceuticals
Free from oil and targeted towards breakouts, this serum has been supercharged with dioic acid and beta-hydroxy acid to reduce clogged pores and sebum production.
Key Features:
- Recommended for oily or combination skin
- Regulates excess sebum production
- 30ml
06
Pixi Glow Tonic
$53 at Sephora
When Pixi Glow Tonic first came on the scene in the UK and the US, it was a sell-out. Why? It gently exfoliates (thank-you, glycolic acid!), it tones (thank-you, witch hazel!) and it soothes (thank-you, aloe vera!). Overall, it will calm and decongest acne-riddled skin.
Key Features:
- Exfoliates, brightens and smooths skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- 5% glycolic acid
- 250ml (also available in 100ml size)
07
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
$30 at Mecca
This spot treatment treats breakouts while you sleep by drying them out. The main ingredients? Calamine and salicylic acid.
Key Features:
- For best use, wear overnight
- Sulphate-free
- Dries up blemishes, reduces redness and inflammation as you sleep
- 29ml
08
Eve Lom Dynaspot
$63 at Mecca
This spot treatment goes on invisible, meaning you can wear it underneath makeup to kill pimples while you work.
Key Features:
- Fast healing without drying the skin
- Made with fennel seed combatting bacteria
- Paraben and sulphate free
- 10ml
09
Alpha-H Liquid Gold
$27 at Sephora
This serum is a long-term solution, rather than a short term fix. Use this two to three times a week and after a few months, it should dramatically reduce the appearance of acne, thanks to its key ingredient: glycolic acid.
Key Features:
- Works like an ‘overnight facial’ to brighten and revitalise skin
- With 5% glycolic acid
- Liquorice extract to brighten, control oil and minimise pores
- Comes in 30ml and 100ml sizes
Available at:
- $25.95 (for 30ml), From Adore Beauty
10
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask
$16.80 (usually $28) at The Body Shop
This acne-fighting clay masks combines the powers of clay and tea tree to reduce the appearance of acne, while also soothing the skin.
Key Features:
- Skin looks mattified and clear of excess oil
- Suitable for sensitive, oily and blemish-prone skin
- 75ml
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