Skincare for acne-prone skin

Breakouts thrive on imbalance - whether excess oil, bacteria, or inflammation. A consistent acne skincare routine with clarifying and soothing ingredients can help regulate sebum, (the skin’s natural oily substance that protects and hydrates the skin), minimise blemishes, and support skin healing.

Explore expert insights on how to care for acne-prone skin and how to create your own acne skincare routine for acne prone skin below.

What skincare ingredients are best for acne?

Look for ingredients that are naturally anti-bacterial and soothing, like Silver Hydrosol. It supports skin health by reducing inflammation, eliminating bad bacteria, and promoting tissue regeneration, making it a powerful ingredient to treat skin concerns. 

Antibacterial Tea Tree Oil can also support your skin, but should be used very sparingly as it can irritate the skin. For example, you could mix it with soothing Aloe Vera and apply it onto targeted areas like blemishes.

You may want to seek out ingredients that help absorb excess oil on the skin and regulate sebum production. Both Bentonite and Kaolin Clay are great for this, as are Niacinamide and Rice Powder. 

DNA HP is the wonder ingredient for hydration and repair. Ten times more effective than Hyaluronic Acid, it also has antioxidant power and anti-ageing properties, supporting the skin’s ability to repair itself.

How to tell if acne is hormonal or bacterial?

Hormonal acne typically appears around the jawline and lower face, often flaring up in cycles linked to hormonal fluctuations, such as monthly cycles or periods of stress.

Bacterial acne, meanwhile, usually occurs in oily areas like the forehead, nose, and cheeks due to clogged pores and excess oil.

What cleanser is best for acne?

When choosing a cleanser for acne-prone skin, look for gentle, non-stripping formulas that effectively remove excess oil and impurities without disrupting the skin barrier. Harsh cleansers can strip the skin, triggering an overproduction of sebum, which can lead to more breakouts.

What to look for in an acne-friendly cleanser

Soap-free and alcohol-free formulas ~ Traditional soaps and alcohols can dry out the skin. This can cause irritation and an overproduction of sebum that can lead to more acne - always make sure your cleanser is soap free.

pH-balanced cleansers ~ Help maintain the skin’s natural barrier, reducing excess oil production.

Hydrating ingredients ~ Such as Glycerin, DNA-HP or Aloe Vera to prevent dryness.

Acne-fighting ingredients ~ Like Silver Hydrosol, Niacinamide, or Tea Tree Oil to help clear pores.

A gentle, non-stripping cleanser like our facial cleansing bar, which purifies while maintaining hydration, is ideal. It’s rich in polynucleotides, which help cells to function and repair themselves. The anti-inflammatory properties of the Silver Hydrosol help to soothe red, swollen, acne-prone skin, while DNA HP aids tissue repair and cell regeneration, helping to heal scars and improve the skin’s overall texture.