Expert-approved products for clearing and preventing acne
The popular skincare treatment isn’t just affordable, it’s also been labelled a holy grail item that “really works” to clear breakouts.
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One of the biggest myths about acne is that it only occurs in your early teens.
In truth, breakouts can hit you at any age — or in my case, start flaring up at age 17 and continue for the next decade.
While your skin’s appearance doesn’t determine your worth, I can personally attest to how crappy it feels when your acne is out of control.
Fortunately skincare products have come a long way from the days when there were only a handful of dedicated acne-clearing products.
Today there is a vast array of products(from great brands like La Roche-Posay, Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary) designed specifically to treat acne beyond your teens that won’t destroy your skin barrier in the process. But before we get into that, let’s start with the basics.
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE BEST FOR TREATING ACNE?
Sydney-based dermatologist Dr Shreya Andric, who is the principal/co-director at Northern Sydney Dermatology & Laser, recommends looking out for these ingredients in particular when shopping.
“Some examples of over the counter ingredients that can help treat acne include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and niacinamide,” she said.
When it comes to moisturisers Dr Andric advises using products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic.
“Anything too heavy will block the pores and will likely worsen your acne,” she said.
WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD YOU AVOID WHEN TREATING ACNE?
“Ingredients to avoid include lanolin, essential oils, silicones, shea butter, amongst others,” Dr Andric said.
She also recommends being picky when it comes to what you use to cover up your acne.
“Also be careful with makeup – the best choice for acne-prone skin is loose powder mineral makeup,” Dr Andric said.
HOW CAN YOU TREAT ACNE AT HOME?
While it’s important to seek professional help from a dermatologist if your acne is severe and persists, there are steps you can take at home to treat breakouts.
Dr Andric recommends first reviewing your current skincare routine and removing any ingredients that may be acting as “triggers” for your acne.
Then look at introducing products with ingredients designed to fight acne.
“Salicylic acid is an excellent skincare ingredient for clearing out the pores,” Dr Andric said.
“You could consider a cleanser containing two per cent of this and using it twice per day.
BEST MASKS AND TREATMENTS FOR ACNE
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch, Amazon Australia, $11.20
There are plenty of pimple patches out there, however, I am wary of most of them as many contain tea tree oil, which can be irritating to skin.
But this one from Amazon is not only fantastic value, but also works on healing the pimple as fast as possible by protecting the area and using hydrocolloid, a wound dressing.
On Amazon they have more than 14,000 five star reviews, with the retail giant selling one pack every 25 seconds globally, theDaily Mailreported back in January.
“They did the trick in stopping any breakouts from getting out of control,” one fan wrote in their review.
“My spots either disappeared, faded somewhat or at least calmed down and were prevented from turning beastly.”
“This product has changed my skincare forever!” another five-star review reads.
Unsurprisingly they’re also popular on TikTok, with users sharing the before and after results which make for satisfying viewing if pimple popping style videos are your thing.
“These really work,” one TikTok user raved.
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Plus, Amazon Australia, $26.99
While technically a moisturiser, this concentrated formula can also be used as a targeted spot treatment.
It contains niacinamide and piroctone olamine to treat imperfections and stop bacteria spreading, as well as unclogging pores with LHA and linoleic acid.
Five star reviews say it is also great for fading pimple discolouration and evening out skin tone.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Paula’s Choice, $33.60 (RRP $42)
Dr Andric says acne sufferers should avoid physical exfoliators or scrubbing your face as this can aggravate breakouts and spread bacteria around.
Instead you should use a chemical exfoliator that contains salicylic or glycolic acid. This Paula’s Choice option is the brand’s bestseller for a reason — the leave-on formula contains two per cent BHA (which includes salicylic acid), gently removing dead skin and unclogging pores.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 50ml, Myer, $21.90
This feels almost illegal to admit given it is so popular, but I’m not the biggest fan of The Ordinary normally.
But this masque is a great acne treatment as it contains two per cent salicylic acid and is infused with charcoal and clay.
It’s perfect at smoothing skin and brightening skin, just apply and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel 60pk, Catch, $170 (RRP $214)
These chemical exfoliating pads are legendary for being gentle on the skin, while also helping to clear out breakouts.
“My Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel is clinically proven to expedite the life of a pimple, reduce the amount of breakouts and improve the appearance of acne scars,” US dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross told news.com.au.
Each sachet contains two wipes: one which exfoliates and smooths skin, while the second one acts as a neutraliser.
“In my Alpha Beta Daily Peel, I added anti-ageing ingredients to the neutraliser, providing a healthy dose of protection from environmental aggressors,” Dr Gross said.
“This is how myself, and dermatologists, have been treating acne in-office and I believe this is the safest, most effective way to see results at home.”
BEST CLEANSERS FOR ACNE
La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Anti-Acne Cleanser, Amazon Australia, $23.99
There’s a reason La Roche Posay is usually one of the first brands mentioned when it comes to treating acne.
The cult French brand is not only affordably priced, but its Effaclar range of products are specially formulated for sensitive acne-prone skin.
The Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Anti-Acne Cleanser is made with thermal spring water from France that contains selenium and high silicates which are antiflammatory and can relieve irritation as well as smoothing and protecting skin.
It also contains zinc PCA which helps to fight acne-causing bacteria and reduce sebum production.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Amazon Australia, $9.62
One of the cheapest options out there, this Neutrogena wash contains salicylic acid and is alcohol and oil free, meaning it won’t dry out skin.
Five star reviews describe it as the “most affective and affordable” acne cleansers and leaving your face “feeling refreshed”.
“I have a super oily face very prone to pimple breakouts,” one five star review reads. “After trying so many different products, this is THE product that helps in keeping my acne in check.”
Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash, Adore Beauty, $62
This was my holy grail product when I had acne — the foaming cleanser contains salicylic acid to unclog skin and has no artificial fragrance or colours.
It also contains eucalyptus and tea tree which does give it a lovely scent, however, can be irritating to some people.
92 per cent of Adore Beauty customers who have tried it say they would recommend it, saying it leaves them with a “fresh feeling” and doesn’t dry skin out.
Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam, Myer, $36
Clinique’s anti-blemish solutions range has been around for years for a reason — it really works.
The cleansing foam contains salicylic acid and isn’t harsh on skin, with devotees of the Clinique product writing in reviews that it is “gentle yet effective” and “really works” at clearing skin.
“I have been using this for years and am very happy with the results,” one five star reviewer writes.
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser, Sephora, $39
This gel to foam cleanser contains 100 per cent natural salicylic acid, as well as grape seed polyphenols, gape water and organic rose water to reduce redness and promote a natural glow.
Fans of the cleanser describe it as a “lifesaver” and “perfect for acne-prone skin” in reviews, also recommending it for anyone who has dry skin.
BEST MOISTURISERS FOR ACNE
While many acne sufferers (myself once included) can think that their skin doesn’t need a moisturiser because it’s oily, going without could end up aggravating breakouts.
Not moisturising can led to skin becoming dehydrated and producing more oil as a result, so don’t forget to use one morning and night!
La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT Anti-Acne Moisturiser, Amazon Australia, $31.95
This matte-finish moisturiser can be worn under makeup, as well as being used morning and night.
Its non-comedogenic formula is designed to help reduce pores and sebum, with one five star reviewer describing it as a “sensational facial moisturiser” with “very fast absorption”.
Neutrogena Clear and Defend Moisturiser, Amazon Australia, $10.39
This oil free moisturiser is lightweight and contains salicylic acid to help fight breakouts, as well as aloe vera and camomile to soothe skin.
“I love this stuff, it’s made a big difference for me and it helps prevent breakouts and quickly reduce redness and current breakouts,” one five-star review reads.
“I have pretty oily skin and this stuff is perfect for me.”
Paula’s Choice Oil-Free Moisturizer, Paula’s Choice, $31 (RRP $39)
This lightweight moisturiser ticks all the boxes for being oil-free and also containing niacinamide, which soothes flaky skin and minimises pores.
Fans say the gel moisturiser provides “great hydration” which not being too heavy for acne-prone skin.
Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel, Sephora, $75
While this moisturiser is on the pricier side, Murad is one of the OGs when it comes to reliable, clinically-driven skincare.
As well as being oil-free this moisturiser contains salicylic acid and AHAs to fight blemishes.
BEST KITS FOR ACNE
If you’re reluctant to commit to a whole new skincare range without first trialling it, then a kit of smaller-sized products are an excellent way to find out what works for you.
This kit contains roughly a two-week supply of the Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel and Effaclar Duo (+).
Dermalogica Clear Start Kit, Adore Beauty, $39.60 (RRP $44)
Trial Dermalogica’s Clear Start breakout clearing range, which is designed for people in the teens and early twenties.
Inside the pack is the Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash, Breakout Clearing Booster and the kin Soothing Hydrating Lotion.
WHAT CAUSES ACNE?
Our sebaceous glands that product oil are affected by hormones, explains Dr Andric.
“In people who have acne, these glands are particularly sensitive, even to normal blood levels of these hormones,” she said.
“This results in the glands producing too much oil. At the same time, the lining of the pores becomes thickened and dead skin cells are not shed properly.
“A combination of the oil (sebum) and dead skin cells builds up and plugs the pores producing blackheads and whiteheads.”
Acne bacteria lives on everyone’s skin and will “usually cause no problems”, unless you’re predisposed to breakouts.
“In those with acne, the build-up of oil creates the perfect environment for the bacteria to multiply,” Dr Andric explained. “This is accompanied by inflammation which results in the formation of red, swollen, or pus-filled spots.”
Acne can also be caused by certain medications, female contraceptive injections, intra-uterine devices or pills.
HOW SHOULD YOU EXFOLIATE IF YOU HAVE ACNE?
It’s important to still exfoliate skin if you have breakouts, however, you should avoid scrubs.
“These types of products contain sharp particles to physically lift and separate dead skin cells on the surface of the skin,” dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross, whose eponymous skincare range is stocked at MECCA, said.
“However it also causes micro-tears in the moisture barrier, leaving it even more vulnerable to acne-causing bacteria. It’s impossible to get an even exfoliation with physical exfoliators without risking injury to the skin.
Instead Dr Gross recommends using a chemical exfoliator, which can also speed up the time it takes pimples to heal.
CAN CERTAIN FOODS CAUSE ACNE?
“When it comes to diet and acne, the evidence shows that high glycaemic index (GI) diets (eg, sugar and sugary foods, white bread, potatoes, white rice, etc) may cause or aggravate acne,” Dr Andric says.
“Switching to a low GI diet may help. There is also evidence that consuming skim milk is associated with acne.”
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