I’ve made no secret of the fact that my skin and I have a bit of a complicated relationship. And by complicated, what I mean is that sometimes I really hate my skin and sometimes I’m totally indifferent towards it, but unless I have recently discovered a magical new foundation, I’d rarely say I love it.
Sure, now that I’m in my 30s I’ve pretty much worked out the skincare products that work for my skin—although pregnancy skincare was a whole new challenge—but my stubborn hormonal acne insists on hanging around like that friend who refuses to leave your house even when it’s 1 a.m. and you’ve started washing up the wineglasses. I get it—in 2021 when we’re all about embracing the skin we’re in, admitting that you just don’t love your complexion feels somewhat disempowering. But I’d hazard a guess that most people who deal with regular breakouts will feel the same.
“Acne affects nearly 80% of the population at some point during their lifetime,” explained Tijion Esho, MD, skin expert and founder of the ESHO clinic. “Most commonly, it begins during puberty, but it can be triggered by hormonal changes or even certain medications. The symptoms vary in severity but are usually characterised by comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and pus-filled spots (pustules) that may cause scarring and significantly impact self-confidence.”
Luckily, though, however many active breakouts you might be facing right now, there are certain skincare steps you can take to bring even the most acne-prone skin back into balance. And while there are plenty of hardworking acids, fancy face oils and trending skincare ingredients, I’m a firm believer in bringing things back to basics when your skin is going haywire. Which is why I’m focusing on arguably the most basic and essential step of every skincare routine: your cleanser.
Honestly, I’ve probably tried every acne product on the market at this stage, and while things have come on leaps and bounds since the skin-stripping formulas available at Boots during my teenage years, there are only a few cleansers I’d genuinely attribute a reduction in breakouts to.
While I can’t promise that they will vanish spots overnight, I can guarantee that with continued use, these cleansers will calm active blemishes, reduce redness and pigmentation caused by old spots, and generally help your skin to look clearer, brighter and less congested.
Keep scrolling for the expert lowdown on why cleansing is so important for acne-prone skin and shop the six best acne cleansers I’ve tried and tested.
“Cleansing is important for all skin types, but especially for acne-prone skin before you go to bed to remove all excess oils and impurities,” explained skincare expert and facialist Lisa Franklin. “Skin restores itself overnight, so we need to make sure we’re giving it the best chance to work its magic! With acne-prone skin, it’s also important to make sure you’re cleansing to remove bacteria that thrives in oily conditions and leads to more breakouts.”
“Benzoyl peroxide is a great over-the-counter ingredient to look for to help treat acne,” advised Franklin. “Salicylic acid is great too. It’s a powerful exfoliant that helps clear pores, and it also has anti-inflammatory properties so it’s easier for sensitive skin to tolerate than glycolic acid. If you prefer natural ingredients, try tea tree oil, a natural treatment with antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities that help clear pores.”
Skincare brand founder Susanne Kaufmann is similarly confident that natural ingredients can do the trick when it comes to treating acne-prone skin. “Sage is a popular remedy for skin problems such as acne and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties,” she advised. “It has proven itself best against skin blemishes, pimples and blackheads. When I was a teenager, my grandmother gave me a soap with sage for cleansing.”
“Those who are prone to acne or oily skin are usually well-served with antibacterial cleansing gels,” said Kaufmann. “It’s always a good sign when the product foams together with water on the skin.”
“If you’re using a medical acne treatment, opt for a a milder cleanser. It’s important to remember that whatever you choose should not make your skin feel tight, dry, itchy or red,” said Franklin.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Next up: this is the best skincare routine for acne, according to a dermatologist.
