While dealing with acne can be frustrating, we have a many different skincare tools to help fight it, including:
Salicylic Acid
Benzoyl Peroxide
Azelaic Acid
Retinol
Adapalene
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Niacinamide
This article will explain everything you need to know about the best skincare ingredients for acne.
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Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid products are phenomenal for treating acne.
Also known as a beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid is fat soluble unlike most alpha hydroxy acids. This lipid soluble nature allows it to get into clogged pores and dissolve sweat and oil such that it can then be washed away.
I particularly like salicylic acid as it is one of the most gentle acne treatments and unlikely to cause skin irritation, so it can be suitable for even sensitive skin types.
Plus, you’ll commonly find salicylic acid in acne spot treatments, along with benzoyl peroxide.
Typically, when comparing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, you’ll find that salicylic is more suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Benzoyl peroxide is a great acne treatment, especially for people with exercise-induced acne.
Suitable for mild to moderate acne vulgaris, benzoyl peroxide is effective at killing acne causing bacteria.
If you’re new to active ingredients in your skincare routine, you can start with a 2.5% or 4% BP product.
Plus, if you deal with back and shoulder acne, you can repurpose 10% PanOxyl as body wash.
Try: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash (10%): A max-strength benzoyl peroxide cleanser that helps clear breakouts fast, especially on the body. Great for chest and back acne, but can be drying if your skin's on the sensitive side.
Azelaic acid is one of my favorite acne fighting ingredients that can also help:
Unclog pores
Soothe rosacea
Even out dark spots
It’s so gentle and can help reduce redness and it’s unlike to cause irritation or hyperpigmentation which is ideal for darker skin tones.
Plus, azelaic acid is photostable and suitable for use during the day.
Try: Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%: A gentle exfoliating serum with azelaic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C that helps calm redness, fade dark spots, and even out skin tone. Great for oily or sensitive skin that needs a little extra balance without irritation.
Retinol is a popular anti-aging treatment, but did you know it can also be helpful for acne prone skin?
Some benefits of retinol turning over dead skin cells and controlling excess oil production which can be great for combination skin and oily skin types.
However, retinol can also cause dry skin and irritation which can worsen acne, so be sure to moisturize afterwards.
Try:Medik8 Crystal Retinal: This night serum uses retinal, a form of vitamin A that’s a bit stronger and works faster than regular retinol. It helps smooth wrinkles, fade dark spots, clear breakouts, and make your skin feel firmer. The formula is made to stay fresh and effective until the very last drop, so you get consistent results. It’s a great pick if you’ve been using retinol and want to take the next step without jumping to prescription strength.
Popularized by Differin, adapalene gel is an over-the-counter retinoid that packs a powerful punch against acne that is typically only found in prescription medicine like tretinoin.
Similar to skin care products like retinol and retinaldehyde, adapalene will remove dead skin cells and reduce incidence of acne breakouts.
Try:Differin Gel 0.1% Adapalene: A dermatologist-recommended retinoid that helps clear and prevent breakouts by speeding up skin cell turnover. It’s gentle enough for everyday use and great for tackling blackheads, clogged pores, and post-acne texture without a prescription.
Glycolic acid and lactic acid are two examples of popular alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
They tend to be on the stronger side while mandelic acid is more gentle.
These ingredients are effective removing dead skin cells and helping turn over the top layer of your skin which helps reduce acne.
Personally, my favorite AHA is mandelic acid, as found in Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum.
Try: Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum: Formulated with 11% mandelic acid, plus lactic and salicylic acids, along with 1% bakuchiol, this serum targets dark spots and discoloration, promoting a brighter, more even skin tone
Niacinamide is a wonderful ingredient to help control excess oil product and strengthen your skin barrier. It is most effective in the 2-5% range, so I recommend staying away from those 10% serums popularized by The Ordinary.
Instead, consider using products that are already formulated with niacinamide like the CeraVe PM Moisturizer.
Try:CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: A lightweight, oil-free night cream with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid that hydrates, soothes, and helps restore the skin barrier while you sleep. Great for all skin types, even oily or sensitive skin.
Even the best acne fighting ingredients won’t be super effective if you don’t use them properly or if you overuse them.
If you’re just starting your skincare journey against acne, try picking just one ingredient and see if it works for you.
For example, trying using a 4% benzoyl peroxide cleanser at night and following up with a moisturizer for a month and see if that helps control your acne. If not, you can try adding in a salicylic acid exfoliant or adapalene.
Trial and error is the name of the game here, and what works for you may not work for everyone else.
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