Acne is caused by C. acnes bacteria, excess oil, and pores clogged with dead skin cells. Hormones or stress can also contribute to breakouts. SkinCeuticals acne products can help address the excess oil and clogged pores that lead to breakouts while improving the appearance of blemishes.

Effective acne products provide exfoliation to reduce the buildup of dead skin cells that can clog the pores and contribute to the formation of blemishes. The key for achieving a clear complexion is using products for acne consistently and allowing at least four weeks to see results.

Although oily skin is more likely to develop blemishes, dry skin can experience acne as well. The ideal acne products for those with dry skin provide exfoliation to help prevent pores from becoming clogged while delivering extra moisture. Look for moisturizers and products for acne that are non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog pores or contribute to the formation of blemishes.

Any pore that becomes clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria is known as a comedo. Blackheads are also known as open comedones, which means the pore is open at the surface of the skin. It’s a myth that the color of blackheads is caused by dirt. Blackheads form when oil and debris in a pore darken upon exposure to oxygen in the air. Blackheads are most commonly found where oil glands are most active, typically on and around the nose and outward to the cheeks. Exfoliating acne products and ingredients like salicylic acid can help keep the pores clear of clogging debris, improve the look of existing blackheads, and help prevent new ones from forming.

Whiteheads are also a type of comedo. Unlike blackheads which are open at the surface, allowing debris to oxidize, whiteheads are closed comedones that form when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria prevent the pore from opening. Ideal acne products for preventing whiteheads and treating existing blemishes are formulated with salicylic acid. This ingredient is able to exfoliate within the pore and break up the debris that has collected there.

Acne can occur at any age, and adult acne is very common. When addressing acne in aging skin, you’ll likely want to target fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, and other age-related changes in addition to blemishes. The same exfoliation provided by acne products can also help improve visible signs of aging, smooth skin texture, and enhance radiance. Because many ingredients used to fight blemishes are designed with oily skin in mind, it’s important to balance their degreasing action with daily hydration to keep the skin soft and supple. The key for a healthy-, youthful-looking complexion is a skincare regimen that includes products for acne along with anti-aging products that target your main concerns. A SkinCeuticals skincare professional can help assemble the ideal regimen that addresses all of your skin concerns.

Acne products that promote the skin’s natural exfoliation are essential for any anti-acne regimen. Regular exfoliation with ingredients such as salicylic acid can help the buildup of dead cells that can cause the pores to become clogged. The exfoliation provided by acids and retinol can also help improve the appearance of skin discoloration caused by past acne, enhance skin smoothness, and promote more even, radiant skin tone.

SkinCeuticals acne products include LHA Cleansing Gel, LHA Toner and Blemish + Age Defense treatment serum. This range provides acid-based exfoliation to help clear away dead cells and help to prevent clogged pores, refine surface texture, and provide brightening benefits for the skin. Retinol 0.3 in the evening (as tolerated) complements the results achieved with our acne products by further enhancing cell turnover to maintain clear pores, while improving the appearance fine lines and wrinkles and discoloration caused by sun damage and past acne marks.

All skin types—including oily and acne-prone—require extra hydration as well. A non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, such as Phyto Corrective Gel, is ideal for hydrating the skin without clogging the pores. [3]

Sunscreen is another essential daily skincare product for acne-prone skin. First, it’s a myth that sun exposure helps clear up acne. Although a suntan may improve the appearance of acne at first, the damage and dryness caused by exposure to UV rays can cause an increased production of sebum, increasing the likelihood of an acne breakout. [3] A properly formulated non-comedogenic sunscreen can help to protect oily and acne-prone skin from UV rays without clogging pores.

[3] https://www.dermascope.com/fact-or-fiction/sun-exposure-is-good-for-acne

Lingering pigment changes in the form of dark spots are common after blemishes have healed—and discoloration caused by past pimples (also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) can remain long after acne is under control. Retinol, as well as lipo-hyrdoxy acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, exfoliate the uppermost layers of the skin where post acne pigment resides to help promote even skin tone and restore radiance.

SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense has been shown to improve active acne and post-acne dark spots. In a split-face, double-blind clinical trial, this product provided greater improvement in skin tone and blotchiness, as well as fine lines and rough skin texture, than a prescription retinoid. [4]

[4] Kircik, L. H., Dahl, A., Yatskayer, M., Raab, S., & Oresajo, C. (2012). Safety and efficacy of two anti-acne/anti-aging treatments in subjects with photodamaged skin and mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 11(6), 737-740.

When performed by a physician or properly-trained skincare specialist, these professional treatments can help clear congested pores and improve post-acne dark spots by promoting the exfoliation of the skin’s uppermost layers. Chemical peels that incorporate salicylic acid penetrate the pores and dissolve excess sebum. Professional salicylic acid peels are generally superficial, so there’s little to no downtime—and a series of treatments is recommended for overall skin improvement. Visit a SkinCeuticals professional who performs chemical peels to help improve skin’s appearance.