Getting rid of acne can be a lengthy and complex process. If you’ve embarked on a series of professional anti-acne skincare treatments then it’s vital to get your at home regime up to scratch as well. As tempting as it is to throw money at the situation, experts agree that expensive creams and luxurious lotions can be a recipe for disaster for easily-irritated acne prone skin types. Instead they recommend a slew of simple, but effective back-to-basics products that allow your skin to settle down and boost the efficacy of any treatments you’re investing in. And here they are! All tried and tested by us…
By Rebecca Hoffnung
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1 Cetaphil - Gentle Skin Cleanser, £8.35
Best for: a gentle daily cleanser
A hero product for any acne sufferer, Cetaphil’s gentle skin cleanser is a cheap and effective product to help clean and purify your skin, containing no harsh chemicals or harmful ingredients. Originally formulated for dermatologists, and recommended by them for years, Cetaphil will never strip your skin of its natural protective oils or emollients, or disturb its natural pH balance. Ideal for everyday use, as well as following a dermatological treatment, use this paired-back product on damaged, acne-prone skin to keep skin balanced.
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2 Zo Skin Health - Offects Te-Pads Acne Pore Treatment, £32.00
Best for: some serious pore-protection
Claiming to control oiliness, breakouts, remove dead skin cells and reduce sebum (the oily, waxy matter that lubricates the skin), Zo Skin Health’s Offects Te-Pads Acne Pore Treatment really does do what it says on the tin. Excess sebum, when combined with bacteria will likely result in acne flare-ups, as well as blackheads, whiteheads and enlarged pores. Hydrated in 2% salicylic acid (the highest over the counter concentration), these hard working pads reduce this sebum, while also exfoliating clogged dead skin cells and deep cleansing congested pores. Both for prevention and regular treatment, the soothing pads can be used by teens and adults for gentle yet effective anti-acne care.
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3 Murad - Instamatte Oil-Control Mask, £35
Best for: soaking up excess oil without drying out your skin
If you suffer from oily, blemished skin, then Murad’s Instamatte Oil-Control Mask is the perfect preemptive treatment for drying up that excess oil that causes spots. Designed to be worn for three minutes, this deep-cleansing mask instantly dissolves and controls oil, regulating its production in your skin to keep pores clear throughout the day. Featuring a zinc polymer network to help maintain hydration levels and minimise dryness, and salicylic acid (a medication that’s used to help remove the outer layer of the skin) to penetrate pores and clear congestion, Murad’s matifying mask is also gentle enough to be used as a daily cleanser, and perfect for preventing future breakouts.
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4 Biore - Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub, £7.99
Best for: a satisfying but not agrivating scrub
An innovative new product in Biore’s skin care range, this baking soda cleansing scrub is activated with water, and designed to gently exfoliate the skin and then naturally dissolves so you never over scrub sensitive or healing skin. Ideal for combination skin, this pH balanced formula is perfect for a gentle but deep cleaning effect on your pores, and promises to leave your face visibly smoother. If you like the feeling of exfoliating but need to go easy in order to not over-stimulte your skin, this is good bet.
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5 ESPA - Purifying Tea Tree Gel, £23
Best for: calming and healing isolated blemishes
Great for targeting minor skin irritations and blemishes, ESPA’s all-natural purifying tea tree gel is infused with antibacterial tea tree oil and antiseptic thyme; two of nature’s most potent power players. Designed to promote soft, clear and healthy looking skin, the ingredients in this product are renowned for their healing and hydrating properties, perfect for helping to calm inflammation and redness. Use this naturally potent gel during your next breakout and your skin will thank you for it.
FAQs
Which cleanser is suitable for daily use on acne-prone skin?
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a gentle and effective option for daily use. It contains no harsh chemicals or harmful ingredients and will not strip your skin of its natural protective oils or disturb its natural pH balance. This makes it safe for everyday cleansing, even after dermatological treatments.
How do you control oil and prevent breakouts with skincare?
Using Zo Skin Health Offects Te-Pads Acne Pore Treatment helps control oiliness, remove dead skin cells, and reduce sebum. With 2% salicylic acid, these pads work to exfoliate skin and deep cleanse congested pores, providing gentle but effective prevention and ongoing treatment for both teens and adults.
What product helps soak up excess oil without drying your skin?
The Murad Instamatte Oil-Control Mask dissolves and controls oil while hydrating your skin. Designed to be worn for three minutes, it keeps pores clear throughout the day, utilising a zinc polymer network and salicylic acid to maintain hydration and prevent future breakouts.
Which exfoliating scrub is good for sensitive or combination skin?
Biore Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub is ideal for sensitive and combination skin types. It activates with water for gentle exfoliation, is pH balanced, and naturally dissolves, so you never over-scrub healing or delicate skin. The scrub leaves your face feeling smoother while effectively deep cleaning pores.
How can you target and calm isolated blemishes effectively?
ESPA Purifying Tea Tree Gel is great for calming and healing isolated blemishes or minor irritations. This all-natural gel features antibacterial tea tree oil and antiseptic thyme to help soothe inflammation and redness, promoting soft, clear, and healthy-looking skin during breakouts.