What Causes Breakouts?
Breakouts start when pores become blocked. The main culprits are excess oil (sebum production that ramps up in teens and with hormonal shifts), clogged pores (dead skin cells and debris trapping oil), bacteria (acne-causing bacteria thriving in blocked pores), and hormones (fluctuations that increase oil output). Understanding your triggers is the first step to clearer skin.
Best Ingredients for Acne
- Salicylic acid — an oil-soluble exfoliant that gets inside pores to dissolve buildup.
- Benzoyl peroxide — targets acne-causing bacteria and helps calm inflamed breakouts.
- Niacinamide — helps balance oil and visibly refine the look of pores.
- Azelaic acid — a gentle option that helps keep pores clear while calming redness.
Simple 4-Step Routine
- Gentle cleanser — remove oil and buildup without stripping your skin.
- Treatment serum — apply your acne-fighting active (like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide) to clean skin.
- Lightweight moisturizer — hydrate without clogging; even oily skin needs moisture.
- Sunscreen — protect healing skin every morning, since many acne treatments increase sun sensitivity.
What to Avoid
Hands off! Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes (it spreads bacteria and causes scarring), harsh scrubs that irritate inflamed skin, over-exfoliating (more actives is not better), and heavy oils or comedogenic products that can clog pores.
Related Guides
Ready to build your routine? Read our guide: Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin: A Simple 4-Step Plan.
Shop Acne Products
Shop our cleansers and SPF — gentle formulas chosen for acne-prone skin.
