Skincare for Acne-Prone Skin
Teens on up
Hormonal changes typically bring dramatic changes to the skin and kick sebum production into overdrive. Contrary to popular perception, hormonal changes aren't limited to our teenage years. Pregnancy, stress and some medicines can also trigger hormonal changes, which can drive overproduction of sebum and wreak havoc on the skin.
Acne is inflammation due to dead skin cells and sebum clogging pores. When pores remain clogged, there is a subsequent overaccumulation of normal skin bacteria — leading to skin lesions.
- Pre-lesion signs to control: blackheads, whiteheads
- Lesions = pimples
This page includes a selection of products with the ingredients that we recommend to manage acne — from prevention to treatment to minimising scars.
- ROUTINE FOR ALL, TEENS & OLDER: cleanser, toner, serum AND/OR moisturiser, and sun protection
- For products & ingredients targeting acne, we recommend you to first consult a dermatologist, as these can be quite aggressive on the skin. There is a risk of weakening your skin barrier or triggering more acne with incorrect usage.
TOP PICKS
These are our recommended products for managing acne breakouts. The cleansers are quite drying, so we recommend using them in the evening only. Avoid using multiple products with anti-acne ingredients (salicylic acid & other BHAs, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, etc.) to avoid overstripping the skin.
CLEANSER FOR BREAKOUT PERIODS
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
- Natural, plant-based BHA in the form of 0.5% salicylic acid
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial
- Controls sebum secretion
ALTERNATIVE CLEANSER FOR BREAKOUT PERIODS
Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Formulated with 33% heartleaf extract, 8 types of hyaluronic acid, quercetinol and 0.5% salicylic acid
- Heartleaf -> gently exfoliates
- Quercetinol -> calms
- Hyaluronic acid -> refreshes & hydrates
- Salicylic acid -> exfoliates & controls sebum production
Exfoliator for blackheads
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Bestselling exfoliator with BHA & niacinamide for gentle exfoliation and oil control
Exfoliator for Whiteheads
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
Formulated with 7% glycolic acid (AHA), this toner gently exfoliates skin and helps to improve skin tone & texture.
Pimple Patch
COSRX Master Patch Intensive
Healing patches with salicylic acid and tea tree oil
Pimple Patch
COSRX Master Patch Clear Fit
Pimple patches that are invisible under makeup
Pore Refining & Sebum Mask
INNISFREE Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
This creamy, cooling wash-off clay mask with volcanic clusters & AHA helps control excess sebum without being overly drying, exfoliates dead skin cells, and visibly minimises pores — leaving your skin with a very smooth texture.
SKINCARE ROUTINE — Products for Acne-prone Skin
These are products we recommend for acne-prone skin. Be attentive to the layering of products. Since each person has unique skin sensitivities, we also recommend patch testing if in doubt about particular ingredients or formulations.
- Makeup removers: cleansing balms, cleansing oils
- pH rebalancing: low pH cleansers, toners
- Treatments for irritated skin
- Treatments for minimising acne scars
- Treatments for deep cleansing & refining pores
- Moisturisers
- Sunscreen
MAKEUP REMOVERS: Cleansing Balms
Remove makeup without a greasy residue
MAKEUP REMOVERS: Cleansing Oils
Thorough makeup removal is critical for acne-prone skin. However, cleansing oils typically contain essential oils that can irritate sensitive skin and trigger breakouts, so we recommend that you read the ingredient list.
Low pH CLEANSERS
The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a bit less gentle than the other cleansers, while the Micellar Water is the gentlest.
TONERS for Rebalancing pH
For acne-prone skin we highly recommend sticking to this step of the skincare routine. If your cleanser includes AHA/BHA/vitamin C, we suggest to avoid toners with acids.
TREATMENTS for Irritated Skin
These are the essences, serums & sheet masks we recommend for calming and soothing irritated skin.
TREATMENTS for Minimising Acne Scars & Dark Spots
Avoid using multiple skincare products with AHA/BHA/vitamin C/retinoids.
TREATMENTS for Deep Cleansing & Refining Pores
If your skin is irritated or suffering from a bad acne breakout, we suggest to avoid physical exfoliating products.
Non-comedogenic MOISTURISERS
Oily acne-prone skin
- Colder weather/climates — We recommend gel moisturisers, COSRX Oil-free Ultra-moisturizing Lotion, or the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream.
- Warmer weather/climates — You may be able to use a more viscous essence or serum and skip moisturiser.
Combination acne-prone skin
- Colder weather/climates — Cream moisturisers are typically more effective for moisturising dry areas of skin.
- Warmer weather/climates — Gel moisturisers may better suited, as well as lighter lotions and creams.
