Loading page…
Concern
Acne & breakouts
Treatments focus on regulating oil and clearing pores, without over-drying skin.
Share
What causes it
Breakouts form when pores get clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria — often worsened by hormonal shifts, touching your face, or comedogenic products.
What helps
Niacinamide (morning)
Helps regulate oil production and calm redness from breakouts through the day.
Salicylic acid / BHA (evening, 2–3x a week)
Clears pores and reduces breakouts — alternate with rest nights to avoid irritation.
Spot treatment
A targeted benzoyl peroxide or sulfur treatment applied directly to active breakouts.
Common mistakes
- Picking at breakouts, which delays healing and raises scarring risk
- Over-exfoliating, which irritates skin and can worsen breakouts
- Skipping moisturizer, which can trigger even more oil production
Tip
Avoid picking at breakouts, and change pillowcases weekly to cut down on bacteria transfer.
Frequently asked questions
How long until acne treatments start working?
Usually 4–8 weeks of consistent use before you see a real difference — most people stop too early.
Can I use salicylic acid and retinol together?
Not on the same night without easing in — combining strong actives raises the risk of irritation. Alternate nights instead.
Does diet affect acne?
It can be a factor for some people, particularly high-sugar or high-dairy diets, but a consistent topical routine matters most.
Products for acne & breakouts
Skin types
Ready to find your routine?
Take the quiz and we'll target your routine at acne & breakouts.
Start the Quiz