01 Jul Combating Acne

Acne can feel frustrating, whether it pops up now and then or sticks around a little longer than we’d like. The good news? You don’t need a cabinet full of products to start seeing small improvements. With a few gentle tweaks to your skincare routine, you can help calm breakouts and give your skin a chance to glow again.

A good place to start is cleansing — but gently! Scrubbing too hard or using harsh face washes often makes things worse. Instead, try something soft and balancing. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel are both popular choices that keep the skin clean without leaving it tight or sore.

Next up is hydration. Even if your skin feels oily, skipping moisturiser is a common mistake. The trick is to use something lightweight that won’t clog your pores. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel and The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA are brilliant everyday options. If you fancy dipping into Korean skincare (who doesn’t love K-beauty?), the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide is brilliant for soothing angry spots as well as sebum control.

Finally, let’s talk treatments. Ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide are often recommended for managing breakouts. You don’t need to use them all at once — even introducing one can help. For example, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is simple yet effective, and Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a cult favourite for gently unclogging pores. The key is patience and consistency; stick with what works for you, and your skin will thank you in time.