Acne-Prone Skin Products

What Is Problem Skin?

Pores giving you trouble? Acne popping up? Sebum production out of control? There are many reasons why our skin can freak out, whether it be because of genetics, hormones, bacteria, stress, or simply falling asleep in your makeup one too many times (it happens). No matter the reason, look for the bullseye to easily shop for problem skin products. These treatments specifically target breakouts, oily skin types, and clogged pores.

The Best Problem Skincare

From acne-prone skin cleansers and serums to masks and spot treatments, there are many different types of skincare products to help treat problem skin. No matter how you apply it, the best problem skin treatments will include ingredients designed to calm inflammation, unclog pores, boost clarity, exfoliate away impurities, fight bacteria, and control oil. Some of the best ingredients for acne and clogged pores include:

Salicylic Acid

A hero ingredient found in many problem skin formulas is salicylic acid. This BHA (beta hydroxy acid) is a chemical exfoliant that works at the pore level to chip away dead skin cells and remove dirt, bacteria, and other impurities. It can reduce oil and shine while calming inflammation and redness. Incorporate it into your routine using the 1.5% salicylic acid found in our Keep the Peace Acne-Calming Cream Cleanser. 

Zinc

This natural ingredient is anti-inflammatory and controls excess oil production. You’ll find a zinc blend, along with willow bark extract and niacinamide, in our Just Breathe Clarifying Serum. 

Berry Leaf Extract

An antioxidant-rich ingredient taken from black currant and raspberry leaves, berry leaf extract calms inflammation and oil without drying you out. This ingredient is what makes our Day Maker Microcrystal Exfoliator gentle enough for acne-prone skin.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can even help fade some post-breakout marks and acne scars.

Bentonite and Kaolin Clays

These two ingredients absorb sebum and remove bacteria from pores, calming breakouts and preventing new pimples before they can form. Clay also has exfoliating properties that are mild enough for even sensitive skin types, which make it a hero ingredient in acne-prone skincare. Look for both types in our Find Clarity Purifying Mask. 

Sulfur

Sulfur is a top ingredient for problem skin, especially of its non-irritating properties. Sulfur fights bacteria and removes dead skin cells, detoxing clogged pores. Reap sulfur’s benefits by applying our Game Over Acne Drying Treatment on whiteheads and blackheads. 

AHAs

Problem skin types, particularly those with clogged pores, will benefit from chemical exfoliation such as AHAs. These include glycolic, azelaic, kojic, and lactic acid, which all dissolve dead skin cells at skin’s surface before they can clog pores and wreak havoc on the skin. Find this four-acid complex in our Weekend Glow toner for acne-prone skin.

Retinol

While mostly known for its aging skin benefits, retinol is a key ingredient for problem skin, too. That’s because retinol speeds up the skin’s cellular turnover rate, healing breakouts more quickly than they would on their own. Our Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum is particularly effective for problem skin types, as it delivers retinol results without any irritation or dryness.

How to Treat Body Acne

Problem skin isn’t limited to just the face; the skin from the neck down can also get clogged pores and acne, too. If you struggle with bacne, reach for the Back-Up Plan Acne-Control Body Mist. Formulated with salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and witch hazel, its 360-degree spray can be turned upside down and sideways to target hard-to-reach breakouts on the back, shoulders, bum, and more. To keep body acne at bay, always rinse off right after working out or sweating and use cool (not piping hot) water.