Your acne-prone skin doesn't agree with you slapping every product on your face. The earlier you realise that, the better. Your face will rebel like a petulant child, and suddenly, your acne feels like a permanent and expensive roommate.&nbsp;

If you are struggling with constant acne breakouts, clogged pores and stubborn blemishes, I understand the frustration. You just want clear, smooth skin, or at the very least, not have new acne breakouts every week. The headache doesn’t end there, sadly. You need to shop for skincare products for your acne-prone skin, and it can be very overwhelming. There are so many products and too many opinions that you feel lost in the sea of skincare products.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It no longer has to be that way. Put your days of disappointing skincare products and focus on what truly matters. Active ingredients. So, what are they? Let's break down the active skincare ingredients that will actually make a difference for your acne-prone skin.&nbsp;

What are the active ingredients in skincare?&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/best-ingredients-for-acne-prone-skin">Active ingredients</a> are the skincare MVPs. There’s no better way to describe them, and once you add them to your skincare routine, you’ll agree with me. These concentrated ingredients for acne do the full-time job. Exfoliating dead skin, reducing excess oil, unclogging pores, eliminating acne-causing bacteria, and fading dark spots on your skin. Every active ingredient usually comes with a percentage on the label, which is very important. Actives are strong acne-fighting ingredients. The percentage of every active ingredient helps you manage how you apply it to your skin. Too much of everything isn't ideal anyway.

Best active ingredients for Acne-prone skin

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid and an acne-fighting hero. This product helped with my acne, and I’ll always hype it up if given the chance. Your first step to clearing your acne might be adding this ingredient to your primary skincare routine. It works as a chemical exfoliant that exfoliates inside the pores and not just the surface. It helps shed dead skin cells to prevent new acne breakouts.&nbsp;

It is often used to treat and prevent comedonal blackheads and whiteheads, improving your skin's appearance. Salicylic acid is highly recommended as an acne active ingredient because of how it seamlessly penetrates the skin's pores and boosts the skin's texture, with pores looking smaller. The thing about searching for ingredients for acne-prone skin is you never know the one that might become your holy Grail until you give it a try. Salicylic might just be yours. It is best for oily and congested skin and should be used 2-3 times a week. You can be sure to start your journey to clear and healthy-looking skin once you add this active to your skincare routine.&nbsp;

Benzoyl peroxide is an OG skincare ingredient that has been around for a long time and is a very popular acne treatment. It is a tested and trusted acne-fighting ingredient that eliminates acne-causing bacteria and exfoliates dirt from your skin’s surface to prevent the formation of comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads). It is an effective acne treatment best for inflammatory pimples and pustules, and to get the best out of this active ingredient, you have to choose benzoyl peroxide products that are gentle on the skin and fragrance-free.

If you're struggling with acne blemishes, start with a benzoyl peroxide product, but do not use it excessively to prevent skin irritation.&nbsp;

Azelaic acid is that underrated gem that works quietly but effectively. This active ingredient is a natural compound that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help prevent the buildup of keratin that causes your skin pores to clog. It kills acne-causing bacteria and works as a gentle exfoliator. This ingredient is great for sensitive skin, and if you're in a post-acne stage trying to clear those dark spots, it's also a great ingredient for hyperpigmentation.&nbsp;

Retinoids are vitamin-A-based products that help the shedding of dead skin cells, best known as an anti-ageing ingredient. It helps to refine your skin's appearance and improve the uneven tone and texture. If you have acne-prone skin, retinol will help you minimise the visibility of the post-acne marks. Retinol is known to be irritating to the skin, so it's best to do a patch test before applying the product on your face and use it moderately.&nbsp;

Adapalene (like Differin), on the other hand, is a stronger, more stable topical <a href="https://aura.ng/beauty/why-you-need-retinol-in-your-skincare-routine">retinoid</a> specifically formulated to treat acne. This ingredient prevents new acne breakouts on your skin and unclogs your pores. Use this product 1-2 times a week, and it's best used at night as it causes your skin to be extra sensitive to the sun.&nbsp;

These ingredients are powerful alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and are most popular in skincare products. They exfoliate the top layer of the skin, reduce inflammation and help to soften and smooth your skin. Although glycolic acid is stronger while lactic acid is gentler and hydrating. Using these products will give you a brighter skin, smooth your skin texture and minimise your pores.&nbsp;

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is an active skincare ingredient, a form of vitamin B3 that works best with other active ingredients to treat acne-prone skin. Using this product soothes the skin, controls excess sebum, and maintains a healthy glow. If you've added other active ingredients for your acne-prone skin, adding niacinamide helps to boost the effects and improve your skin health. If you have a combination of oily and dry skin, your skin will love this ingredient, and you can use it daily.&nbsp;

Not the best-smelling ingredient, but sulfur works by drying out pimples and absorbing excess oil from the skin. It removes dead skin cells that clog your pores and reduces inflammation. This active ingredient is mostly combined with other products like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. This ingredient is highly recommended for spot treatments, especially if you're having a hormonal acne breakout, but it can cause the skin to dry out, so follow up with a gentle moisturiser.

These active ingredients can be quite strong, and if paired together, they can cause damage to your skin. While you're treating your acne or hyperpigmentation, the last thing you need is new acne breakouts from using these products the wrong way.&nbsp;

Retinol + Vitamin C = Too harsh together. Use at intervals rather than in the same routine. Vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the night.&nbsp;

Salicylic Acid + Glycolic Acid = can over-exfoliate and irritate your skin.&nbsp;

Benzoyl peroxide + Retinoids = Not beginner-friendly unless prescribed by your dermatologist.&nbsp;

Be patient with these active ingredients. Using them daily won't speed up your acne treatments. It would just irritate your skin and cause more breakouts.&nbsp;

These acne treatments can take time to work on your skin. You don't need a 10-step <a href="https://aura.ng/beauty/your-skincare-routine-isn-t-working-here-s-why-">skincare routine</a> with over 5 active ingredients. A simple and consistent routine with the right ingredients is all you need. Stick with them, hydrate, and always use sunscreen. If you feel these active ingredients might not be working for your skin, consult a certified dermatologist to find the right skin treatment for you.&nbsp;

Active ingredients are the skincare MVPs. There’s no better way to describe them, and once you add them to your skincare routine, you’ll agree with me.

Makeup & skincare

Skincare active ingredients that work for Acne-prone skin

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