How to Reduce Acne Prone Skin Concerns

What causes acne?

As explained by Scientific Communications Manager at La Roche-Posay, Rachel McAdam, "acne occurs when a hair follicle, also known as a pore, becomes clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells".

Acne related concerns can include whiteheads, blackheads, and deeper cysts. Typically they occur on the face, neck, back, and shoulders – as these locations present a higher concentration of sebaceous glands.

While common in  teenagers  due to  hormonal  changes, acne absolutely does not discriminate and can affect anyone, including adults .

Find your best acne treatments 

It is approximated that some 85 percent of Australians will suffer from acne in their lifetime. Finding an effective acne treatment can be difficult, leaving many to rely on makeup products to cover blemished skin. Although makeup offers a reprieve from the appearance of acne, some products contain comedogenic ingredients that can further irritate pimples - so it's important to strike a balance and find formulas that suit your skin.

If you want products to reduce acne-prone concerns, incorporate formulas with proven ingredients for clearer skin long-term. Important for every skin type is broad-spectrum and high SPF sunscreen. Explore our guide on How To Choose Sunscreen For Oily Skin to find out more.

Is it okay to cover up acne with makeup products?

According to McAdam, no, it's generally not ideal to just cover acne with makeup products because they contain ingredients which can clog pores.

What to use for acne will depend on your specific skin type. Find yourself an effective skincare regime to help combat pimples and breakouts, based on complementary ingredients. In the interim, if you really want coverage, look for the terms "non-comedogenic" on your cosmetic products as this means it will be free from pore-clogging ingredients.

1. Cleanser 

In terms of our best face wash for pimples, Effaclar Foaming Gel Cleanser  ticks all the boxes: It's soap-free and provides comfort to skin thanks to the addition of La Roche-Posay's signature ingredient, Thermal Spring Water Facial Mist . It cleanses thoroughly, and when paired with the Effaclar Duo (+) Anti-skincare Acne Moisturizer is an effective acne routine.

If you're prescribed medication such as Isotretinoin, La Roche Posay's Effaclar H Iso-Biome Wash  is designed to bring moisture back into the skin. It uses a combination of lipids and niacinamide to support the skin moisture barrier and soothe feelings of tightness.

For skin which experiences high oil-flow, Effaclar Micellar Water Ultra Oily Skin effectively cleanses sebum with the inclusion of purifying zinc. The refreshing, aqua-like texture helps skin to wake up, and thermal spring water helps to maintain balanced hydration. 

After cleansing, those with an excess of oil-flow can incorporate a clay mask into routines. Once a week, use Effaclar Anti-Acne Purifying Clay Mask  to draw out excess sebum and address shine. The nourishing texture and inclusion of vitamin B5 with kaolin clay is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. 

3. Corrective moisturiser

For mild to moderate acne-prone skin, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Anti-Acne Moisturiser is an anti-blemish moisturiser formulated to target acne, marks, redness, and oiliness. It contains salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid which helps dissolve pore-clogging oil and bacteria. It also contains procerad, niacinamide and zinc to brighten, soothe, and regulate oiliness.

Oily skin types are sometimes wary of moisturisers. Though it may seem antithetical, moisturiser products that help with acne concerns can deliver visible results. Effaclar H Isobiome Moisturiser addresses excess oil and supports skin with balancing moisture ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide and thermal water. This ensures the right levels of hydration – which is needed to restore regulated oil flow. 

Matte formulas can help to reduce shine across all skin types. Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser is designed to visible skin oiliness and mattify complexions. This can assist in refining the appearance of pores. Formulated with LHAs and Sebulyse to help regulate sebum production, skin still receives nourishing moisture content. 

A big part of what helps clear acne-prone concerns is paring back routines when breakouts occur. As discussed, makeup products can further clog pores and cover skin. Effaclar Duo (+) Unifiant Tinted Anti-Acne Moisturiser When blemishes are present, allow skin to breathe with a tinted moisturiser alternative. delivers light coverage for an even complexion, all the while targeting acne-prone skin with ingredients like prebiotic aqua posae filiformis and mannose.