Struggling with acne that just won’t go away, no matter how many products you try? 😩 You’re not alone. The key to clear skin isn’t about using more products—it’s about using the right ones in the right way.
If your routine isn’t covering these four essential acne-fighting steps daily, breakouts will keep coming back. Here’s what you might be missing and how to fix it!
1️⃣ Exfoliating Inside the Pore – Why Mandelic Acid is a Game Changer
Exfoliation is key for preventing clogged pores, but not all exfoliants work the same way! Many people rely on scrubs or glycolic acid (AHA), but these only work on the surface of the skin. If you’re acne-prone, you need an exfoliant that works inside the pore to break down congestion.
🔑 The Fix: Mandelic acid is a powerhouse exfoliant because it does so much more than just clear away dead skin cells:
✔️ Balances oil production– Regulates the amount of sebum on the skin for fewer clogged pores.
✔️ Anti-bacterial & anti-fungal – Helps combat acne-causing bacteria and fungal breakouts like fungal acne.
✔️ Anti-inflammatory – Reduces redness and irritation, making it perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
✔️ Gentle yet effective – Its larger molecular structure means it works without causing irritation like stronger AHAs.
How to Use It:
✔️ Look for 5-11% mandelic acid serums for daily use.
✔️ If you’re new to chemical exfoliants, start every other day and gradually increase.
Pro Tip: If you deal with both acne and hyperpigmentation, mandelic acid is a two-in-one solution that helps fade dark spots while keeping breakouts at bay!
2️⃣ Killing Acne Bacteria – The Ingredient You Need
Acne isn’t just about clogged pores—it’s also about C. acnes bacteria multiplying under the skin. If your routine isn’t targeting this bacteria, breakouts will continue to thrive.
🔑 The Fix: Benzoyl peroxide is one of the only proven ingredients to eliminate acne-causing bacteria. It works by oxygenating the pores and breaking down bacteria before they cause inflammation.
How to Use It:
✔️ Start with a 2.5% or 5% benzoyl peroxide gel or wash (higher percentages aren’t always better—start low to minimize irritation).
✔️ Apply it once daily to active breakouts or use it preventatively on acne-prone areas.
3️⃣ Calming Inflammation – The Secret to Faster Healing
A major misconception? Acne is just clogged pores. In reality, it’s inflammation that makes those breakouts red, swollen, and painful. If your skin is irritated, it won’t heal properly—meaning longer-lasting breakouts and post-acne marks.
🔑 The Fix: Focus on calming ingredients like:
✔️ Aloe Vera – Reduces redness and scalms irritated skin.
✔️ Green tea extract – A powerful antioxidant that soothes irritation.
✔️ Allantoin & Centella Asiatica – Help speed up healing and reduce sensitivity.
Pro Tip: Avoid harsh, stripping products that can make inflammation worse. If your skin always feels tight after cleansing, it’s time for a gentler formula!
4️⃣ Controlling Oil Production – More Hydration, Less Breakouts
It might seem counterintuitive, but over-drying your skin actually makes acne worse. When you strip away natural oils, your skin overcompensates by producing more oil—leading to even more clogged pores and breakouts.
🔑 The Fix: Instead of skipping moisturizer, use lightweight, oil-balancing hydrators like:
✔️ Niacinamide – Regulates oil production while calming skin.
✔️ Balancing serums – Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid combined with oil-controlling actives.
✔️ Oil-free moisturizers – Choose non-comedogenic options that hydrate without clogging pores.
Pro Tip: Hydrated skin heals faster! Make sure your skincare routine includes hydration, not just drying treatments.
The Skincare Reset – Is Your Routine Doing All Four?
If your acne routine isn’t checking all these boxes, it’s time for a skincare reset! Ask yourself:
✔️ Does my exfoliant actually clear out inside the pores?
✔️ Am I using an acne-fighting ingredient like benzoyl peroxide?
✔️ Is my routine soothing inflammation or making it worse?
✔️ Am I keeping my skin hydrated to prevent excess oil production?
If you’re missing any of these, don’t worry—it’s fixable!
What to Do Next:
🚫 Stop using harsh scrubs or drying treatments that strip your skin.
✅ Focus on acne-safe, balanced ingredients that work with your skin, not against it.
🤔 Not sure what your skin needs? A personalized consultation can help you build the right acne routine.