Shabby Chic Boho Hey y’all, it’s no secret that acne isn’t just a teenage drama. Some of us don’t even start breaking out until adulthood. Rude, right? Whether you’re 15 or fabulous at 50, acne-prone skin doesn’t have to run the show.
I’ve rounded up my go-to quick fixes to help keep those breakouts in check and let your glow shine through. Because honestly, pimples are not invited to this party.
1. Be Picky (Like Real Picky) About Your Cleanser
Washing your face isn’t just a check-the-box step—nope, it’s the foundation of happy skin.
Here’s how I cleanse without causing chaos:
✓ Choose something made specifically for acne-prone skin (I’m lookin’ at you, Zeroblem)
✓ Hunt for skin-saving goodies like salicylic acid, colloidal sulfur, or benzoyl peroxide
✓ Be gentle and pat dry with a clean towel (because bacteria is NOT the vibe
2. Check Those Labels, Boo
If you’ve got acne-prone skin, not all makeup and skincare are your friends. You’ve gotta Marie Kondo those beauty products and toss anything that clogs, irritates, or betrays your pores.
Some of my no-fail product rules:
✓ Go oil-free with your makeup because no one wants a breakout from foundation
✓ Use skincare with acne-fighting ingredients and bonus points if they’re antibacterial
✓ Yes, you still need moisturizer. Just make sure it’s light and non-comedogenic
✓ Don’t forget sunscreen. Try something made for sensitive skin like Dermaxsol
3. Toner Talk (Let’s Spill the Tea)
Some people say toner is essential. Others say skip it. Me? I say know your skin.
If you’re going the toner route:
✓ Avoid dry patches unless you want to dry out your face like an old sponge
✓ Check ingredients and please say no to harsh alcohols
✓ Got sensitive skin? Ask your derm before diving in
4. Zap Those Zits with Spot Treatments
Even with the best routine, sometimes a rogue breakout sneaks in like glitter after a DIY craft night. Time to call in the spot treatment squad.
Here’s how to battle blemishes like a boss:
✓ Look for tried-and-true ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid
✓ Test a little first especially if your skin throws tantrums
✓ Don’t go overboard. Dot it on and let it do its thing
5. Clean Those Makeup Brushes (Yes, Right Now)
Dirty brushes are basically breakout bombs. If your tools haven’t seen soap since last season, we’ve got a problem.
Keep things squeaky clean:
✓ Wash brushes weekly with a gentle cleanser and warm water
✓ Ditch sponges after a few uses because they’re cute but sneaky germ factories
✓ Store everything in a clean dry spot and your skin will thank you
6. Let’s Talk About Food, Glorious Food
Turns out your snack habits might be showing up on your skin. Sad but true.
What to try:
✓ Cut back on dairy for a couple of weeks. Some folks notice fewer breakouts
✓ Say goodbye or at least “see you less often” to sugary snacks and white bread
✓ Load up on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and skin-loving foods
7. When in Doubt, Call the Pros
Sometimes you need to bring in the skincare big guns. If nothing’s working and you’re fed up with flare-ups, it’s time to chat with a dermatologist.
They can help with:
✓ Prescription-strength treatments
✓ Hormonal acne issues
✓ Personalized skincare plans because your skin deserves VIP treatment
Wrapping It Up (With a Cute Bow, of Course)
There’s no magic wand for acne but with the right routine, a few swaps, and a whole lot of love for your skin, you can kick breakouts to the curb.
So let’s raise our clean makeup brushes to glowy skin and confidence that shines brighter than your highlighter.
These are very helpful. I’ve been struggling with mild acne almost half of my life. I am seeing a dermatologist hoping that she can help me in clearing my skin. All of my skincare I bought from her too.
I don’t have acne prone skin but this is very good information as well, it will help me determine which products to get so I won’t harm my skin without knowing it. Thanks for all the awesome tips that you shared!
Oh, acne! I’m struggling with them! Maybe you can add the “how to manage stress to avoid acne”, cause my acne is caused by the stress.
Great tips! Sometimes I get one big pimple during my period. I find spot treatment and watching my diet helps a lot.
These are great tips and quick fixes for acne prone skin. My son has very oily skin and takes 2 showers a day to keep his skin clear. He has also had to change some of his food choices to help and also sees a skincare specialist. My daughter can use hot water and a mild soap and she’s good to go.. Crazy how it can be so different for each person..
These are the great tips for acne free skin. I am so glad to see you include the diet aspect.
I can see this saving someone a ton of time. Acne can be such a hassle to get a handle on.
I am so glad to see you include the diet aspect. So many people expect that they can slap a cream on their face and it will make everything good. It needs to start from the inside.
This is great advice for those suffering from acne. I didn’t know that diet could make a difference though.
I have done spot treatments and it has worked for me. I do not have severe acne but I have problems with hyperpigmentation.
I never had big issues with my skin. I have a few white spots from time to time but i don’t think i have a difficult skin. But it is always good to take care of it anyway. Great tips!
These are all great tips! I also change out my pilow case frequently because I get hot at night & I thnk it’s another spot for bacteria to hide and then do some skin damage at night (when it should be healing!)
I have had spots for as long as I can remember now and I hate it. I am all for anything that may help my skin stay a little more clear for longer.