Using the right acne cream for face can be a game-changer if you have skin that’s prone to breakouts. But to choose the right face cream for acne-prone skin, you need to understand what causes acne, which skincare ingredients can help fight it and why moisturisation is so important.
Understanding Acne-Prone Skin
Acne-prone skin is skin that’s more likely to develop spots – this includes anything from small blackheads and whiteheads to painful pustules and cysts. Understanding what causes and aggravates acne-prone skin is the key to managing breakouts and reducing painful inflammation.
What Causes Acne?
Oily skin types are more susceptible to acne, but environmental factors, genetics and hormonal changes also play a part. The root causes of acne are usually:
- Clogged pores
- Excess oil production
- Bacterial overgrowth
External factors that also contribute to acne flareups include:
- Diet
- Stress
- Skincare habits
Acne is more likely to occur at different stages of life. In particular, hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation and pregnancy can all trigger or worsen pre-existing acne.
The Importance of Moisturising
Despite the common misconception that it can worsen acne, moisturising is essential for proper skin health. It helps replenish your skin barrier so that it can protect against harmful bacteria, which is one of the biggest causes of acne.
Improper hydration can also exacerbate the effects of acne treatments that dry out the skin. This can lead to irritation and excess oil production as the skin overcompensates for the lack of moisture, causing further breakouts.
Incorporating a gentle moisturiser containing hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine can promote healthy, balanced skin without triggering flare-ups.
How Face Creams Work for Acne-Prone Skin
Acne-prone skin requires special care – an effective acne face cream will need to not just moisturise but also soothe inflammation, reduce redness and help prevent breakouts. With the right combination of hydrating properties and acne-fighting ingredients, it will balance oil production and support overall skin health.
Hydration and Balance
Skin often reacts to dehydration by producing more oil, which is why skipping moisturiser can make breakouts worse. Proper hydration restores balance, preventing excess oil production while strengthening that all-important skin barrier.
Oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturisers are the best options for acne-prone skin. They will hydrate without clogging pores, reducing the likelihood of further breakouts.
Ingredients That Help
Certain ingredients are particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin. Look out for these helpful ingredients when choosing a face cream for acne treatment and prevention.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a mild chemical exfoliant that can penetrate and unclog pores, clearing away dead skin cells that can contribute to acne. By targeting one of the root causes of breakouts, it can reduce blackheads, whiteheads and uneven skin texture associated with acne.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and is a popular ingredient in skincare due to its versatility and suitability for different skin types. Its top benefits for acne sufferers include its anti-inflammatory, skin-barrier strengthening and oil production regulating abilities.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an organic acid with antiseptic properties. This means it can kill acne-causing bacteria and is particularly effective for inflammatory acne where pustules and cysts are present. It’s one of the most potent ingredients in acne-fighting skincare, so it should be used cautiously and balanced with proper hydration.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a skincare holy grail due to its ability to lock in moisture without clogging pores. It occurs naturally in the body and helps skin to retain moisture by binding to water molecules, so it should be applied to damp skin for best effects.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil’s natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties have made it a popular alternative to traditional acne treatments. It’s not as harsh as some chemical ingredients but it can still cause irritation when not diluted, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
Choosing the Right Face Cream for Acne-Prone Skin
The best face cream for acne-prone skin varies depending on the type of acne you have, your skin sensitivity and your primary skin concerns. Being mindful of ingredients and formulations will help you find the right product to manage your acne effectively.
Key Considerations
When choosing a face cream for acne-prone skin, look for non-comedogenic properties and avoid potential irritants that can worsen inflammation. Other factors to keep in mind are:
- Skin type suitability (whether you’re oily, dry or combination)
- High-quality acne-fighting ingredients
- Compatibility with your skincare routine
Non-Comedogenic Products
If a face cream is labelled as non-comedogenic, that means it’s specifically formulated to not clog your pores. These products are often water-based so they won’t add excess oil to your skin but will still boost hydration.
Non-comedogenic ingredients that can help reduce acne include:
- Aloe vera
- Glycerin
- Niacinamide
- Witch hazel
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
Avoiding Irritating Ingredients
As most acne sufferers know, even common skincare ingredients can irritate acne-prone skin and cause flare-ups. Some of the worst offenders when it comes to skin irritation include:
- Alcohol
- Fragrances
- Artificial preservatives
Harsh ingredients strip the skin of its natural oils, which can lead to inflammation and increased oil production. Instead, opt for face creams that are fragrance-free or hypoallergenic and contain skin-soothing ingredients such as green tea, aloe vera and vitamin E.
Recommended Face Creams
Good face creams for acne-prone skin should balance and hydrate the skin while reducing breakouts and calming inflammation. To help you find a face cream that works for your skin type and budget, we’ve highlighted some of our top recommendations:
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT is an anti-blemish moisturiser that’s specifically formulated to reduce shine and pore size in oily skin. It’s also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so is unlikely to lead to flare-ups.
- Bioderma Sebium Sensitive is a caring face cream for sensitive acne-prone skin. It soothes, hydrates, reduces redness and is reasonably priced, making it a great option for teens with temperamental skin.
- Institut Esthederm Intensive Propolis is a lightweight face cream for mature skin that’s prone to acne. Enriched with ferulic acid, an antioxidant with skin-repairing properties, it can help reduce blemishes, wrinkles and excess oil.
- CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion is suitable for dry skin that’s also prone to acne. Its formula is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and packed full of nourishing ingredients.
Tips for Incorporating Face Creams into Your Routine
Applying face cream in the right way can significantly enhance its effectiveness for acne-prone skin. Here are some tips for incorporating acne face cream into your skincare routine to ensure you’re getting the most benefits.
Layering Products
Correct layering of products is the key to a successful skincare routine. The general rule is to start with the product with the thinnest consistency, working your way up to the thickest. This usually means that after cleansing, products are applied in the following order:
- Toner
- Serum
- Spot treatment
- Face cream
Applying your face cream last helps lock in moisture along with all the benefits of your other skincare products.
Frequency of Use
Face cream is an important part of your skincare routine and should be applied every day to achieve the best results. Applying twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening – will ensure that your skin is well-hydrated. However, if you find that this is too much for your skin, it’s better to only apply at night than only in the morning.
Addressing Common Concerns
Fear of breakouts is a valid reason to be cautious when trying out a new face cream or moisturiser, especially when you’ve had negative experiences in the past. But with the right knowledge, it’s possible to manage your acne effectively while keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.
Can Moisturisers Make Acne Worse?
It’s true; some moisturisers do clog your pores and worsen acne – but only those that aren’t suitable for acne-prone skin types. Skipping moisturiser will usually only make the problem worse, as it can lead to an overproduction of natural oils in the skin.
Instead, it’s important to maintain skin hydration and balance with a non-comedogenic, lightweight moisturiser. With the right moisturiser, you can avoid clogged pores, strengthen your skin barrier and prevent further breakouts.
How to Transition to New Products
When you incorporate any new product into your skincare routine, your skin will take time to adapt. To avoid irritation, start by introducing new face creams or moisturisers gradually.
After conducting a small patch test to check for adverse reactions, apply a light layer of cream all over your face before bed. If your skin looks and feels ok in the morning, you can continue to apply it once every couple of days until you feel confident your skin has adjusted.
Rather than transitioning to a whole new skincare routine all at once, it’s safest to only experiment with one new product at a time. A slow and mindful transition will always yield healthier skin in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between acne cream and regular face cream?
Acne creams are specifically formulated to provide hydration to oily and acne-prone skin while limiting the chance of breakouts. Regular face creams tend to have thicker, oilier formulas and may contain ingredients that exacerbate acne.
How long does it take to see results from using a face cream?
The time it takes to see results from using a face cream depends on the person and the product. You might notice your skin looking more hydrated within a couple of hours, but it can take a few weeks to see how a face cream affects your acne.
Can I use face creams with prescription acne treatments?
Yes, you can usually use face creams with prescription acne treatments. However, you should always talk to your doctor to find out if there are any ingredients to avoid when on prescription treatments or medicines.
Can I use face cream if my acne is currently flaring up?
You can definitely use face cream if your acne is flaring up – in fact, it can actually help soothe irritation. Just make sure you opt for a gentle, fragrance-free formula that’s non-comedogenic and won’t irritate your skin.
How do I know if a face cream is suitable for my skin type?
Face creams are mostly labelled with the skin types they’re appropriate for, so reading the packaging is the quickest way to find out if a face cream is suitable for you.
Are there specific ingredients I should avoid in face creams for acne-prone skin?
If your skin is acne-prone, it’s usually best to avoid face creams containing heavy ingredients that can clog pores. These include coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter and isopropyl myristate.
At NVS Pharmacy, we stock a variety of face creams suitable for acne-prone skin. Explore the range to find the perfect acne face cream for you.