Look, it's bad enough that acne and breakouts make us want to hide under multiple layers of full-coverage foundation and not leave the house. We hear you. And while shelling out for a professional facial may not always be manageable in the long run, the good news is there are lots of skincare accoutrements to keep to in your acne skincare resources.
But as if the breakouts themselves weren’t bad enough there then comes the issue of conflicting advice. Some of which is helpful, and some of which is downright bizarre. It’s no wonder that acne, particularly when it's persistent, can make you want to throw your hands up in exasperation. But before you throw in the towel (or worse, your entire skincare routine), let’s bust some common acne myths and explore what really works for clear skin. Spoiler alert: it’s not as complicated as it seems.
1. Acne is caused by dirty skin
I don’t know where along this ‘clean girl aesthetic’ train this myth started to permeate, but acne and breakouts (most of the time) have nothing to do with your personal hygiene or lack thereof. If acne were caused by dirt alone, we’d all be walking around with perfect skin. Sure, you’re probably told to wash your face multiple times a day (and maybe even scrub it with industrial-grade exfoliators), but this doesn’t mean you’re going to get rid of those pesky breakouts. In fact, over-cleansing or using harsh scrubs can leave your skin feeling like a desert; dry, tight, and ready to unleash an oil-producing storm.
What actually works
Despite what you might believe, a gentle cleanser is probably the best thing you can do for your acne-prone skin. Enter the Purifying Gel Cleanser. This water-activated gel gently cleanses your skin while helping to balance oily patches without leaving you feeling like a snake that just sheds its skin. And we can all agree that no one wants that. The result? A balanced, refreshed face with none of the harsh dryness that can trigger even more breakouts.
2. Using a moisturiser will make your acne worse
Ah, the old myth that moisturisers are the villain in the acne saga. The whole ‘you need to dry your pimples out’ thing really needs to take an extended holiday. Actually, it needs to die altogether. While it might seem like keeping things dry would help, not moisturising can lead your skin into a full-on panic mode, making it produce even more oil to compensate. This can lead to even more breakouts. Acne-prone skin can be tricky, but it’s all about balance.
What actually works
Try a moisturiser that is lightweight and incorporates some calming ingredients to help soothe painful or inflamed breakouts. The Rebalancing Moisturiser is like that calming voice you need in a stressful situation. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and designed to regulate oil production, all while keeping your skin plump and happy. Think of it as your skin’s personal bodyguard, keeping it safe from oil overload while making sure it stays hydrated.
3. The sun clears up acne
This is kind of the same vein as the moisturiser one, it’s like its evil step-sister. For some reason, it appears that we’ve all been told that basking in the sun will cure all skin ailments. While it might seem like the sun dries out those pimples, it’s actually doing more harm than good in the long run. UV rays can increase inflammation, speed up skin ageing, and leave you with lovely post-acne marks that never seem to fade. Which is well, not ideal. Because if you think that persistent acne is a mood killer, wait until you have acne scars, basically a reminder of bad skin days gone by, even long after the war is won.
What actually works
Well, sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen. It’s the skincare superhero we all know we need and are probably well versed in by now. But the sunscreen you use does make a difference, and if you have acne-prone skin you don’t want a thick, pasty formula that may risk clogging your pores and making your breakouts worse. The Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF30 protects your skin from harmful UV rays without clogging your pores. Think of it as your skin’s invisible shield.
4. Spot treatments are enough
While they absolutely serve a purpose and work amazingly, putting one dab of cream on one spot is not going to cure your acne all together we regret to inform you. While spot treatments can be effective for individual blemishes, they don’t do much for the overall health of your skin. Acne doesn’t just live on the surface of your skin; it’s a deeper, more persistent issue that requires more than a quick fix.
What actually works
A consistent acne-focused skincare routine is the real key to clear skin. Having a full suite of products that are all designed for acne-prone skin is your best recipe for both clearing up a breakout and keeping them at bay. Well, luckily for you. Skinsmiths has done all the hard work for you in terms of sourcing and curating a skincare routine specifically designed for those who suffer from acne. Introducing the Banish Breakouts PRO kits.
This all-in-one kit includes the Purifying Gel Cleanser to thoroughly cleanse without drying out your skin, the Active Clarifying Toner to regulate oil production, and the Resurfacing AHA/BHA Peel to exfoliate and refine texture. You’ll also get the PRO Strength Niacinamide to tackle inflammation and reduce redness, the Rebalancing Moisturiser for hydration without the heavy feel, and the Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. With this powerhouse kit, you’re not just targeting one pimple at a time, you’re fighting acne from all angles, all day, every day.
5. Popping pimples helps them heal faster
We all know the feeling of just wanting to pop your pimples so badly that you physically can’t think of anything else for the entire day. There’s a reason why Dr Pimple Popper and other internet sensations have racked up such a huge fan base. Because popping your pimples is just so damn satisfying.
But unfortunately, and as you’re probably already aware deep down, it’s really not good for you or your skin. If your goal is to have blemish-free, glowing skin, popping your pimples is actually probably delaying you from getting there. When extractions are performed by a professional, they can be very effective, but when you do them yourself at home you risk damaging your skin and actually making the problem worse.
What actually works
Leave the pimples alone, seriously. Stick to your regimen and have some faith in the process.
6. You only get acne as a teenager
Remember when you were younger and thought that after your teenage years, acne would be all but a distant memory? Surprise! Adult acne is just as common, if not more so, than teenage acne. Hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet, and yes, even your skincare habits can all contribute to breakouts well into adulthood. It's like acne’s revenge, just when you thought you were safe.
What actually works
A skincare routine tailored to adult skin is the answer. No need to revert to harsh acne-fighting products designed for teenagers. Give them time, and they’ll help balance oil production without over-drying, giving your skin the support it needs during stressful times (like, say, the time you realise you still get pimples in your 30s).
Some other tips
If you’re struggling to get ahead of your acne woes, try investing in an LED Facial Mask. Blue LED light is a game-changer for acne-prone skin. It works by targeting and eliminating acne-causing bacteria, helping to clear up existing breakouts as well as preventing future ones. Blue light also helps regulate oil production, which can contribute to a healthier, more balanced complexion. Over time, regular sessions can dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts, leaving your skin clearer and more resilient.
The Skinsmiths mask combines red, near-infrared, and blue light settings, offering customisable options to tackle everything from dullness to acne.
It’s also important to remember that there are a LOT of different forms of acne. For some, it’s cyclical and you’ll notice you get breakouts around the hormonal areas during that time of the month. For others, it's that pesky patch on your skin that seems to be perpetually inhabited by some form of bump, blackhead or breakout. And then there’s severe acne which is usually classified by large, painful clusters that are very red and aggravated. If you fit into the last category - get thee to a dermatologist! There may be an underlying issue as to why you’re suffering, from diet to genetics. But what you put on your face is a damn good place to start, and for that, you have come to the right place.
