The Best Skincare Ingredients For Acne

Just like some ingredients in cosmetic products can wreck our skin and cause acne, others can relieve and soothe acne and help improve our skin’s health and appearance.

Therefore, in this article, I will list the most beneficial skincare ingredients for acne that you need to add to your regimen to reduce the appearance of this pesky inflammatory condition and heal your skin.

Additionally, by the end of the article, you will also read about some of the worst ingredients for acne you should avoid while trying to achieve clear, healthy, and glowing skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a potent antibacterial agent that inhibits the overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria within the pores, making it one of the best ingredient for acne.

When applied to the skin, benzoyl peroxide introduces oxygen into the pores, disrupting the anaerobic (airless) environment the acne-causing bacteria need to survive, thereby reducing their numbers.

This action calms inflammation and decreases swelling, pus, and redness associated with acne.

However, while beneficial for mild to moderate acne, incorrect usage of benzoyl peroxide can lead to side effects such as skin dryness and irritation.

Moreover, because benzoyl peroxide acts as an antibacterial agent similar to antibiotics, it isn’t recommended for prolonged use.

This is because benzoyl peroxide’s action against bacteria is non-discriminatory, which means it eliminates both harmful and beneficial bacteria that our skin needs to maintain its healthy balance.

As a result, prolonged use could potentially render our skin more vulnerable to damage and symptoms of irritation.

Therefore, benzoyl peroxide should be used in moderation and for short durations, allowing the beneficial bacteria on the skin to restore balance and minimize the risk of side effects.

Adapalene

Adapalene is a retinoid and another one of the best ingredients for acne you can incorporate into your daily skincare regimen.

Once applied, adapalene binds to specific retinoid receptors in the skin, which accelerates the process of cellular turnover.

This results in fewer clogged pores, reduced inflammation, and, ultimately, decreased acne flare-ups.

However, as effective as adapalene is, it has drawbacks.

The rapid turnover of skin cells it induces can lead to dryness and irritation, particularly in the early stages of use.

It’s also important to note that sun sensitivity increases while using products that contain adapalene, so using a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must.

Additionally, since adapalene will trigger an intense cellular change, it’s important to start using it slowly and gradually build up to daily use if tolerated.

The best time to apply adapalene is on clean, dry skin at night, followed by a moisturizer to minimize dryness and irritation.

Because of its potency, a pea-sized amount of adapalene is usually enough for the entire face.

Retinyl Propionate

Retinyl propionate is a lesser-known retinoid that boasts tremendous benefits for acne-prone skin.

A part retinol ester with retinol and propionic acid attached, this unique component has the perfect molecular weight and configuration to remain in a stable solution and be delivered across the skin layers, where it will bind to the receptors and commence its anti-acne processes.

Retinyl propionate is the best ingredient for acne-prone skin if you are looking for something that’s more effective than adapalene and less irritating than tretinoin.

Like every component of the retinoid family, this ingredient promotes cellular turnover, unclogs pores, and heals breakouts, all while reducing inflammation.

Fantastic for first-time retinoid users and those with sensitive and reactive skin prone to acne, retinyl propionate can be found in various over-the-counter products, making it the go-to choice for those unable to get a prescription.

Additionally, retinyl propionate is so gentle that most people will be able to start using it more frequently compared to starting other retinoids, which usually take longer to get used to.

Tretinoin

In the realm of skincare, tretinoin, or retinoic acid, which is the active form of vitamin A in this product, is considered the best ingredient for acne and a gold standard in treating this inflammatory condition.

As one of the most potent topical retinoids available, tretinoin reduces acne and prevents future breakouts.

When applied to the skin, the retinoic acid in tretinoin binds to the retinoic acid receptor alpha, the key receptor that regulates cell growth and differentiation in the epidermis.

In doing so, it increases cellular turnover, unclogs pores, and prevents the formation of new comedones.

Tretinoin also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help calm redness and irritation associated with acne breakouts.

It’s available by prescription only, making it a go-to choice for individuals with moderate to severe acne.

Additionally, besides acne, tretinoin can also address many other skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, UV-induced damage, skin texture, and signs of skin aging, such as lines and wrinkles.

However, due to its strength and intensity, tretinoin is likely to cause initial side effects such as dryness, redness, irritation, flaking, peeling, and purging, an initial stage where acne gets worse before it gets better due to the rapid turnover of skin cells that are pushing impurities inside the pores towards the skin surface to be healed.

Therefore, it’s critical to use tretinoin slowly and carefully to avoid barrier damage that could lead to permanent skin conditions such as rosacea and dermatitis.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) commonly used to address blackheads, whiteheads, and mild to moderate acne.

This acid is oil-soluble, which means it can dissolve the oily plug stuck inside the pores that has led to acne formation.

However, besides exfoliating and keeping the pores clear, salicylic acid also boasts anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe redness and reduce the swelling of acne breakouts.

By reducing swelling and redness, salicylic acid makes breakouts less noticeable and speeds up their healing time.

However, although it is beneficial for acne-prone skin, salicylic acid has its drawbacks.

Its exfoliating nature means that incorrect use, or overuse, can lead to over-exfoliation, with symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and flaking.

Therefore, to avoid these side effects, you must use salicylic acid correctly, which typically means using it no more than 2-3 times a week in your nighttime skincare routine.

Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) known for its ability to combat acne and improve skin texture.

This gentle exfoliant is derived from bitter almonds and has a larger molecular size than other AHAs, making it less irritating for the skin.

When applied topically, mandelic acid breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing smoother, clearer skin underneath.

It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria and calm redness and inflammation.

One significant benefit of mandelic acid is its suitability for all skin types, including sensitive skin and dark complexions, unlike glycolic acid.

Mandelic acid is commonly found in cleansers, toners, and serums and works best when left on the skin overnight.

However, since mandelic acid is an exfoliating ingredient, it’s recommended to use it no more than 2-3 times a week and to always follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning to prevent dryness, irritation, and UV damage.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is another alpha-hydroxy acid and a fantastic ingredient for treating acne.

It has the smallest molecular weight of all AHAs, which means it penetrates the skin the easiest to effectively break down the protein bonds that hold dead skin cells together and encourage them to shed, which results in a brighter and fresher complexion revealed from underneath.

Additionally, glycolic acid helps reduce inflammation and acne by clearing the accumulated cellular gunk inside the pores and reducing the overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria.

However, since glycolic acid is considered the strongest AHA due to its intense action, it’s best to use it in low concentrations and in moderation.

Additionally, follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning to prevent dryness and irritation that can sometimes happen from using glycolic acid.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a versatile skincare ingredient with numerous benefits for acne-prone skin.

Firstly, niacinamide is a fantastic hydrating ingredient that helps balance the overproduction of pore-clogging oil, which often results from dehydration.

Next, niacinamide is a potent antioxidant, which means it encourages the cells to regenerate more efficiently.

For acne-prone skin, this means that healthy skin cells are produced faster, helping to prevent clogged pores and breakouts down the line.

Additionally, antioxidants such as niacinamide can help prevent acne scarring, as healthy cells are less likely to be pigmented.

Moreover, niacinamide helps in the formation of ceramides, a group of lipids that strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss.

For acne-prone skin, this means a stronger barrier to protect against bacterial overgrowth.

Finally, niacinamide is also an anti-inflammatory component, meaning it can visibly reduce the appearance of redness and blemishes.

To incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine, look for toners or serums containing up to 10% concentration.

Additionally, unlike exfoliating acids, niacinamide is safe to use daily and should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizers and sunscreens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes Acne?

Acne is most often caused by the following factors:

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase oil production, leading to acne.
• Stress: While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can worsen existing breakouts by increasing inflammation and oil production in the skin.
• Diet: Certain foods, particularly those high in refined sugars or dairy products, may be linked to acne in some people.
• Certain Medications: Some drugs, including certain corticosteroids, androgens, or lithium, can lead to acne.
• Use of Comedogenic Cosmetics: Makeup and skincare products containing comedogenic ingredients can clog pores, contributing to acne.
• Poor Hygiene: Not washing your face regularly or properly can allow oil and dirt to build up, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
• Environmental Factors: Pollution, humidity, and high temperatures can stimulate excess sebum production, leading to acne.

What Are The Worst Ingredients for Acne-Prone Skin?

Some ingredients found in cosmetic products are considered comedogenic or have a high potential to clog pores and cause acne or exacerbate existing breakouts.

Here are some of the worst ingredients for acne-prone skin in cosmetics you should try to avoid:

Oils: These are natural or synthetic substances used in skincare to soften the skin and seal in moisture. However, they can oxidize and harden inside the pores, causing clogs that lead to acne. Common comedogenic oils found in cosmetics include jojoba oil, coconut oil, argan oil, and sunflower oil.

Emollients: These ingredients fill in the gaps between skin cells, helping soften and smooth out the skin. Common emollients found in cosmetics include squalene, cetyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol, which can be clogging for some skin types.

Stearates: These fatty acids are used in cosmetics for their lubricating and emulsifying properties, helping products spread more easily on the skin. Common examples include glyceryl stearate, isopropyl palmitate, and isopropyl myristate, which can be comedogenic and problematic for acne-prone skin.

Silicones: These are synthetic ingredients used for their smoothing and water-resistant properties, creating a protective barrier on the skin. While silicones are not always problematic, some can cause issues for some skin types. Common silicones found in cosmetics include dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, and phenyl trimethicone.