Unfortunately, there isn’t a standard cure for acne. But there are easy ways to manage your symptoms so that your skin doesn’t dictate your quality of life, including using dedicated and effective skincare products.

Stevie Craig, Acne Specialist Practitioner from sk:n Middlesbrough, is passionate about helping acne sufferers achieve and maintain clear skin and has years of experience treating the condition.

We chatted to her about the best acne products to combat angry, oily, acne-prone skin. Here are some of the best products for acne in the UK and the good news is – they’re all approved by dermatologists!

Best acne cleansers

Acne cleansers should be chosen with care, as many of them contain ingredients that may over strip your skin of its natural oils, causing it to produce even more sebum. This, in turn, can aggravate your breakouts and cause more harm then good. Our specialists recommend to search for gentle products containing AHAs or BHAs, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid.

sk:n Facial Exfoliating Cleanser

• As part of this product, Glycolic Acid removes excess dead skin cells, which congest the pores, and will brighten your skin.
• The ingredient Glycerin is a humectant which acts as a natural moisturiser to help keep your skin nourished.
• Cleanses without stripping your skin

Buy sk:n Facial Exfoliating Cleanser

 

sk:n Vitamin Rich Cleanser For All Skin Types

• sk:n Vitamin Rich Cleanser For All Skin Types removes makeup and impurities.
• Fortified with age-fighting vitamins and antioxidants.
• Great for freshening your skin and gentle enough to calm down inflammation
• To provide moisture to the skin, this cleanser also contains Evening Primrose oil.

Buy sk:n Vitamin Rich Cleanser for All Skin Types

 

Best acne serums/ treatments

If there’s one product you should invest in to manage your acne-prone skin, that would be an acne serum or treatment. These products boast highly concentrated formulations of active ingredients, including acids, vitamin C or retinoids. Below are some of the best anti blemish products for acne.

sk:n Intense Blemish Lotion

• This product is pocket sized and is great to carry around so you can apply to spots as and when they start to develop.
• Salicylic acid in the lotion will help to reduce excess oil, inflammation and redness
• Can be used over makeup

Buy sk:n Intense Blemish Lotion

Medik8 Blemish SOS™ (15ml)

• Fast-acting formula can easily reduce breakouts in just 24 hours
• Contains salicylic acid and soothing niacinamide to clear pores, calm inflammation and regulate oil production
• Invisible and non-drying, this anti-blemish gel can be used on its own or under makeup

Buy Medik8 Blemish SOS™ (15ml)

 

PRIORI Gel Perfector LCA FX120 (30ml)

• Formulated with salicylic acid and a specialist LCA complex to reduce excess oil, minimise spots and unclog congested pores
• Fights aging and loss of skin elasticity by boosting collagen production and renewal

Buy PRIORI Gel Perfector LCA FX120

Best acne moisturisers

There is a common misconception amongst acne sufferers and those with oily skin alike, that moisturising is bad for their complexion. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Acne-prone/oily skin types need hydration just as much.

Our experts recommend to look for gentle, lightweight moisturisers that control oil production and are non-comedogenic. Here are the best anti blemish creams for acne prone skin our dermatologists approve of:

sk:n Pore Refining Lotion

• This lotion is popular because it helps to slow down the overproduction of skin cells, a key factor of acne, leading to clear skin and unblocked pores.
• It’s also an effective moisturiser as well as providing exfoliation.

Buy sk:n Pore Refining Lotion

 

The Organic Pharmacy Manuka Face Cream

• Combines Manuka, Tea Tree and Propolis to soothe and rebalance congested skin, reducing redness and flakiness.
• Lavender helps to clear and calm irritation
• Regulates oil production
• Lightweight, non-greasy texture

Buy the Organic Pharmacy Manuka Face Cream (50ml)

Best acne SPF

Dermatologists and skin practioners alike are great advocates of sunscreen. Wearing SPF can bring numerous benefits, from slowing the aging process, to reducing the risk of melanoma.

When it comes to acne, sunscreen is a must-have, especially if you’re treating it with AHAs, BHAs and/or retinoids. These ingredients increase the skin’s sensitivity, making it more susceptible to sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

Our specialists recommend to choose a board spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, which is oil free and non-comedogenic.

Heliocare 360 Oil Free Gel SPF50

• Sun protection is important for everyone and this oil-free product is essential for acne sufferers to prevent blocked pores.
• This sunscreen combines effective UVA and UVB protection.
• It contains vital Anti-Oxidants (Fernblock) and Vitamins C&E, which help to prevent skin damage caused by environmental factors, plus green tea extract
• Has a matte finish and is non-comedogenic
• Alcohol free, vegan & reef friendly

Buy Heliocare 360 Oil Free Gel SPF 50

Key takeaways

Fortunately, there is an array of products on the market to tackle the symptoms of acne, however, not all of them do what they claim and many contain ingredients that often aggravates the condition. This is why practitioners are very selective when it comes to choosing the right product for your acne-prone skin.

At sk:n, our dermatologists recommend at least a course of acne treatment alongside these products to get the best results for your skin. Find your nearest clinic and book an appointment today!