Acne happens when excess sebum and dead skin cells clog your pores, leading to an outbreak of pimples. However, acne is an umbrella term, and different types of breakouts may happen for different reasons.

Hormonal acne, for instance, is a reaction to the androgen increase that occurs with significant hormonal changes, like in puberty or during menopause. Acne cosmetica, on the other hand, happens when you use products containing ingredients that, when mixed with your skin's natural oils, can clog your pores. Or, there's also acne mechanica, which is caused by constant friction on the skin.

Other factors, like stress, smoking and your diet may also play a role in the development of acne.

Understanding what kind of acne may be affecting your skin is crucial to finding the right acne treatment products for you. For more information, be sure to check out our guide to the different types of acne.

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A good skincare routine for acne-prone skin starts with a gentle cleanser to alleviate clogged pores. Then, apply a targeted acne treatment to relieve inflamed skin, as well as a rich moisturiser to deliver long-lasting hydration. An acne supplement is a great addition to your routine — it minimises irritation, reduces free radical damage and supports collagen production, which are all essential for treating acne.

Our Acne Kit comes packed with all 4 acne products, so you can effectively target breakouts at all stages and achieve smooth, clear and healthy skin.

Don't forget, of course, to apply a layer of SPF every single morning, even if it's not sunny outside!

The short answer is yes, acne breakouts can happen no matter what your skin type is. It is true that oily skin and acne often go hand-in-hand due to the excess oil production that characterises this skin type. However, dry skin types can also experience blemishes, as their skin produces more oil to make up for the lack of moisture — which makes hydration such an important step in a dry skin care routine.

Sensitive skin types can also experience acne. If that's your case, be sure to choose gentle acne treatments that won't irritate your skin further.

When shopping for acne products, you want to go for non-comedogenic formulas that won't clog your pores. This is particularly important for oily and combination skin types. It's also a good idea to avoid potential irritants, and instead choose gentle products formulated with soothing ingredients.

Salicylic acid is a great ingredient for acne-prone skin types. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces redness and tenderness caused by acne. Plus, it can penetrate deep into your skin to dissolve the excess oil and dead cells that would otherwise lead to acne breakouts.

Azelaic acid is also an impressive acne-buster. It effectively targets active breakouts, clears up redness and keeps bacteria at bay, helping to prevent future breakouts.

Glycolic acid is another one of our favourite active ingredients, especially when paired with salicylic acid. That's why we formulated our AHA/BHA Pimple Patches with both ingredients — to target early-stage blemishes above and below the skin, effectively stopping them in their tracks.

Vitamin C, azelaic acid and retinol are stellar skincare ingredients for minimising the appearance of acne scars and targeting dark spots for an even skin tone. If you're looking for topical treatments for your scars, consider adding our Vitamin C + Ferulic Serum or Retinol Complex Oil to your daily routine. For deeper scars, there are also in-office solutions like laser treatments, chemical peels or microneedling.