As an esthetician, I notice that some skincare questions come up time and time again, no matter what time of year it is. Alongside how to treat hormonal acne and what to do about enlarged pores, one of the topics clients are often most embarrassed to ask about is bum acne. The reality? It may not be visible, but it's actually incredibly common.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that every bump on your bottom is actually acne. While it can certainly happen, many cases are caused by something else entirely, which is why copying your facial acne routine onto your body doesn't always deliver the results you're hoping for. Identifying what's really going on is the first—and arguably most important—step towards clearer skin.

The good news is that once you understand the cause, bum breakouts are often very manageable. A few targeted skincare ingredients, some simple tweaks to your daily routine and avoiding some common mistakes can make a noticeable difference. And as with most skin concerns, consistency is far more important than reaching for the strongest treatment you can find.

Ahead, dermatologist Sonia Khorana has helped me to answer the questions I'm asked most frequently by clients, from what actually causes bum acne to the ingredients that are genuinely worth using and the everyday habits that could be making flare-ups better—or worse.

What Causes Bum Acne?

The first thing I explain to clients is that what they're calling "bum acne" often isn't acne at all. According to Khorana, "It's important to remember, it may not be true acne." In many cases, the culprit is actually folliculitis—an inflammation of the hair follicles that's commonly triggered by bacteria, yeast, sweat, or friction. It tends to appear as small red bumps, sometimes with a whitehead, clustered around individual hair follicles.

Another common possibility is keratosis pilaris (KP), which Khorana explains is "caused by a buildup of keratin that plugs hair follicles. It's harmless and isn't caused by poor hygiene." These bumps are typically rougher, flesh-coloured and less inflamed than acne.

With that said, true acne can develop on the buttocks too. "When true acne does occur on the buttocks, it develops in the same way as facial acne, with a combination of excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clogging the pores," says Khorana. Although this is less common than on the face or back due to there being fewer oil glands in the area, it does happen.

The type of bumps you're experiencing can also offer clues. Folliculitis usually presents as red papules and pus-filled pustules around hair follicles, while true acne is more likely to include blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples. If you're noticing painful boils, recurring lumps, or tunnels beneath the skin, Khorana advises seeking medical advice, as this could indicate another condition, such as hidradenitis suppurativa. Ultimately, identifying the underlying cause is key, as the right treatment depends entirely on what's causing the bumps in the first place.

What Products Are Best for Butt Acne?

For inflamed folliculitis or true acne, Khorana recommends a body wash containing benzoyl peroxide. As she explains, "A body wash containing benzoyl peroxide can help reduce bacteria on the skin and is often useful for inflamed or pustular breakouts." I often recommend leaving it on the skin for a minute or two before rinsing to maximise its effectiveness, but it's worth remembering that benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and clothing if not thoroughly rinsed off.

Another ingredient I regularly recommend is salicylic acid. Khorana explains, "Exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid help to keep follicles clear by dissolving oil and debris within the pore," while AHAs such as glycolic acid and lactic acid "gently exfoliate and give you smoother skin texture over time." If the bumps are actually keratosis pilaris rather than acne, she recommends urea-based body lotions, explaining that they're "helpful for softening rough, bumpy skin and reducing keratin build-up." I also encourage clients to choose fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturisers to support the skin barrier without clogging follicles. Above all, I couldn't agree more with Khorana's final piece of advice: "Ultimately, consistency matters more than intensity."

What Helps Butt Acne?

In my experience, the products you use are only one part of the picture. Lifestyle habits can have just as much influence on whether bum breakouts improve or keep coming back, particularly if the underlying cause is folliculitis rather than true acne.

According to Khorana, "Lifestyle habits play a big role in either triggering or helping to prevent 'bum acne,' which is most often related to folliculitis rather than true acne." She explains that "staying in sweaty workout clothes for too long, wearing tight or non-breathable fabrics, prolonged sitting (which increases heat and friction), and not showering soon after exercise" can all create "an environment of warmth, moisture, and friction that can irritate hair follicles and encourage breakouts." These are some of the most common triggers I discuss with clients, particularly those who exercise regularly or spend long periods sitting at a desk.

Fortunately, a few simple changes can make a noticeable difference. Khorana advises "showering immediately after sweating, wearing loose, breathable clothing, regularly changing out of damp clothes, and gently exfoliating a few times a week to prevent buildup of dead skin cells" to help minimise flare-ups. Ultimately, it's these small, consistent habits that make the biggest difference over time.

The Best Products for Bum Acne

1. Best Overall: Topicals Clearly Acne Body Wash
2. Best Body Wash for Bum Acne: Naturium The Energiser Mandelic Acid Body Wash
3. Best Serum for Bum Acne: Dr Sam's Flawless Neutralising Gel Roller
4. Best Targeted Treatment for Bum Acne: Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster
5. Best Spray for Bum Acne: Clinisoothe Skin Purifier

1. Topicals Clearly Acne Body Mist

If you’re dealing with breakouts in areas that are difficult to treat (i.e., your bum), a mist format can be a game-changer—and this is one of the most effective I’ve tried. It uses a blend of exfoliating and antibacterial ingredients to help clear existing blemishes, prevent new ones from forming, and improve the appearance of post-acne marks over time. I love that it’s so easy to incorporate into a routine: simply spray it onto clean, dry skin and let it absorb without any rubbing or mess. It feels lightweight and refreshing rather than like a traditional acne treatment, making it much easier to stay consistent with.

2. Naturium The Energiser Mandelic Acid Body Wash

Mandelic acid is one of my favourite ingredients for body breakouts because it's effective without being overly aggressive, and this cleanser showcases exactly why. It gently lifts away dead skin cells and helps keep hair follicles clear, making it particularly useful if your bumps are caused by congestion or folliculitis. I also appreciate that it creates a satisfying lather without leaving my skin feeling squeaky clean or uncomfortable afterwards. Over time, I've found it helps smooth rough texture as well as reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

3. Dr Sam's Flawless Neutralising Gel Roller

One of the biggest advantages of this treatment is how easy it is to use. The roll-on applicator makes it simple to target individual areas without getting product all over your hands, and the lightweight gel absorbs almost instantly without leaving any sticky residue. I like using it after showering on areas that are prone to recurring breakouts, and it's particularly good at calming angry, inflamed spots before they fully develop. It layers well underneath moisturiser too, making it easy to slot into your existing bodycare routine.

4. Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster

Whenever I feel a deeper spot starting to develop, this is the treatment I reach for. The concentrated gel delivers active ingredients directly where they're needed, helping reduce redness and congestion without drying out the surrounding skin. It can be used on both face and body—I find it works particularly well on stubborn individual blemishes that seem determined to linger. Because a little goes a long way, one tube also lasts surprisingly well.

5. Clinisoothe Skin Purifier

If your skin is easily irritated or you find traditional acne treatments too harsh, this is a brilliant alternative. Rather than relying on exfoliating acids, this gentle hypochlorous acid mist works to support the skin’s natural defences, helping to calm redness, reduce irritation, and keep bacteria levels balanced. I particularly like it after workouts, shaving, or whenever my skin feels more reactive, as it feels instantly refreshing without any stinging or dryness. It’s not an overnight quick fix, but with consistent use it can help create a healthier skin environment that’s less prone to recurring flare-ups.

6. The Inkey List PHA Body Water Cream

Many people skip moisturiser when treating body acne, but I always recommend using one—and this formula is ideal. The lightweight cream combines hydrating ingredients with PHAs, so you're gently exfoliating while supporting the skin barrier at the same time. I love how quickly it absorbs and that it doesn't leave any greasy residue behind, making it easy to use every day. With regular application, it leaves skin noticeably smoother and softer while helping reduce the rough, congested texture that can lead to breakouts.

7. Hero Mighty Patch Surface Spot Patches

Spot patches aren't just for your face, and these oversized versions are brilliant for treating larger areas of congestion. I like applying them overnight to inflamed spots because they help protect the area from friction while drawing out excess fluid from blemishes. They also prevent picking, which is often the biggest obstacle to healing. By morning, spots look flatter, calmer and less irritated.

8. Rituals The Ritual of Hammam Body Mud

I don't think body masks get nearly enough attention, and this is one I frequently recommend to anyone struggling with congestion on their body. The mineral-rich clay helps absorb excess oil and impurities while leaving skin feeling incredibly clean and refreshed. I like using it once a week as a deeper treatment when my skin feels particularly congested, and it always leaves the area looking smoother (as well as clearer) afterwards.

9. Cosmetic Consult Miracle Body Transformation

If texture and dullness are as much of a concern as active breakouts, this treatment is a great multitasker. It combines a blend of chemical exfoliants to smooth rough skin, fade post-inflammatory marks and help prevent new congestion from forming. I notice my skin feels noticeably softer and looks brighter when I use these regularly, but it's the long-term improvement in clarity and texture that really stands out. Despite the powerful formula, it doesn't feel overly harsh when introduced gradually into your routine.

How We Tested

To find the best products for tackling bum acne, we considered a range of formulas designed to target the different causes behind body breakouts, from clogged follicles and inflammation to irritation and rough texture. We assessed each product based on how effective it was at improving the appearance of bumps, how comfortable it felt on the skin, ease of application and whether it supported the skin barrier rather than leaving it feeling stripped. We also considered real customer feedback to highlight products that consistently delivered noticeable results.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

In my decade working as a beauty editor, I've been lucky enough to try thousands of new beauty products. But even with a beauty cupboard full of skincare products, expensive serums and moisturisers at my disposal, my actual skincare routine is pretty minimal. I've learned the hard way that introducing too many products only ends badly for my sensitive skin and acne-prone complexion. And every dermatologist and skin expert I've spoken to throughout my career has always sung the praises of a streamlined routine consisting of good skincare products. And guess what? My skin is on board with consistency. It might be boring, but it works!

So if I'm adding something to my routine, it's got to be really good. And one product I've trusted for years is Medik8 Crystal Retinal. This iconic Medik8 skincare product is one I'm always recommending to friends who are looking for a retinol serum. However, this formula actually uses retinaldehyde, a form of retinoid that works up to 11 times faster than retinol and is like a skincare silver bullet for just about any and every concern. Reducing spots, fading acne scarring, plumping fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing uneven skin texture and fading pigmentation: there's really nothing this serum can't do.

The best part is that Medik8 Crystal Retinal (was £45, now £36) is currently on sale at Amazon for a generous discount. But if you want to find out more about this award-winning serum, scroll ahead for my full review.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal

The Formula

As I mentioned, what makes this particular serum so special is that it uses retinaldehyde (or retinal for short), which works faster than retinol formulas to plump fine lines and wrinkles, decongest acne-prone complexions, as well as smooth skin texture and fade scarring or pigmentation.

The serum itself is lightweight and non-sticky, absorbing into the skin fast. You apply it after your nightly serums and/or moisturiser. If you're new to retinal (or any retinol or retinoid product), it's advisable to start with strengths 1 or 3 first, building up to applying it once or twice a week in your evening routine. As your skin adjusts, you can increase the frequency to each night, and after you've finished a tube, Medik8 advises you move up to the next strength if you've tolerated the formula well.

What I love most is that Medik8 has incredible clinical trials to back up its products. In an independent trial over 12 weeks, users saw a 20% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation and an 11% inrease in skin firmness. In short, this serum really works, so you can feel confident about investing.

Before and After

My Verdict

I’ve been using Medik8 Crystal Retinal for years (alongside the Medik8 Crystal Retinal Eye Cream, which is also a favourite of mine) and nearly every skin expert I speak to recommends it. I have sensitive skin, and it’s one of the few retinoid products I genuinely trust. What makes it stand out is that whether you’re an experienced retinal user or trying the ingredient for the first time, there are different strengths available to suit your skin. As your skin gradually adapts, you can move up to the next level, building on the skincare benefits as you move onto the next strength.

I started with strength 1 (the lowest, which is designed for sensitive skin and retinal beginners) a few years ago, and have now worked my way up to 6. Since using it, I’ve noticed my rough skin texture becoming smoother and my fine lines beginning to soften. It’s also one of the rare retinoid products that hasn’t caused me any irritation or flaking on my sensitive skin, which is a major plus. It also doesn't upset my acne-prone complexion either. In fact, I find it helps a lot in reducing my breakouts.

I'll then progress onto 10 to build on my results and treat the deeper lines I'm starting to see on my skin. In fact, I recently saw a friend of mine also uses it, and her skin looked incredible. All in all, if there's one retinoid serum I can wholeheartedly recommend that anyone add to their skincare routine, it's this one.

Shop Medik8 Crystal Retinal:

Growing up with acne-prone skin meant that my makeup bag had to work just as hard as my skincare routine. While I now have my breakouts largely under control, a recent flare-up—the kind where several spots arrive all at once—sent me reaching back into an old familiar habit, green concealer.

When my acne was at its worst, green concealer was my safety net. It meant I didn’t have to pile on thick layers of full-coverage foundation to disguise redness—instead, I could neutralise it from the source via a technique known as colour correcting. As celebrity make-up artist Emma White Turle explains, “Colour correcting is where you use a complementary colour to correct your skin tones. It can neutralise and balance different tones to give you a more even appearance and hide any scars or marks.”

Understanding that principle of cancelling out redness changed everything, and rather than masking my skin, I learned to balance it. Using green to counteract redness meant less product overall, and ultimately, a more natural finish. Revisiting it more recently, I was reminded that while good skincare is the long-term solution, knowing a few clever make-up techniques can be just as empowering.

Why would you use a green concealer?

Green concealer is designed to counteract redness in the skin. Because green sits opposite red on the colour wheel, it neutralises flushed or inflamed areas, making them appear more even before foundation is applied. As White Turle explains, “Green is the most used colour [for colour correcting] and is used to hide redness from spots and irritation. There are differing tones of red and hence differing greens, and so you have to experiment which shade of green works best on the redness you have. A basic guide is that if the red is purple-toned, such as with acne breakouts, then try a darker green. A light or minty green is better on broken capillaries or brighter reds like rosacea.”

In short, green concealer allows you to target redness at its source, meaning you can use less overall coverage and still achieve a balanced, natural-looking finish.

How do you use green concealer?

Application is everything when it comes to colour correction. The goal isn’t to see the green on your skin, it’s to let it subtly neutralise redness underneath your base. “When using a green corrector, or any colour corrector really, start on clean, hydrated skin," says White Turle. "I like to allow skincare to settle for fifteen minutes or so before I start applying makeup. It does depend on the texture of the product you are using, but go lightly, and sometimes a fluffy, small brush is useful for buffing the product over the skin."

Pat or lightly buff a small amount directly onto red areas, then follow with concealer or foundation as usual. "You want a light layer, as you can add more if you need to, but do start gently as you don’t want to be able to see the green; it should blend into the skin and neutralise the redness," she adds.

Best Green Concealers, Tried & Tested

1. Best Overall: Tarte Shape Tape Color Corrector
2. Best for Light Coverage: Beauty Pie Superluminous Redness Corrector
3. Best Affordable Green Concealer: e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Colour Corrector
4. Best Luxury Green Concealer: Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Corrector
5. Best All-Over Green Concealer: Bubble Secret Agent Color Correcting Balm Redness Fix

1. Tarte Shape Tape Color Corrector

2. Beauty Pie Superluminous Redness Corrector

3. e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Colour Corrector

4. Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Corrector

5. Bubble Secret Agent Color Correcting Balm Redness Fix

6. Maybelline Colour Correcting Concealer

7. Erborian CC Red Correct Cream

8. Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Soothing Color Correcting Treatment

9. Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever Color Corrector

10. Isamaya Colour Correcting Serum Pistachio

11. YSL Nu Tone Corrector

How We Tested

We tested these green concealers on acne-prone skin experiencing active breakouts, post-blemish marks, and general redness. Each formula was assessed for pigment strength, blendability, texture, wear time, and how well it layered under foundation. We also considered finish (matte vs radiant), suitability for different skin types, and looked at customer reviews to ensure balanced, practical recommendations.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

As an acne-prone beauty editor, spot treatments are one of the product categories that I'm truly ruthless about. When you test as many launches as I do, you quickly learn that most pimple patches promise far more than they deliver. Some barely stick, others peel up at the edges, and plenty do little more than look cute while you wait for your spot to run its course. That’s why I’m always sceptical when one product dominates the conversation as much as Hero's Mighty Patch does.

Hydrocolloid spot patches aren’t new, but Hero was one of the first brands to bring them into the mainstream in a way that felt accessible, affordable and genuinely effective. The Mighty Patch has become a cult product—regularly selling out, going viral on TikTok, and racking up tens of thousands of five-star reviews globally—it's now the bestselling acne patch in the United States. As someone who has tried hundreds of spot patches over the years (from fun, colourful ones to expensive “active” versions), I wanted to know if the hype really stacks up.

I’ve been using Hero Mighty Patch on and off for years now, testing both the Original Mighty Patch and the Invisible+ version on everything from angry, hormonal chin spots to deep, tender under-the-skin blemishes. I’ve worn them overnight, on bacne, under acne-friendly makeup, on flights, during long workdays, and through acne flare-ups when absolutely nothing else was working.

So, are they actually any better than the dozens of other hydrocolloid patches on the market? Below is my in-depth review, including key facts, real pros and cons, exactly how I tested them, and why—despite having access to almost every option available—these are the spot patches that I actually pay for.

Hero Mighty Patch Review

Before And After Pictures

My skin, featuring an angry cystic breakout, immediately before applying Hero Mighty Patch Invisible+.

While wearing the Hero Mighty Patch Invisible+.

Immediately after removing the Hero Mighty Patch Invisible+.

The Verdict

Having tested countless spot patches over the years, Hero Mighty Patch remains one of the very few I consistently repurchase. While many patches on the market technically “work,” very few deliver results this reliably, this quickly and while actually living up to their bold claims.

What sets Mighty Patch apart for me is how well it balances efficacy with wearability. The adhesion is excellent: once it’s on, it stays put through sleep, skincare, and even light makeup. That might sound minor, but a patch that lifts at the edges is essentially useless—it lets bacteria in and moisture out. Hero gets this part right with every single one of their patches.

In terms of results, I’ve repeatedly seen visible improvement within 24 hours. On inflamed, tender spots, the patches noticeably reduce swelling and soreness within a few hours. Once removed, the angry soreness is gone, and the spot is either flatter or has come to a head cleanly without spreading redness. More often than not, I’m left with just a red mark rather than a full-blown blemish that feels tender and lingers for days.

The sizing also deserves credit. Many patches are too small to properly cover larger hormonal spots, especially around the chin and jawline. Mighty Patch comfortably covers these areas, meaning the entire inflamed zone is protected and treated rather than just the centre.

The Invisible+ version is particularly impressive. As someone who has tried plenty of “invisible” patches that still catch the light or stand out under concealer, this is one of the few I’d genuinely feel confident calling "invisible". Under makeup, it smooths the skin rather than disrupting it, which makes it ideal for workdays when a breakout appears at the worst possible moment.

Are they a miracle cure? No spot patch is. They won’t magically eliminate deep cystic acne overnight, and they don’t replace a solid skincare routine. But for whiteheads, surface-level inflammation and those painful spots that feel like they’re immediately about to erupt, they work fast—and crucially, they stop you from making things worse by picking.

If you’re someone who regularly deals with breakouts and wants a treatment that actually deserves its cult status, Hero Mighty Patch is absolutely worth it. After years of testing alternatives, it’s still the benchmark I judge every new patch against.

Shop Hero Mighty Patch Products:

How Do Spot Patches Work?

Spot patches are typically made from hydrocolloid, a moisture-absorbing material originally used in medical wound care. When applied to a breakout, the patch creates a sealed environment that draws out excess fluid, pus, and impurities while protecting the area from bacteria, pollution, and your fingers (arguably their most underrated benefit).

By absorbing this fluid, hydrocolloid patches help flatten spots faster and reduce the inflammation that often makes blemishes feel painful and look more noticeable. Unlike traditional drying treatments—which can cause flaking, irritation and rebound oil production—spot patches work without disrupting the surrounding skin barrier.

Another major benefit is prevention. By physically covering a spot, patches stop unconscious touching and picking, which is one of the biggest causes of prolonged healing, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Even if a patch didn’t absorb anything (which Mighty Patch reliably does), this protective barrier alone can dramatically improve how a spot heals.

Modern patches, like Hero Mighty Patch Invisible+, have evolved to suit daytime wear. Ultra-thin designs with tapered edges blend seamlessly into the skin and can even improve the way makeup sits over active breakouts by smoothing texture.

Spot patches work best on active or emerging blemishes rather than deep cystic acne, but when used at the right moment, they can significantly shorten the lifespan of a spot. For anyone dealing with regular breakouts, they’re one of the easiest, lowest-effort additions to a skincare routine, offering targeted treatment exactly where it’s needed without collateral damage to the rest of your skin.

How I Tested

I tested both the Original Mighty Patch and Mighty Patch Invisible+ over several months on different types of breakouts, including hormonal chin spots, stress-induced acne, and inflamed whiteheads. I applied them to clean, dry skin—sometimes overnight, sometimes during the day under makeup—and monitored changes in size, redness, tenderness, and healing time within 12–24 hours. I also assessed adhesion, comfort, and visibility in real-life situations, including long workdays and travel.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

As an esthetician, I get asked this question about skincare routines more often than you might think: “Can I pop this pimple?” And my answer, almost every time, is the same: no. Really. My professional stance is clear—squeezing breakouts is one of the fastest ways to make a minor skin nuisance turn into a long-term regret. When you pop a pimple, you risk pushing bacteria deeper into the skin, increasing inflammation, prolonging healing time, and, worst of all, leaving a permanent mark or scar. It’s like turning a one-day inconvenience into a one-year reminder. Plus, even if the pimple looks small and harmless on the surface, the damage underneath is often invisible, but very real.

With that said, I understand why so many people can’t resist. There’s an undeniable satisfaction in seeing a blemish finally release what’s inside. Many of my clients confess that the urge hits them at the worst possible moments—right before an important event or a night out. And while I would never recommend it as a frequent solution, I like to take a judgment-free, educated approach. If someone is going to pop a pimple anyway, it’s far safer to do it properly, minimising the risk of scarring, infection, or irritation as much as possible. My job is to provide a method that reduces these risks, helping clients navigate the temptation without compromising their skin health.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the safest, most hygienic way to pop a pimple—step by step, and based on professional practices I use in my facials. From prepping the skin to aftercare, following these steps can significantly reduce complications. But if you’re not ready to touch your spots at all, don’t worry, I’ll also cover effective alternatives like spot patches and gentle acne products and treatments that encourage healing without any risk of damage. Consider this both a guide and a reminder—patience and proper technique are your skin’s best friends.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Popping Pimples

Step 1: Assess the Pimple

Before you reach for anything, take a close look at the pimple. Not all spots are created equal, and knowing whether it can safely be popped is critical. Whiteheads with a visible, soft tip are usually ready for gentle extraction, while red, inflamed pustules, cystic pimples, or nodules should never be squeezed. These deeper blemishes are highly prone to scarring and infection if manipulated. Look for swelling, tenderness and a clearly defined head. If it doesn’t feel ready, leave it alone and wait for a head to appear. Assessing the pimple first prevents unnecessary trauma and ensures that only blemishes likely to respond safely are addressed.

Step 2: Cleanse Thoroughly

Before you even consider touching a pimple, the first step is to cleanse both your hands and face meticulously. Wash your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and warm water to remove oils, dirt and bacteria. Then, gently cleanse your face with a mild, non-comedogenic face wash to ensure the area around the pimple is clean and free from debris.

After cleansing, apply a warm compress to the pimple for 5–10 minutes. The warmth softens the skin and draws pus to the surface, making the pimple easier to extract. Skipping this step increases the risk of pushing bacteria deeper and causing inflammation.

Step 3: Sterilise Skin

Next, clean the pimple and surrounding skin with an alcohol pad or antiseptic solution. This step is crucial because introducing bacteria to an open pore can quickly lead to infection or a worsening breakout.

Step 4: Apply Gentle Pressure

Now comes the fun part. Using two clean cotton swabs, gently press around the pimple, starting from the sides rather than the top. The goal is to encourage the pus to come out naturally, without forcing it, so squeeze the skin around the spot, rather than the spot itself. Wipe any pus away using a clean cotton pad.

If the pimple doesn’t release easily (I have a strict three squeezes rule), stop immediately—forcing it can rupture surrounding tissue, increase inflammation, and even cause scarring. Patience is key here. Many people rush and press too hard, but slow, controlled pressure helps minimise damage and keeps the surrounding skin intact. You’re coaxing the pimple out, not fighting it.

Step 5: Aftercare

After the pimple has been drained, aftercare is crucial. Mist your face with a hypochlorous acid spray (such as Clinisoothe), then when dry, apply a gentle spot treatment containing antibacterial or anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil. These help prevent infection and calm redness. Avoid touching or picking at the area afterwards, as even slight irritation can prolong healing.

Cleanse your hands again and consider using a layer of soothing moisturiser to support barrier repair. Depending on your skin type, you may also want to apply a hydrocolloid patch overnight to protect the area and absorb any residual fluid. Proper aftercare ensures your skin recovers quickly and minimises scarring.

You Will Need:

Alternatives to Popping Pimples

1. Hydrocolloid Spot Patches

2. Targeted Spot Treatments

3. Icing

For pimples that feel sore and swollen but don’t have a visible head, icing can be a game-changer. Applying a wrapped ice cube directly to the blemish for one- to two-minute intervals helps reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort almost instantly. Ice constricts blood vessels, calming inflammation and making angry, cystic pimples look flatter and less noticeable. It won’t get rid of the spot overnight, but it can take down the heat and swelling that often make these types of breakouts painful. This method is especially helpful before an event, when you want the spot to appear less obvious without risking the damage that comes with squeezing.

4. A Warm Compress

Finally, simple warm compresses can work wonders, especially for pimples that are almost ready to come to a head. Applying gentle heat to a blemish for a few minutes increases blood flow and opens pores, encouraging natural drainage without physically touching it. Pairing this technique with a spot treatment or pimple patch can still deliver results without introducing bacteria or risking scarring.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years— spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails — and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Although I coasted through my teenage years with clear skin, it was in my twenties that I began experiencing hormonal adult acne. I'm talking the kind of cystic acne and spots that take so long to heal that another soon pops up in its place—no matter how good my acne products were. After countless GP appointments, lots of tweaks to my skincare routine, multiple rounds of antibiotics and (finally) a referral to an NHS dermatologist, I was eventually prescribed spironolactone as part of my acne treatment, which worked wonders.

However, while the spots have subsided, I've been left with acne scarring, enlarged pores and uneven, rough skin texture around my chin. So, this lead me to seeking the best clinical treatments for acne scarring throughout the past five years.

Thankfully, most of my acne scarring is minimal and contained to my chin and a little on my cheeks. However, as someone who experienced acne and eczema all throughout my twenties, I'm fully aware of the toll that skin issues and concerns can take on our mental health and wellbeing. And even after acne has come and gone, dealing with the scars afterward can affect your confidence, and can be annoying and difficult to treat.

I'm lucky that my job as a beauty journalist allows me to try some of the best in-clinic treatments and skincare around, so I'm keen to share the acne scarring treatments that genuinely worked for me, from in-clinic treatments to at-home skincare.

What Is Acne Scarring?

Acne scarring can take form in pigment changes (such as hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin) or as textural changes. There are different kinds of scarring, which present differently on the skin. Below, Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, GP and award-winning aesthetician details the different kinds of scarring.

Atrophic Scars: "These are a type of scar that causes indentation or depression in the skin. It's usually due to loss of collagen during the healing process of that specific scar," he says.

Hypertrophic Scars: "These are the opposite," says Dr El Muntasar. "So it's when there's too much collagen in the area, and actually the skin starts to stick out more."

Box Scars: "These are a type of atrophic scar that have well defined edges," says Dr El Muntasar. "They're rectangular, generally, and there's an element of previous severe inflammation in the acne that causes it."

Ice Pick Scars: "These are deep, narrow indentations in the dermis, specifically. And again, it's usually caused by severe acne," he says.

Rolling Scars: "These are atrophic scars with wavy, uneven textures. Usually there's fibrous bands in them that pull the scar inwards," says Dr El Muntasar.

Keloid Scars: "These are thick, raised scars that go beyond the margins of the original lesion. They're usually caused by overproduction of collagen during the healing process," he says.

What Causes Acne Scarring?

"Acne scarring is usually caused by inflammation," explains Dr El Muntasar. "When there's inflammatory damage to the skin because of the acne, this triggers an abnormal healing response, leading to either loss of collagen or excessive production of collagen. When it's lost, it's atrophic, so depressed. When it's excess, it causes hypertrophic or keloid scarring."

What Are the Best Treatments for Acne Scars?

Dr El Muntasar says that the best type of treatments for scarring are generally microneedling, chemical peels, laser resurfacing and fractional CO2 lasers or subscision. "You can also use steroid injections for hypertrophic scars as well as dermal fillers," he says.

What Skincare Can Help Treat Acne Scarring?

While in-clinic treatments can help hugely with acne scarring, a good at-home skincare routine shouldn't be overlooked. Certain skincare ingredients can help improve acne scarring and help bolster the results in-clinic treatments you're having. "For at home treatments, you can use things like exfoliating acids such as AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid) or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid), niacinamide, vitamin C, retinoids (retinol, retinal or tretinoin) and sunscreen," says Dr El Muntasar. "All these things are very important to maintain," he says.

How To Prevent Acne Scarring

"The best thing when it comes to prevention of acne scarring is treating the acne as early as possible to reduce the risks of inflammation," says Dr El Muntasar. Yes, this also means avoiding picking and squeezing. While tempting in the moment, picking and squeezing out spots can scar the skin. "Using skincare products that are tailored to the acne based on the severity [of acne] and that are made to promote healing are ideal also," he says. He also recommends using SPF every single day to shield your skin—not just during the summer or when it's sunny. UV rays can cause skin damage even on cloudy days, so be diligent with your application.

What Should Be Discussed In A Consultation For an Acne Scarring Treatment?

If you're considering an acne scarring treatment—or any cosmetic treatment, for that matter— it's important to find a practitioner and clinic that are adequately trained and qualified to treat you. Plus, there are some key factors you'll want to discuss in your initial treatment consultation.

"During a consultation during acne scarring treatment, they should be making sure that there has been a thorough [assessment of] your medical history, thorough examination and assessment of the skin and discussion of treatment options," says Dr El Muntasar. "This could include things like topical or oral, systemic treatments. It is also important to make sure the patient understands kind of realistic expectations of outcomes and any post-treatment care."

While acne scarring treatments can help greatly, depending on the severity of your acne scarring you may require a course of treatments, so cost is important to factor in here too. Some acne scarring treatments, such as microneedling and CO2 laser, also come with a downtime period and strict post-procedure protocols, so you also want to ensure you have the time to commit to healing afterwards. It's also important that your practitioner talks you through any risks associated with the treatment.

Are Acne Scarring Treatments Suitable For All Skin Tones?

The suitability of the treatment should be a key factor discussed during your consultation. While some treatments are suitable for a range of skin tones, some should be avoided if you have a darker complexion. For darker skin tones, Dr El Muntasar recommends microneedling, subscision, chemical peels, dermal fillers, collagen stimulants and non-ablative lasers. "Unsuitable treatments are aggressive lasers, ablative CO2 lasers, erbium lasers and really deep chemical peels," he says.

Best Treatments For Acne Scarring, Tried & Tested

1. CO2 Laser

CO2 laser is most recent treatment I've tried, and one I wish had investigated sooner when considering acne scarring treatments. For my treatment I visited Dr Liam Piggott, doctor, dental surgeon and CO2 laser expert at Grand Aesthetics clinic.

What is CO2 Laser?

CO2 laser is a type of ablative laser procedure that helps to produce the formation collagen, making it a great treatment for addressing uneven skin texture and scarring, include acne scarring.

"CO2 laser can potentially work very well for acne scaring, considered a 'gold standard' treatment," says Dr Piggott. "It is often something patients try at the end of a journey where they have tried other treatments first for acne scaring that haven't worked, but there is a strong argument that for severe scaring it should be considered the first treatment to try, rather than the last," he says.

"The Lumenis AcuPulse can be used on a 'fractional' setting, where it delivers precise small beams of laser in a grid, leaving columns of untreated tissue between. This assists healing and skin regeneration," he says.

How to Prepare for a CO2 Laser Treatment

"It is important patients discontinue potentially irritant skin products like retinoid, salicylic acid and glycolic acid a week before treatment, and avoid sun exposure or tanning in this period as well," says Dr Piggott.

It's better to plan your laser treatments during the autumn and winter months, as you'll need to be very careful to avoid sun exposure while your skin is healing during the downtime and in the weeks after your treatment. So, consider if you'll be travelling abroad anytime soon before having this treatment done and opt to start your treatment in the autumn or winter.

You'll also want to have an in-depth consultation ahead of your treatment, as well as a patch test to ensure its suitable for you. "During the consultation, we identify the patient's main concerns, their understanding of treatments, what they would like to achieve," says Dr Piggott. I also briefly explore the psychological impact on the patient's wellbeing, he says. "We assess medical history, medications, allergies, lifestyle and social history, including if they smoke, their occupation, their sun exposure, upcoming travel," he says. It's also important to tell your practitioner if you think you may be pregnant, as CO2 laser will not be suitable.

"If the patient wishes to proceed, I then discuss costs and that many laser treatments may require two or three rounds of treatment to achieve the optimum result," he says. "Patients typically have the best result after about three months, due to the regeneration of the skin including collagen production."

What To Expect During a CO2 Laser Treatment

Before the treatment begins, the skin is cleansed, and anaesthetic cream applied for 30 minutes to help reduce discomfort during the treatment (it can be a a little stingy) and the skin is cleansed again cleansed again. You'll wear eye shields during the treatment.

Thanks to the numbing cream, I wouldn't say the treatment is very painful, but it can be a little prickly in places as the laser heats the skin. It feels like a zapping sensation, and you can feel the laser creating little dots as it treats the skin.

The treatment time will depend on the size of the area being treated, but it's recommended that you book out a couple of hours to have your treatment done to allow time for the numbing cream to take effect, to have the treatment done and for the skin to cool down afterwards. "After the treatment, a gauze and cold saline is then applied for 20-30mins, then an application of the Aquaphor. "

How Long Is the Downtime?

"Most patients will heal significantly within the first week, and then be largely completely healed by 14 days," says Dr Piggott. "The skin will become re-epithelialised by the end of this period, and then patients can usually commence their usual skincare and makeup."

You may also be required to take medication after the treatment. "Depending on the size and location treated, the patient may be given an anti-microbial prescription, to start on the day of treatment," says Dr Piggott. This is to prevent infections as your skin heals.

You'll also want to follow the skincare aftercare from your practitioner, which involves using a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser (£11.50), following with a moisturiser (I was was recommended CeraVe Moisturising Lotion (£16.50) and avoiding makeup until the skin has fully healed. Of course, you'll want to avoid the sun and apply a good SPF too, such as La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50 (£20), and I was also recommended to apply Aquaphor (£13.50) generously to create a protective barrier as the skin heals.

I'd also recommend finding space in your diary while your skin recovers. My skin was very red in the first four days after my treatment and I could also see the grid markings from the laser. However, this significantly lessened by days 5-7. The following week, my skin looked pink, and after the two week mark, my skin looked back to normal and I started noticing the beginnings of my results.

CO2 Laser Results

It takes up to three months to see the full effects from a CO2 laser treatment. I'm currently just over two months in after my first treatment now, but I've already seen a great improvement in my skin texture, especially on my chin. The skin texture looks smoother and less bumpy. Dr Piggott tells me that depending on the patient, two or three treatments may be required for the best results.

CO2 Laser Cost

Costs for CO2 laser treatments will varying depending on your location, the clinic and how many treatments you will need. "A typically price range would start at £500 for a localised area or scar, through to £2000 or more for advanced, full facial resurfacing," says Dr Piggott. "An estimate of price can more accurately be given as part of the initial consultation, and how many rounds of treatment a patient may require.:

Risks of CO2 Laser

"CO2 is generally considered a safe treatment, but it is important to select the right treatment, for the right patient, at the right time," says Dr Piggott. "A full assessment of the patients concerns, requirements, medical history are essential. We should also do a patch test on a small area to ensure the patient does not have an adverse reaction, prior to their full treatment."

Risks of CO2 laser include a recovery time of up to two weeks, pain, skin infections and the need for further rounds of treatment. "Most patients typically benefit from two or three treatments to achieve the optimum, long-lasting result," he says.

2. Radiofrequency Microneedling

What Is Radiofrequnecy Microneedling?

Often refered to as RF mircroneedling, radiofrequency microneedling is a great treatment for scarring. "Combining two clinically proven technologies—radiofrequency and microneedling—that work synergistically, the RF microneedling treatment offers dramatic skin-boosting results," says Debbie Thomas, skincare expert and founder of D.Thomas Clinic.. "RF microneedling is a versatile treatment, effective for age management, healthy skin promotion, overall textural improvements, scar reduction and acne reduction."

It works by inflicting controlled trauma and energy itto the skin, which helps to kickstart collagen production and remodel uneven skin texture. "Microneedling is really good for refining the skin, helping to even skin texture, while the radio frequency creates heat to tighten and stimulate collagen," she says. "So, the two together help to improve the overall appearance of the skin."

How to Prepare for a Radiofrequnecy Microneedling Treatment

I was advised to undergo a series of three treatments, each spaced four weeks apart, to get the best results for my specific concerns. The number of treatments you’ll need depends on the severity of your issues.

It’s recommended to avoid sun exposure before your treatment, which makes autumn and winter the perfect times to start, much like laser treatments. That said, I had just returned from a sunny holiday a week before my first session, so my therapist used insulated needles to make the treatment gentler on sun-exposed skin. These insulated needles are also better for darker skin tones, and your therapist will assess your skin tone to choose the right needle depth for optimal results.

Depending on the clinic you may need to apply numbing cream yourself before your microneedling session, but in other places, your practitioner may apply it. At D.Thomas Clinic, for example, I had to bring my own numbing cream, which I applied 40 minutes before my treatment. However, for my first session, I actually skipped the numbing cream. It was mostly tolerable, but I would definitely recommend using it for a more comfortable experience, especially if you're sensitive to pain.

What to Expect During a Radiofrequency Microneedling Treatment

I'll be honest, I found this to be one of the more painful treatments I've tried—I'd give it a 8/10 on the pain scale. Although the numbing cream definitely helped, the needles can feel pinchy, especially around more sensitive areas such as the eyes and lips. That being said, you do get used to it. My therapist treated both my face and neck, and she went over the areas of concern two or three times to make sure the treatment was thorough. After the treatment, my therapist applied SPF and I was required to not use any makeup for 24 hours after each treatment.

How Long Is the Downtime?

After my treatment, I was very red and my skin felt warm, but my therapist reassured me that this was a normal and positive response to the treatment. It felt a bit like having a mild sunburn, and I stayed red for about an hour afterward (cue me rushing out of the clinic wearing oversized sunnies to catch the next tube). The redness faded after a couple of hours, and I looked a lot less flushed by then. In the following days, by skin had a couple of scabs as it healed, but nothing drastic.

Radiofrequency Microneedling Results

Based on the results I've seen so far, I highly recommend this treatment for anyone looking to improve skin texture, address pigmentation or acne scarring, or just give their skin an overall refresh. I felt like my overall complexion looked far plumper.

While the treatment can be a bit uncomfortable and requires some downtime, I truly believe the results are worth it. Having had a microneedling treatment alone in the past, I can say that the addition of radiofrequency has definitely enhanced the rsults Because of that, I'm definitely considering booking more sessions in the future to maintain the results.

It's now been over two years since my treatment, and I’m still seeing the benefits, but I’d definitely be open to another round to further improve my acne scarring.

Radiofrequency Microneedling Cost

Treatment cost will vary from clinic to clinic, however, treatment at D.Thomas Clinic starts at £395 for a single treatment, or £1067 for a course of three.

Risks of Radiofrequency Microneedling

The most common side effects are temporary and include redness, swelling and discomfort. More serious risks include infection, scarring and hyperpigmentation. It's important to ensure you have a consultation prior to your treatment to find out if the treatment is suitable for you.

3. Tretinoin

One treatment that has also supported an improvement in my acne scarring is tretinoin. It's a prescription ingredient, so you'll need to access it via a dermatologist or a skincare prescription platform such as Klira, Skin + Me and Dermatica. These services allow you to be assessed by dermatologists online before a custom treatment will be sent out to you in the post.

What Is Tretinoin?

"Tretinoin, also known as all-trans-retinoic acid, is a prescription drug and the active form of vitamin A, which is taken up by cells in the skin," explains dermatologist Dr Beibei Du-Harpur. "This then binds with retinoid receptors to unravel areas of DNA, thus altering the cell’s behaviour. This ultimately leads to increased cell turnover, promoting a more compact stratum corneum [the top layer of skin] and collagen production amongst other things," she says. As such, it's often prescribed for treating acne and signs of ageing. However, as tretinoin is a prescription drug, you'll need a dermatologist to prescribe it for you, and you cannot use it if you're pregnant.

How to Use Tretinoin

"Whilst having remarkable effects on the skin, tretinoin is notorious for causing irritation and so gradual acclimation is often necessary," says Dr Du-Harpur. "There are various strategies to improve tolerability and decrease the symptoms of this initial retinisation process [of getting your skin used to retinoids]. Technically, tretinoin can be used for even the most sensitive of skins; careful guidance is key. Lower percentages of tretinoin tend to cause less irritation, whereas higher percentages are more irritating but may yield results more rapidly," she adds.

One way of minimisng irritation is to apply a moisturiser before and after applying tretinoin (kind of like a skincare sandwich) and gradually upping the amount of days per week you're using it as your skin acclimatises.

Tretinoin Results

I've been using Klira since testing it for the Who What Wear Next in Beauty Awards last summer (it was our Best in Class winner, FYI), and I've seen a dramatic improvement in my skin. After filling in an in-depth questionnaire and uploading photos of my skin, I was assigned a 'skin size' and accompanying cocktail of ingredients to address my skin's concerns. One of those was tretinoin, which helps to address a whole range of skin concerns, but is particularly good for smoothing uneven skin texture and acne scars.

I've been using the treatment since the summer, and I've seen a great improvement in my skin overall. Every couple of months, I'm given a stronger dosage which can take some getting used to, but all in all, my acne scarring and overall skin texture and tone has hugely improved since I started in.

Shop Tretinoin:

Shop More Acne Scarring Treatments

As an esthetician, it's a question I'm asked on an almost daily basis—how can I make my pores disappear? The short answer is, you can't. Pores are an essential part of our skin structure and allow our skin to function healthily—there's absolutely no way to get rid of them.

What you can do, however, is reduce the appearance of pores. Yes, pore minimising primers can help, but skincare plays a huge role. Pores appear more noticeable when they become enlarged, which can happen when skin is dry and dehydrated (because it thins and stretches) and when the skin is oily and congested (because oil and dead skin builds up in the pores). Pore size can also increase as we age, or if skin is subject to sun damage—both of which result in a decrease in collagen and elastin in the skin, causing pores to widen. It's important to note also that genetics, hormones, and even gender can have an impact on the appearance and size of our pores.

While I really do think we ought to give our pores a little more grace—without them, after all, our skin literally wouldn't be able to function—I totally understand why some people feel conscious of their pores and wish to reduce their visibility. So, if enlarged and visible pores are amongst your top skin concerns, I've compiled a list of the best pore minimising serums, tried and tested.

Shop the Best Pore Minimising Serums:

1. Dr. Sam's Flawless Nightly Serum
2. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum
3. Beauty Pie Superdrops Niacinamide
4. Byoma Clarifying Serum
5. Dr. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum
6. Dr. Jart+ Pore Remedy PHA Exfoliating Serum
7. The Inkey List Ectoin Barrier Repair Serum
8. Perricone MD High Potency Smoothing Serum
9. The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum
10. Glossier Super Pure Clarifying Face Serum
11. Naturium Retinol Complex Serum

What are pores?

Pores are tiny openings in our skin—everyone has them, approximately 5 million of them, in fact. They cover every inch of our skin (except for our palms and the soles of our feet), and we have around 20,000 of them on our faces alone. These tiny openings contain hair follicles and oil glands, and are responsible for releasing oil and sweat onto the surface of the skin. In doing so they help to release sebum, which naturally moisturises the skin, while sweat helps to regulate our body temperature.

What causes visible pores?

Pores are often more visible in areas of our skin where we have more oil glands, such as the 'T zone' of the face (your forehead, nose and chin). They also become more visible when they become clogged with excess oil and dead skin, causing open comedones, also known as blackheads and whiteheads. This can trap bacteria in the pore, leading to inflammation and breakouts.

While many people associate enlarged pores with oily skin, pores can also become more visible when skin is dehydrated. This is because the skin is no longer plumped with moisture—when it's thin and stretched out, pores appear more noticeable. For the same reason, pores become more obvious as we age, and lose the collagen and elastin which also gives our skin plumpness and structure.

How can you minimise pores?

You can minimise the appearance of pores by keeping skin well hydrated and using collagen-stimulating ingredients like retinoids, so it is plumped up and pores are not stretched. Cleansing regularly and exfoliating skin using products with ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid can also help to prevent and clear congestion from pores.

The Best Pore Minimising Serums:

1. Dr. Sam's Flawless Nightly Serum

2. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum

3. Beauty Pie Superdrops Brightening Niacinamide

4. Byoma Clarifying Serum

5. Dr. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum

6. Dr. Jart+ Pore.remedy PHA Exfoliating Serum

7. The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

8. Perricone MD High Potency Intensive Niacinamide-Rich Smoothing Serum

9. The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum

10. Glossier Super Pure

11. Naturium Retinol Complex Serum

Okay, so you've got acne-prone skin? Naturally, the first step in addressing breakouts is to establish an acne-friendly skincare routine—removing products containing pore-clogging ingredients, and replacing them with lightweight moisturisers, hardworking cleansers, and serums powered by ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide.

It can take up to three months for skincare to have an effect (especially when dealing with a stubborn concern like acne), but if you're still getting breakouts, it's important to keep in mind that there are a whole host of other factors that can affect our skin and contribute to acne.

From hormones and stress through to diet, lifestyle and hygiene habits, and of course, the other products that we apply to our skin, clearing acne can often take a full 360 approach. As an esthetician and someone who has lived with acne for the past 16 years, I know first-hand the impact that makeup can have upon skin—and how to deal with it.

Depending on their formulas, makeup products can contribute to breakouts, especially if they contain ingredients that might clog pores or cause irritation to acne-prone skin. Hygienic application techniques, like avoiding using your fingers and using clean brushes and sponges can make a massive difference. As will thorough makeup removal—I always recommend using a makeup remover first and then double cleansing skin with a flannel. No face wipes, and no sleeping in makeup are my golden rules.

To be even more on the safe side, it's a good idea to buy acne-friendly makeup products in the first place. These days, everything from primers and foundations to concealers and powders can be formulated to be non-comedogenic (not pore-clogging) and can even include active ingredients to help treat breakouts throughout the day.

Need to give the contents of your makeup bag an acne-friendly overhaul? Scroll down for my favourite tried-and-tested acne-friendly makeup products.

The Best Acne-Friendly Makeup Products:

1. The Best Acne-Friendly Primer: Dr. Jart+ Pore Remedy Soothing Primer
2. The Best Acne-Friendly Concealer: Erborian Super BB Concealer
3. The Best Acne-Friendly Foundation: Merit The Minimalist
4. The Best Acne-Friendly Powder: Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder
5. The Best Acne-Friendly Setting Spray: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Makeup Setting Spray

The Best Acne-Friendly Primers:

Since makeup primer is applied to bare skin, it's important to find a formula that works well for acne-prone complexions. Many primers rely upon silicones to create a smooth base for makeup to apply to, but silicones can trap dirt and oil in pores, which can make acne worse. The best primers for acne-prone skin have lightweight textures, non-comedogenic formulas, and many contain active ingredients to help with breakouts.

The Best Acne-Friendly Concealers:

If you have acne-prone skin then a concealer is probably already a staple in your makeup bag. It's important to avoid brightening and lightening formulas which are usually designed for under-eyes, but can draw attention to spots. Look for light, hydrating formulas which can be layered up for coverage but won't cling to spots and dry patches.

The Best Acne-Friendly Foundations:

Finding a foundation that works for acne-prone skin can be a tough task. You'll want a formula with good enough coverage to conceal your breakouts and reduce redness, but at the same time, don't want anything that feels heavy or looks cakey on your skin. The trick is in opting for medium coverage formulas, which can be layered if needed, but won't appear too heavy in one application.

The Best Acne-Friendly Powders:

If you're acne-prone then chances are your skin is also prone to oiliness too, and may need powder to help mattify shiny patches throughout the day. Heavy powders can cling to breakouts and make them look more obvious, so light, silky formulas are best for acne-prone skin.

The Best Acne-Friendly Setting Sprays:

An alternative to setting powders, setting sprays can offer a lighter, more hydrating approach to ensuring makeup longevity. If you like your makeup to appear fresh and glowy, these are my favourite picks.

When you have acne-prone skin, finding a good moisturiser can feel like a daunting task. Chances are you (like me) grew up thinking that stripping the moisture from your skin would help to dry out your spots and that moisturisers would clog your pores and contribute to breakouts. However, it's a common misconception that you should skip moisturiser if you have acne-prone skin. In fact, doing so is probably causing more harm than good—as I learned the hard way as a teenager who avoided moisturiser at all costs. 

Keeping skin hydrated means that it's healthy and can function optimally, which means it’s better able to defend itself from bacteria and irritants and can heal and repair damage efficiently. In addition, moisturising skin will help regulate oil production (a leading factor in the formation of breakouts) and soothe and calm any existing spots. What’s more, if your skincare routine is oriented towards clearing acne, chances are it contains active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which whilst effective, do have a drying effect on the skin.

My learnings from 10 plus years of testing moisturisers on my acne-prone skin? First, avoid richer textures and oil-based formulas, and opt instead for lightweight, water-based gel-creams. These moisturisers will utilise ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to help rehydrate and support the skin barrier without clogging pores, irritating breakouts or leaving a greasy residue. 

Second, maintain round-the-clock hydration and commit to twice daily moisturising even if your skin doesn't feel dry. You’re likely to find that your skin looks clearer and calmer over time and that any breakouts you experience will heal quickly and without leaving marks or scars. Finally, if you think that having acne-prone skin equates to having oily skin, it likely doesn’t. My T-zone was far oilier and shinier when I skipped moisturiser than it is now that moisturiser is essential in my skincare routine. By keeping my face well moisturised I’ve not only restored balance to my skin but also learned that it’s possible to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores (because skin is plumped with moisture and not stretched taut).

In my 18 years of living with acne, moisturiser has been the hardest product to nail down, and it took me a long time to get out of the mindset that it would clog my pores and cause more breakouts. What I now know through my career as a beauty editor and training as an esthetician, is that not all moisturisers are created equal, and it really is all about formula.

Keep scrolling for my picks of the best moisturisers for acne-prone skin.

The 15 Best Moisturisers for Acne-Prone Skin:

1. The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser

2. Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream

3. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

4. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream

5. The Inkey List Omega Water Cream

6. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream

7. Rhode Barrier Restore Cream

8. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+

9. Beauty Pie Happy Face Azelaic Acid Skin Clearing Gel Cream

10. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturiser

11. Curel Oil Control Weightless Gel Moisturiser

12. Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream 5%

13. Dr. Sam's Flawless Moisturiser Light

14. E.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration Face Cream

15. Bubble Level Up Balancing Gel Moisturiser

As a beauty editor, I'm well aware that at times the beauty industry can be a little overwhelming. Even as a beauty expert, it can be a struggle to separate the fad from the fabulous when it comes to products, and debunk what will work for you and not just for others. Especially now, with so many cutting-edge products, new innovative ingredients and emerging brands that promise to transform your skin, it can be impossible to wade through what's actually worth the investment for you. 

So when I heard about BEAUTY PIE's Skin Quiz, which asks you a few questions and then suggests the best products for your skin and its concerns, I was immediately interested. In case you're unaware of BEAUTY PIE and its unique business model, let me explain. It's a membership in which you pay a monthly fee in return for discounts on groundbreaking products. Working with leading cosmetic scientists around the world, its award-winning skincare is thoroughly researched and innovative and is only available on the BEAUTY PIE site. Because the brand cuts out third-party costs (from working with other retailers, celebrity endorsements, etc.), it is able to offer premium products at a fraction of the usual cost.

But back to the quiz. Recently introduced by the brand to help educate its customers on the absolute best products for their specific skin concerns and lifestyle, it's super quick to take and the results are so interesting. Whether you're a beauty novice wanting a low-maintenance routine or an expert with a 12-step, twice-daily ritual, the recommendations are insightful and tailored to you, and are delivered to your email for future reference. It's no secret that Who What Wear UK is big into BEAUTY PIE, and this doesn't just apply to our beauty editors, but everyone on the team.

Personally, I love the cool, contemporary packaging and the fact that no product has had a better impact on my acne than its Youthbomb Retinol Serum (you can read me raving about it here). For others, the appeal is of course great products at an incredibly affordable price point. In light of our shared love, I asked two other editors to do the quiz and share their results. We then collectively trialled the recommended products to see how they impacted our skin. 

"I’m now in my late twenties, and as a beauty editor, you could say that my routine is naturally high maintenance. My skin can be oily, so I’m prone to hormonal breakouts that leave behind stubborn hyperpigmentation and I sometimes experience sensitivity and dehydration too. So amongst the active ingredients in my skincare routine, I like hydrating products that are gentle and skin-replenishing to keep my sometimes-sensitive skin balanced.

"My skin’s needs change seasonally, so I was intrigued to see what the quiz results would recommend for me right now. At the moment, I’m contending with some post-breakout hyperpigmentation, so I was recommended both Dr Glycolic Pore-Purifying Glycolic Acid Toner and Superdose Vitamin C C-Suite Rapid Action Brightener for my routine. Dr Glycolic Toner is a powerhouse product that brightens and exfoliates, whilst Superdose C-Suite has become my new favourite for unlocking unparalleled levels of glow for my skin. Since using them both, my skin has never looked more even-toned, radiant breakout-free."

"To take the day off, I’ve been enjoying using Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser, which has a gel-to-oil-to-milk texture and leaves my combination skin feeling gently cleansed and balanced. I’m already a huge fan of Triple Hyaluronic Acid Serum, so I was excited to try both Elastic Lifting Eye Cream and Deep Moisture Miracle Cream in the range to hydrate, soothe and plump the dehydration lines I’m sometimes prone to during winter. My skin is already feeling much more hydrated and plump from using these, and I can feel that my face is benefiting from the additional hydration now it's getting colder.

"Finally, Super Healthy Skin UVA/UVB Featherlight SPF 50 has been a game-changer. Everyone can benefit from wearing an SPF every day, but in particular, those with hyperpigmentation (like myself) should shield their skin to prevent it from creeping back and undoing all of the hard work in the rest of your routine. This one lives up to its name—it truly is a lightweight SPF that you don’t feel on your skin. It doesn’t leave a white cast, and I love that it also primes my skin for makeup, too."

— Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor

"I've always been incredibly fortunate to have good skin with very little effort, but after having a baby four years ago, the clarity, evenness and reliable glow I once used to take for granted have become increasingly difficult to find again. Because of my lack of skincare struggles in my earlier years, I often feel ill-equipped to know which route to take, which ingredients to try and which new products to take a punt on, which is why I was so intrigued to do BEAUTY PIE's Skincare Quiz. As a brand that I know my entire team rates highly and sees as incredibly efficacious and well-priced for the quality, I knew this would lead me to some fantastic new discoveries and an easy-yet-impactful routine.

"I juggle a (pretty full-on!) full-time job with a very full-on child. Combined with the fact I get a lot less sleep than I used to and my that my hormones are probably different these days, there's simply no denying that the past few years have taken their toll on my skin. I have very little time to spend on myself, but I want to start targeting a few areas where I feel my skin could look healthier and more like it used to. I'm pro-ageing and I think it's an absolute privilege to get older, but I'd also like to do it gracefully and in my own time without using anything too powerful or harsh, as I have relatively sensitive skin."

"The selection of products that were recommended for me tick my boxes of not being overly rich, fragranced or gimmicky (anything like that is an instant breakout-maker for me). Youthbomb moisturiser is gentle enough for all ages and skin types and is great to use as a super-hydrating evening hydrator. The gentle Super Retinol eye cream feels like the perfect entry product for someone who is still new to retinoids, whilst Jeju Cleanser is the kind of skin-friendly cleansing milk that I'm absolutely convinced suits everyone—it did a great job of cleansing my skin without stripping it or leaving it feeling dry.

"In addition, BEAUTY PIE's Super Healthy Skin Ultralight SPF comes with the extra bonus of hyaluronic acid, providing that extra hit of hydration my skin desperately needs in the depths of winter, and Super Healthy Skin Moisturiser layers beautifully under it by day to boost radiance. Since introducing it, I can see that my skin looks noticeably plumper, more glowy and a lot more hydrated—something that really helps to blur those fine lines that can crop up due to dehydration." 

 — Hannah Almassi, editor-in-chief

My journey to "good skin" has been a marathon. It’s one I’ve been on for as long as I can remember, and it’s only in recent years that I’ve found myself at a place where I’m content with the skin I have. But it’s certainly not perfect to me. My main issue has always been mild acne, and whilst my face may occasionally be free of cystic spots, there will always be scarring and dark spots from years of hormonal breakouts. My skin is also on the dry side, which is always worse at this time of year due to the change in temperature.

"I knew when taking the BEAUTY PIE Skincare Quiz that my results would suggest a retinoid, as it’s such a hard-working, results-driven ingredient with a multitude of success stories from fellow acne sufferers. What’s brilliant about retinol—if you don’t already know of its wondrous capabilities—is that it helps not only acne, but also signs of ageing. Which is great, because at 31 it goes without saying that I’m starting to see some fine lines around my eyes and forehead. I’ve always been one to embrace age and have never been that interested injectables, but that doesn’t mean I’m not delighted to hear when a product has the capability to boost radiance and reduce lines."

"The quiz results suggested Super Healthy Skin Gentle Foamy Face Wash, which I introduced every evening as a second cleanse and occasionally in the morning as a simple yet effective wash when I felt I needed more than just water. To tackle my acne and acne scarring, I began to implement Superdrops Brightening Niacinamide as well as Super Retinol Night Cream into my evening routine. Because Super Retinol also contains vitamin C (which shouldn't be applied at the same time as niacinamide), I was sure to use these on alternating nights. It's also worth mentioning that because I've been using retinol for over a year, my skin was able to handle Super Retinol's formula two to three times per week, but if you're new to it, it's best to slowly introduce to your regime (just once a week to begin with, and then slowly build up to three times per week if there's no reaction). Even within a week, I noticed my scarring had faded slightly, and my skin tone was more balanced. 

"As my skin always feels tight with dehydration, especially when using retinol, I love the added injection of moisture from using a combination of Triple Hyaluronic Acid and Super Healthy Skin Daily Moisturiser. I've been using them together both morning and evening, along with Super Healthy Skin Featherlight SPF in the mornings (an SPF is vital every day, but especially the morning after you've used retinol). I love this product not only for the protection it gives me against the sun all year round but also because it's a gorgeous primer, allowing my foundation to glide onto my face. As it turns out, another product that also makes a great primer is Plantastic Genius Ginseng Eye Cream. I wouldn't necessarily have thought to use a product like this if it wasn't for my quiz results, but it's been great at targeting my tired and puffy morning eyes and has helped give some added moisture to my eye area ahead of makeup application."

 — Rebecca Rhys-Evans, branded content editor

Want to try the BEAUTY PIE Skincare Quiz for yourself? Check it out here. 

Waking up to breakouts on your face happens to everyone at some point in our lives, and fortunately most of us are well versed in the tips, tricks and products needed to help treat facial acne. From applying spot patches to using salicylic acid face washes and clay masks, most of us have a pretty solid game plan when it comes to dealing with an unwanted pimple.

But what about those painful spots that appear on your back, shoulders and even your chest? Less discussed but actually just as common as facial acne, body acne (often referred to as "bacne") can feel like a whole new ball game, no matter how accustomed you are to dealing with facial breakouts. Body acne breakouts are often painful and deep-rooted, and since these spots are often hard to reach, they can be much more difficult to treat.

Here's how dermatologists recommend getting rid of those unwanted bacne breakouts quickly, plus how to prevent them from occurring again.

What Is Acne?

There are plenty of ways to treat body acne, but first of all, it's important to understand the basics of how it occurs in the first place. "Acne is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit of the skin—this consists of a hair follicle and a sebaceous (or oil) gland. Acne occurs when the pilosebaceous units become blocked or inflamed," explains Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Self London.

"This then leads to the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules." Since we have hair follicles (pores) all over our bodies, this process of blockage and inflammation can occur literally anywhere on the skin, which explains why you might experience a seemingly random spot on your neck or bum, and also larger breakouts across your back or shoulders.

What Causes Body Acne?

If you're wondering why your body acne seems to appear in certain areas, there is some logic to it. "We have the highest proportion of oil glands on our face (the T-zone area) but they can also be found in higher concentrations on the chest, back and shoulders too," explains Mahto. "As a result, we predominantly tend to find body acne in these areas."

Our genetics are one of the determining factors behind acne, since they dictate how our bodies produce oil and shed dead skin cells. But there are also external factors that can contribute to body acne breakouts. According to dermatologist Dr Zainab Laftah, friction and sweating are two of the biggest triggers of body acne flare-ups. "Sweating is increased during the summer to help regulate basal body temperature, so this can lead to blockage of pores and blemishes," she explains.

Of course, while you may experience an increase in body acne during the warmer months for this reason, if you have a lifestyle that causes you to sweat, this can also impact you throughout the year. "Exercise can cause blockage of pores from sweating and build up of oil, bacteria and dirt, thus leading to acne breakouts," Laftah adds. "Washing immediately after exercising and wearing loose, breathable clothing is recommended."

"A lot of exercise clothing is tight-fitting, which can trap bacteria and sweat on the skin, leading to the development of the C.acnes [bacteria]," agrees Mahto. "I’d always recommend changing out of sweaty exercise clothes and showering as soon as possible after your workout."

How Can You Get Rid of Body Acne?

As with all types of acne, ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are recommended for treating body acne. You just might have to look for them in a slightly different product format. "Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide body washes are a great place to start," suggests Mahto. "But you don’t need to use a specific body wash either—you can use your facial cleanser that contains these ingredients on your body too." Mahto's top tip for preventing body acne from occurring is to ensure that you are thoroughly washing your body each day, particularly after exercise, as previously mentioned. 

In addition, Laftah recommends considering leave-on products such as serums or masks to help get rid of body acne. "Salicylic acid is my top recommendation for body acne because it's oil-soluble, so it penetrates deep into oil glands and unclogs pores," she explains. "Benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and retinoids are further actives that help to treat body acne and target the inflammatory process, but if the above is not effective then see your GP or dermatologist for prescription-grade treatments."

The Best Products for Getting Rid of Body Acne:

Next Up: "My Acne Is Gone": The Acne Products That Actually Work

Let me tell you—I'm incredibly fussy when it comes to concealer. A fair few have come by the beauty desk over the years, but only a select make it home into my makeup bag. I want a concealer to effortlessly conceal my dark circles without settling into fine lines and creasing throughout the day. It also needs to be reasonably long-wearing and not look obvious on the skin. I also favour a hydrating, dewy formula that makes my skin look radiant and not flat. (But if I'm looking for a concealer for concealing a spot, I need a matte, high-coverage formula to do the job.) In short, most concealers don't meet my demands. That was until I tried Kosas's Revealer Concealer.

Hailey Bieber is a fan of Kosas and uses many of its products, including the Revealer Concealer.

Hailey Bieber is often seen on TikTok getting ready with Kosas products, and I've spied her using the concealer on a couple of occasions. The brand also comes highly loved by US beauty fans. The brand hasn't been widely available in the UK until recently, so I finally got my hands on the concealer to try myself.

Kosas Revealer Concealer Review

I tried the Kosas Revealer Concealer in shade 3.20

This concealer is one for those who love a dewy, radiant finish to their concealers. The formula is very creamy and hydrating, thanks to the addition of moisturising hyaluronic acid, plumping peptides and caffeine, which even helps to reduce puffiness around the eye areas (win). It has a flexible doe-foot applicator which makes swiping it onto the skin really easy.

I tried the concealer here on top of my Kosas Revealer Skin Foundation, using it under my eyes, around my nose and on my chin, where I had some redness and blemishes.

The concealer is effortlessly blendable. I used a makeup sponge to pat the product into my skin, and I found that it melted into my skin really well, concealing and leaving a healthy, glowy finish. I would say it offers medium coverage, but you could definitely layer this up if you wanted more coverage in certain areas.

The dry-down isn't sticky or slippy. It stays in place and holds up well throughout the day without settling into fine lines too much. I'd liken this to Glossier's Stretch Concealer but with more coverage and staying power, making it great for under the eyes to brighten dark circles, conceal redness or blemishes or just offer extra coverage where you need it. However, I think my favourite thing about it is the glow it gives my skin; it really gives a radiant finish. So if you have dry or combination skin this would work well for you, but if you're on the oily side, you might need something for mattifying for slicker areas, but it works brilliantly around the eyes.

The concealer will be staying within my rotation of concealers along with the other Kosas products I've tried. (Spoiler alert: They're amazing too.) Shop more of my favourite Kosas products below.

Shop the Kosas Revealer Concealer

Shop More Kosas Favourites

Whether it is via my Instagram DMs, over a virtual skincare consultation, or mid-facial, as an esthetician (and beauty editor) I'm regularly asked for my top beauty product recommendations. "Are microcurrent devices worth it?", "can you recommend an affordable vitamin C?", and "what's the best product for dark circles?" are up there as the most frequently asked requests I get, but I regularly recommend products for all manner of skin types and concerns, from dry and dehydrated through to oily and acne-prone.

Now as a beauty editor I've tested an unprecedented amount of products, which makes things a lot easier when it comes to making recommendations to my clients as an esthetician. I have my personal favourites—the failsafe spot treatment I always have a backup of and the soothing face mist I buy in bulk to name a few—but for me, the sign of a good product is when it gets great feedback from those I recommend it to. 

There are so many things to take into account when I recommend a product to a client, or a friend. Not only do I consider whether it's right for their skin type and if it addresses their skin concerns, but I also consider the individual ingredients within it, the texture of the formula, and how it will feel and last on their skin. 

In addition I always like to be conscious of budget when making product recommendations to clients. However, if I truly believe that a product is worth the price—and there's no cheaper alternative—I'll always recommend it, no matter what. So when someone writes back with good feedback or tells me they've repurchased a product, I know it's worth keeping in mind for a future recommendation. 

Over the years, I've been able to draw up my ultimate list of the product recommendations that always impress. So without further ado, scroll down to discover my most-recommended skincare products.

My most-recommended cleansers:

My most-recommended toners:

My most-recommended serums:

My most-recommended moisturisers:

My most-recommended eye creams:

My most-recommended spot treatments:

My most-recommended face masks:

My most-recommended SPFs:

My most-recommended skincare tools:

My most-recommended beauty supplements:

Next Up: I'm an Esthetician—These Are the Best Skincare Ingredients of All Time

Over the past few years, the skincare and technology industries have collided, resulting in an abundance of facial tools and skincare devices that promise to do everything from lifting and sculpting to decongesting and brightening skin. Now, as a trained esthetician, I’ve tried my fair share of skincare gadgets, from LED masks to microcurrent devices, but what makes this new cohort of beauty tech different is that these devices are designed to be easily used by skincare novices from the comfort of their own homes. Safe, easy to use, and affordable, these tools replicate the effects of professional treatments and will seriously upgrade your daily skincare routine.

One of the brands that has really led the way when it comes to skincare tech is Foreo. The Swedish brand first launched in 2013, debuting the world’s first silicone facial cleansing brush, and has since expanded its product range to include innovations such as a 5-in-1 facial massager, an LED breakout wand and a silicone toothbrush.

My first introduction to the brand was via Foreo’s facial cleansing brush (known as the Luna), and I have to admit, I was sceptical as to just how good an at-home device could be. Needless to say, four years have passed, and it’s been a staple in my daily skincare routine ever since. As someone who is acne-prone and experiences concerns like enlarged pores and deep-rooted congestion, cleansing efficiently has always been a main focus of my skincare routine. However, cleansers themselves can only do so much, so incorporating the Foreo Luna into my cleansing routine was a major upgrade. In fact, Foreo’s more recent version of the Luna is clinically proven to remove 99% of dirt, oil and makeup residue, which is a lot more than hands alone can achieve.

The Best Foreo Products

• Best Foreo tool for effective cleansing: Foreo Luna 4 (£132, now £111)
• Best Foreo tool for lifting and sculpting: Foreo Bear 2 (£379, now £207)
• Best Foreo tool for hydrating: Foreo UFO 2 Supercharged Facial Mask Device (£104)
• Best Foreo tool for the eye area: Iris 2 Rejuvenating Eye Massager (£169, now £118)
• Best Foreo tool for fine lines and wrinkles: Foreo FAQ 101 Clinical Anti-Ageing Treatment (£369, now £268)

Made from super-soft silicone and powered by sonic pulsations, this is quite unlike any other facial cleansing brush I’ve ever tried—it’s also a lot more hygienic than brushes with nylon bristles. With three modes (gentle, regular and deep), it’s suitable for all (including sensitive) skin types, and simultaneously massages, cleanses, and exfoliates skin. The soothing massage function helps to improve lymphatic drainage and skin elasticity, resulting in a firmer, sculpted appearance, while the gentle exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and prep skin for effective product penetration.

I tend to use the device during my evening cleanse, usually alongside a gel or foam cleanser (as I find this texture works best). Once turned on, it runs for two minutes—the perfect amount of time to cover my face and neck, with extra focus on my congested areas (along my jawline) and around my nose where my pores are most obvious.

Within a few weeks of first using it, I noticed a reduction in the bumpy, uneven texture of my skin, and with daily use, my skin is now smooth and totally bump-free. I’ve also noticed an overall reduction in the amount of breakouts I experience, which I credit to the fact that not only does the Luna give my skin a really deep cleanse, but it also forces me to spend two whole minutes focussing on your cleansing routine—I’ve noticed on days when I don’t use the Foreo, I rarely spend more than 20 seconds on this step.

I’ll admit that what usually puts me off using a device in the long term is how easy it is to maintain, but the Luna is practically effortless. It’s rechargeable (and only needs charging 2-3 times a year), doesn’t need to be replaced, and is super easy to clean—silicone is bacteria-resistant, so you just rinse it under water after each use. If you are after a device to help with concerns like congestion, breakouts, and excess oil, then I can’t recommend the Foreo Luna enough.

Oh, and I’ve since tried out a number of other devices from the range, so if you’re interested, scroll down for my verdict on the best Foreo products worth investing in.

1. Foreo Luna 4

2. Foreo Bear 2

3. Foreo Luna 4 Body

4. Foreo Luna 4 Plus

5. Foreo UFO 2

6. Foreo Luna 4 Go

7. Foreo Iris 2

7. Foreo Espada

9. Foreo FAQ 101

10. Foreo Issa 3

11. FOREO KIWI Derma

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

As a beauty editor who has experienced acne throughout my adult life, I know how the skin condition can affect those who have stubborn blemishes or hormonal acne. Finding the best skincare products for acne can be a case of trial and error. My job as a beauty journalist has been a double-edged sword. While I've been lucky enough to try almost everything—the most premium skincare brands right through to the affordable budget buys—testing a whole load of products on my skin only made matters worse (cue inflamed angry skin).

On the flip side, I've been able to seek the advice of dermatologists and skin experts who have pointed me in the right direction. I resolved my cystic acne after taking a course of spironolactone, as my breakouts were hormonal, but everyone is different, and what works for one person might not work for another

There's a lot of misinformation in the world of skincare but particularly so when it comes to skin conditions such as acne. Thankfully, dermatologists are the voice of reason in a world full of noise, particularly on social media. I'm always all ears for hearing about the products that dermatologists use, as well as what acne myths and mistakes they're keen to debunk. Thankfully, dermatologist and all-round acne expert Anjali Mahto for Purifide has shed some light on some of the most common acne myths and mistakes out there.

Myth #1: Diet can cause acne

The link between acne and diet has long been debated. While it can vary from person to person, in most cases, it is not the direct cause of acne. "People often think that their skin is directly influenced by diet. However, clinical trials confirm that acne is more down to hormones and genetics, for example the makeup of your microbiome and size/density of your oil glands, which is hereditary," says Mahto. "Diet can play a role but not in the instantaneous way that some might think. A small select group of people find that cutting out dairy can affect their skin positively, but improvement will happen over time rather than within days," she adds. "A blocked comedone will have kick-started roughly 28 to 32 days prior. Sometimes people will say they had dairy recently and now they've got a spot. However, chances are that spot was brewing underneath the skin several weeks before."

Therefore, it's not always necessary to follow a restrictive diet. Paying attention to what you eat can help you draw possible links, but what might cause acne in one person might not necessarily trigger acne for you. There may be underlying triggers that are responsible for your acne breakouts. "There are a couple of factors that can predispose you to acne," says Mahto. "If a first-degree family member suffers with acne, this increases your chances of suffering with it by 50% to 90%. Genes have large part to play in the makeup of your skin. It is also very common for women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) to suffer with acne, and this condition is far more common that you think, affecting 8% to 10% of the female adult population," she says. "Your skin tone can also play a part, with some tones more predisposed to oiliness."

Myth #2: Uncleanliness causes acne

When you have a skin condition, you might receive unsolicited advice (insert eye roll) from those who may mean well, but it can be very frustrating. One of the most common myths is that acne is directly linked to cleanliness. "Lack of cleanliness and poor hygiene are often thought of as a cause of acne. This just isn’t the case. In fact, people with acne are very aware of hygiene and are more prone to overwashing or cleansing, which can makes things worse," explains Mahto.

In reality, acne is much more deep-rooted than simply cleansing your skin. "The cause of acne is primarily from the increase or change in hormones during adolescence, which causes the oil gland to produce too much oil, blocking the pores," she says. "The bacteria that live on the skin can act on this blocked pore, causing deeper inflammation. It’s a perfect storm." So while cleansing the skin can help remove excess oil, it's not the be all and end all to prevent acne altogether. Mahto recommends using a gentle cleanser to cleanse your skin morning and night. Look for cleansers with salicylic acid, which help to break down excessive oil in the pores.

Shop cleansers for acne:

Myth #3: Acne-prone skin doesn't need a moisturiser

Now, if you were to get a group of skincare experts in a room together, this topic may well be contested. While everyone will have a preference on what works best for their skin, Mahto sits in the camp that acne-prone skin types should be using a moisturiser—it just needs to be the right one. "It is a myth that oily or acne-prone skin doesn't need moisturiser. Remember oily skin does not mean hydrated skin, you still need a moisturiser to help support the skin barrier," she says. "Moisturise with a gentle moisturiser. Again, look for useful ingredients such as salicylic acid, lipids like ceramides or squalene, zinc, sulphur, AHAs, BHAs or PHAs."

Facialists and dermatologists also generally recommend avoiding oil in your skincare if you're acne-prone. Instead, you may prefer mattifying water-based moisturisers. These usually have a gel consistency that feels lightweight. They can help control shine and tend to clog the pores less so than heavy moisturisers. 

Shop moisturisers for acne:

Myth #4: SPF clogs the skin

"Many believe that sunscreen will block your pores and cause spots. In fact, acne-prone skin can be more in need of sun protection, as UV exposure can increase pigmentation," says Mahto. "Prolonged sunlight can also drive comedones (blocked pores that form a bump) or blackheads, so it can actually make your acne worse. Short-term ultraviolet light can be good for the skin, as it can be anti-inflammatory, but we all need to be protected from long-term damage." Indeed, the sun is one of the biggest drivers of skin ageing (not to mention that UVA rays can also cause skin cancer), so protecting your skin is paramount.

Like moisturisers, it's about finding a formulation that works for your skin. There are now so many good SPFs for acne and oily-prone skin to choose from. Look for an oil-free and mattifying or oil-controlling formulation.

Shop SPFs for acne:

Myth #5: Expensive products are better

It's a myth that more expensive skincare equals better results. Of course, there are premium skincare brands that we love to invest in occasionally, but you don't have to spend a fortune to get results. In fact, Mahto says that spending lots of money and constantly changing your skincare products is a mistake. "You do not need to spend an absolute fortune on good skincare. I think it's really important this message gets out, as products that are formulated well work similarly," she says. "If you look at really expensive products and budget-friendly, high-street products, they often will contain exactly the same ingredients. The money often goes into the extra marketing, packaging and branding."

If you are tackling a skin concern and trying active ingredients (think salicylic acid or retinols), Mahto recommends being patient. "Give the routine and products time to work because the skin cycle is roughly every 28 to 32 days, meaning this is how often skin cells shed and blackheads can form. In fact, most acne clinical trials run for a minimum of 12 weeks because it takes a few cycles to see a difference," she says.

However, if after a couple of months you're not seeing results, don't be afraid to speak to your GP to seek other options or ask to be referred to a dermatologist. "If you've been doing that for a period and haven't found the right cleanser or the right moisturiser, remember it's not your fault, and it might actually just be a sign that you need to escalate treatment."

Myth #6: Makeup causes acne

There's a misconception that makeup can cause acne, and those with acne-prone skin are often told that makeup will make acne worse. "I definitely don't think we should be shaming people for wearing makeup, as long as they are guided on the types of products they should be using and the application process," says Mahto. "There are clinical trial data that show that wearing makeup will give acne sufferers more confidence. Makeup alone doesn't cause acne. Likewise, going makeup free won't stop excess oil, bacteria or dead skin cells shedding in the pores or control the spot-causing bacteria."

If you want to wear makeup, then you can. Mahto has a few pointers on how to make your makeup work best for your skin. First, ensure your hands are clean and your brushes are also clean. "I would recommend that makeup brushes are cleansed on a weekly basis," she says. After applying your moisturiser and SPF, assess what areas you'd like to address. "If you're acne prone, you may find it helpful to just use makeup in the areas that you need it and allow the skin where you've got no acne or blemishes to remain uncovered," she says. "If you still want to go for a heavy base or a heavy concealer, look for products that are noncomedogenic. These can include mineral-based products, which can help dry up the skin and tend to be more mattifying." Matte foundations, for example, tend to work better on oily or acne-prone skin.

Colour correctors can be particularly helpful if acne scarring and pigmentation are concerning you. "A lot of people with acne find that it's the redness or the discolouration that bothers them. Someone with lighter skin tones might get away with just using a green colour corrector that will neutralise redness with a little bit of concealer rather than applying a heavy foundation everywhere," she says. "Similarly, for those with darker skin tones who experience dark marks rather than redness, using peach colour correctors underneath their makeup or concealer can help neutralise dark marks."

Shop makeup for acne-prone skin:

Up Next, I Tried Everything for Acne, But This Dermatologist Recommendation Worked

Throughout my adult life, I've drawn the short straw when it comes to the health of my skin. I've long experienced eczema and acne during my 20s (perhaps my karma for having well-behaved skin in my teenage years). The latter, however, has been the most stubborn to treat.

I have oily skin, and I found myself developing painful cystic acne on my chin in my early 20s. These under-the-skin bumps would form around my chin, and as one disappeared, another would return in its place—I felt like I was in a constant game of whack-a-mole with my breakouts. I'm fortunate that it was not severe and mostly localised to one area of my skin. However, it was painful, made me feel self-conscious, and it never seemed to go away.

I tried just about every acne skincare product going with no long-lasting success. I visited my GP and was prescribed oral antibiotics (which worked at first, but my acne always returned when I stopped and came back more aggressively), then topical antibiotics and a topical benzoyl peroxide cream, which also didn't work for me long-term. I had blood tests to rule out PCOS, I tried cutting out dairy, taking herbal teas and supplements. I even went for facials to try to reduce my breakouts. But these lifestyle changes were one, unsustainable (because who wants to eliminate cheese and ice cream forever needlessly?) or two, expensive to maintain. 

My hormonal acne was localised to my chin and would appear in red cystic bumps.

At this point, I'd been experiencing cystic acne for years, and my skin was getting worse and really getting me down (not to mention the acne scarring aftermath of each breakout). I'd had a hunch for a long time that no matter what I put on my skin, it wouldn't work, as there was something going on internally. I'd lost count of how many times I had visited the GP. Exasperated, I returned to my doctor again, who was sympathetic towards skin conditions, and she referred me to see a dermatologist through the NHS. 

Getting this dermatologist appointment was a real breakthrough, as I felt I was finally being understood. At the time of my appointment, I was experiencing an eczema flare too, but she reassured me that we could address my hormonal acne at the same time as my eczema. Roaccutane is one acne treatment path that is offered if suitable. However, as my skin was eczema prone, this wasn't suitable for me. Roaccutane is an oral medication that treats acne, but it can make the skin temporarily very dry, so we concluded this wouldn't be suited to my eczema-prone skin. Instead, we decided to try a medication called spironolactone. And let me tell you it changed the game for my skin.

Curious to know more about spironolactone treatment for acne? I spoke to Malvina Cunningham, dermatologist for Skin+Me, who shared everything you need to know about this acne medication.

What is spironolactone?

"Spironolactone is a tablet that is primarily used to treat high blood pressure and fluid build-up in the body due to heart disease for example," explains Cunningham. "It also has effects on the hormones in our body and specifically androgens known as the male hormones, which are also produced in small amounts in females. This is why it can be helpful in hormonal acne, which can be due to an increased level of or an increased sensitivity to androgens." 

Who can prescribe spironolactone?

"Spironolactone is prescribed by different doctors depending on the indication, but when used for skin conditions such as hormonal acne, it is typically prescribed by a specialist consultant dermatologist," explains Cunningham. Therefore, for acne treatment, you will need to seek a dermatologist. "In this situation, it is prescribed 'off-licence,' which means the medication is used in a different way to that described in its licence as determined by national regulatory bodies," she adds.

What are the benefits of taking spironolactone for acne?

"Spironolactone can be helpful for a number of conditions where androgen excess or sensitivity is thought to play a role, such as hormonal acne, hirsutism (it can reduce excess facial and body hair) and female pattern hair loss (it can increase the thickness of scalp hair)," says Cunningham. "It can be helpful for women suffering from hormonal acne, but it is slow to work, and it usually takes several months to see an improvement."

Who is suitable to take spironolactone?

"Spironolactone may be considered as a treatment for female adult acne that have not responded to standard acne treatments," says Cunningham. Therefore, you're likely to be encouraged to try a few things before being referred or prescribed spironolactone. "Your consultant dermatologist will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment option with you before making the decision. Spironolactone is not suitable to be taken during pregnancy, and it is not prescribed for male adults with acne," she adds.

How long goes it take spironolactone to work?

"Spironolactone is slow to work, and it can take several months before you see an effect," says Cunningham. The medication is typically prescribed for a year or two and then titrated or stopped depending on how controlled the acne is. "The usual starting dose for acne patients is between 25 and 50 milligrams per day titrated up to 100 to 150 milligrams depending on effect and how well it is tolerated," she says. "It may be taken in combination with other standard acne treatments and /or an oral contraceptive, which may help with side effects."

What are the side effects of spironolactone?

The most common side effects are dizziness, irregular menstrual cycles and breast tenderness, says Cunningham. "Taking spironolactone with the oral contraceptive pill also helps with side effects," she says. Less common side effects can include fatigue, gastrointestinal side effects, headaches, loss of libido, and rarely, it can increase the level of potassium in your blood. "Depending on your other medical problems, some patients therefore need blood monitoring whilst taking spironolactone," she adds.

Is spironolactone acne treatment worth it?

My skin after taking spironolactone.

As this is a medical treatment, suitability will vary from person to person, and a dermatologist will be able to determine this for you. Everyone is different, but speaking from my own experience on spironolactone, this has been the only acne treatment that has made a real difference. In fact, it's one of the best decisions that I've made for my skin. With fewer breakouts, I've been able to address the acne scarring and irregular skin texture with radiofrequency micro-needling. Each time I increased my medication, I was required to have blood tests to ensure it was still suitable for me. This was probably the most annoying part of the process, but no pain, no gain, right?

My breakouts have significantly reduced since taking spironolactone.

I've now been taking this medication for around two years. While I still experience the odd hormonal breakout, I no longer get those inflamed, under-the-skin spots that take weeks to go away. As Cunningham mentioned, it takes a couple of months to see a difference when you first start out, so you will need to be patient for the results. I started to see a difference around two to three months after starting my dosage, and my dermatologist gradually increased this over time until we found the right one for me. 

Symptoms-wise, I only experienced irregular periods at the start of taking this medication, and these settled quickly. A word of warning that this medication is a diuretic, so you may mind that you have to pee more often than usual! But it's a tradeoff I'm willing to accept to have finally balanced my skin and cured my cystic acne.

Up Next, 20 Moisturisers That Won't Clog Your Pores at All

All beauty editors and skincare experts know that when it comes to skincare, and especially to targeting skin concerns like acne, using active ingredients is where the magic happens. Acids speed up skin cell turnover to prevent clogged pores, benzoyl peroxide reduces excess oil production and inflammation, and multitasking retinol prevents breakouts and targets scarring simultaneously. But if you’ve got sensitive skin or you’re new to using actives, the power behind these ingredients may cause some trepidation. Both acids and retinol can cause redness, sensitivity, irritation, and peeling, so when it comes to using products containing these ingredients, the way you apply them makes all the difference.

I know a lot of people who’ve given up on actives altogether after experiencing these unwanted side effects, but before you do the same, I’d urge you to consider short contact therapy - a technique which allows your skin to slowly adjust to active ingredients. I first learned about this method when training to be an esthetician and I’ve been shouting about its benefits ever since. It’s been used and recommended by both dermatologists and facialists for years because it’s incredibly easy to incorporate into an everyday skincare routine.

Here’s everything you need to know about short contact therapy for acne-prone skin, so you can carry on using active ingredients to address your breakouts and reap all of the benefits, with none of the side effects.

1. What is short contact therapy?

Short contact therapy involves applying an active ingredient to your skin for a reduced amount of time. "The technique is pretty simple,” says facialist and skin expert Charlie Perry. "I apply the product for a short period of time—anywhere from 30 seconds to five minutes (depending on the client's skin)—and then rinse it off.” By doing this, you’re limiting the ingredient’s contact with skin, so it can still have an impact, but it doesn’t have long enough to cause irritation.

Chances are you’ve probably (unknowingly) experienced this technique before if you’ve used a rinse-off mask or had a chemical peel, but Perry explains that it can also be used for products such as serums and cleansers. "It’s great for things like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide and other potentially irritating ingredients, as it helps improve the tolerability of a product where normally the skin needs time to adjust,” she adds. 

2. The benefits of short contact therapy

The basic gist is that short contact therapy reduces the potential for active ingredients to irritate your skin, but it also means you can reap their many skin clearing benefits. "For those prone to breakouts or moderate acne, short contact therapy can be really beneficial,” says Perry. "Ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can sometimes dry out or irritate skin if used too frequently, so this is a great to way to tap into their acne-fighting properties.”

And of course, if you have sensitivity, this is a great technique to try if you’re previously found that active ingredients trigger redness and inflammation. "A notorious side effect of topical retinoids is irritant contact dermatitis,” explains Perry. This condition occurs when skin is repeatedly exposed to an irritant which damages the skin’s protective outer layer. "Applying products for shorter periods of time can help increase the skin’s tolerance so irritant contact dermatitis doesn’t occur,” she adds. "Over time, I’ve seen many people able to increase the frequency and length of application and avoid compromising or irritating their skin, but also maximise results.”

3. The side effects of short contact therapy

"Due to the ability to use this technique across a broad range of ingredients and products, it can really be used to treat any skin condition that the product has been designed to address,” says Perry. The obvious side effect is that if a product is left on skin for too long, then irritation may occur. To avoid this, Perry advises starting off with a 30 second application, and then building up in 30 second intervals each time you try it - slowing it down again if irritation occurs.

4. How to try short contact therapy

One of my personal favourite ways to use short contact therapy to target acne breakouts is with benzoyl peroxide. The incredibly powerful ingredient works kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and unblocks clogged pores, but it can also cause skin to dry out and peel. Rather than applying it in a serum or treatment form, I instead use a benzoyl peroxide cleanser, leave it on my skin for 3-5 minutes (think of it like a face mask) and then rinse it off.

Perry also recommends trying the technique out via a cleanser. "I often leave on a salicylic acid cleanser for a few minutes when a client is experiencing breakouts to subside inflammation or even as a way to mitigate breakouts at certain points throughout the hormonal cycle,” she says. Alternatively you can also try out short contact therapy using a serum. Again, think of it like a mask - apply it to clean skin, rinse off with just water, then continue with the hydrating steps of your routine.

The best cleansers for short contact therapy:

The best serums for short contact therapy:

Next Up: I've Lived With Breakouts for Years - These Are The 21 Products That I Swear By

One of the best things I learned in beauty school is the lifespan of a spot: skin produces excess oil, and dead skin cells gather on the skin. Together, these clog pores, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, which results in the inflammation that manifests as a pimple. There’s a lot that can be done to prevent this cycle from starting, such as exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, LED masks to absorb excess oil and using antimicrobial ingredients to kill bacteria. But sometimes, even with the best intentions (and skincare routine), your skin will get the better of you.

Take it from me, I’m a qualified esthetician and still get spots. In this case, the root cause is often out of your control, and by the time a spot has appeared, there’s literally nothing that can be done about some of the factors that contributed to it, such as hormones, stress, diet and medication. For me, personally, my breakouts are almost exclusively hormonal, triggered when I’m stressed (which spikes the hormone cortisol) or by my period (which sees an increase in testosterone). Starting off with a tender feeling deep within the skin and gradually grows into a hard and intensely sore pimple which lurks beneath the skin before finally coming to a head.

"Hormonal breakouts are typically inflammatory lesions, for example, pustules, papules and cysts,” says consultant dermatologist Zainab Laftah. "They commonly occur on the lower half of the face; lower cheeks, jawline and chin.” If this sounds familiar to you, then you’ll know exactly what type of spot we’re talking about here. Not the tiny pimple that appears overnight and disappears just as quickly, but the ones that creep in annoyingly and linger, unwanted under your skin until eventually, they erupt into a painful wound-like blemish which hurts every time you open your mouth. Oh, and sometimes it even feels like they have their own pulse. Yep, those ones.

Most of the time, I’m dealing with this kind of spot, and 90% of the time, my regular spot treatments don’t cut it. In addition, picking and popping won’t work on under-the-skin spots. Another thing I learned in beauty school is that attempting to pop an under-the-skin spot is a guaranteed way to make the breakout last ten times longer and it will almost certainly scar in the process. Most estheticians won’t even touch this kind of spot until it breaks the skin. But we’re here to talk solutions—and that’s where spot patches come in.

What Are Spot Patches?

Typically spot patches (often known as spot stickers) are designed to offer a clean healing environment for spots and to speed up their life cycle. Regular spot patches are usually designed to be used on spots that already have a head. They’re made of hydrocolloid which works in two ways, simultaneously. Firstly by protecting the spot from external aggressors, such as bacteria (and picking!), and secondly by drawing out the gunk from the spot. They’re fast and effective, but if your spot doesn’t have a head yet then they might not be quite so effective. However, the market has grown hugely in recent years and there are now plenty of spot patches that go one step further, thanks to having ingredients actually infused into the hydrocolloid.

These ingredients include some of my favourite blemish-busters, including salicylic acid (which reduces inflammation and clears the pore). "Salicylic acid is oil soluble and thus able to penetrate deeply into the pores to break down bonds between the dead skin cells and oils,” explains Laftah. So you’re getting right to the root of the breakout. In addition, some have calming niacinamides, peptides and hyaluronic acid (which helps the other ingredients to absorb faster).

How Do They Work?

For the best chance of success you need to stick the spot patch onto clean skin, the second you feel that initial tenderness. The sooner you act, the more chance you have of stopping that spot in its tracks. When the time comes to remove the patch, you’ll notice the spot has deflated, any redness will be reduced, and the area won’t be as painful either. All spot patches have different wear times but some, like my favourite the Zitsticka Killa Kit (£18) which work in just two hours.

The Best Spot Patches

• Best fast-acting spot patch: Zitsticka Killa Kit (£18)
• Best spot patch for acne-prone skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ M Patch (£10)
• Best spot patch for daytime wear: Hero Mighty Patch Invisible+ (£15)
• Best spot patch for sensitive skin: CeraVe Blemish Barrier Patches (£9)
• Best for large breakouts: COSRX Master Patch X-Large (£22)

1. Zitsticka Killa Kit

2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ M Patch

3. Hero Mighty Patch Invisible+

4. The Inkey List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches

5. Starface Hydro-Stars Pimple Patches + Compact

6. CeraVe Blemish Barrier Patches

7. Peace Out Pores Detoxifying Strips

8. COSRX Master Patch X-Large

9. Rhode Spotwear

How We Tested

As an esthetician, I have studied skin extensively and as a beauty editor I have years of experience testing and trialling the best spot patches on the market. I also called on the help of Mica Ricketts, a fellow freelance beauty editor who writes extensively about her decades-long experience with acne and has tested all of the patches on this page. We considered efficacy, how comfortable they are to wear, price point and results before including them in our list.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

I’ve spent more than half my life battling breakouts and have come a long way from where I started (acne-ridden teen) thanks to years of product trial and error and a career that helpfully allows me to pick the brains of skincare experts and dermatologists. But no matter how calm and clear my skin appears to be, it flares up once a month without fail, right before my period is due. "This is what’s referred to as hormonal acne, breakouts which commonly occur during a period of hormonal imbalance,” says consultant dermatologist Zainab Laftah. "This is typically seen when there is a surge in androgens (male hormones). Androgens stimulate the oil glands to produce more sebum, resulting in clogged pores and acne.” Androgens often flare up at puberty, during pregnancy, and with menopause, but they also affect skin on a monthly basis, too.

It’s incredibly frustrating if, like me, you’ve got your go-to skincare routine sussed out, you double-cleanse every night, never sleep in your makeup, and are in a committed relationship with at least five face masks. But the (hard) truth is that no skincare products will completely prevent hormonal breakouts from occurring, and there is no face mask that can predict the fluctuations of our hormones or spot treatment to stop spots before we see that telltale redness.

"Typically during a monthly cycle, there is a peak of the female sex hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) during ovulation,” explains Laftah. "Levels of both hormones rapidly fall in the absence of a fertilised egg, resulting in your period. Plus, prior to your period, levels of testosterone (a male hormone) increase, stimulating the sebaceous (oil) glands to produce more sebum, which leads to blocked pores and acne breakouts.” On top of this, our hormone fluctuations can also be impacted by additional factors, including stress, genetics, and lifestyle. "When someone experiences high levels of stress for a prolonged period of time, elevated stress hormones can drive breakout activity and suppress wound healing, meaning breakouts take longer to heal,” explains Victoria Evans, education manager at Dermalogica. "Stress breakouts typically occur along the jawline and on the neck and sometimes around the temples.”

Although it may not be possible to prevent the cause of hormonal breakouts, that doesn’t mean there aren’t tweaks you can make to your skincare routine to help target and combat them as soon as you feel them coming. By targeting the other factors that contribute to breakouts, such as a build-up of dead skin cells, bacteria or excess oil, it’s completely possible to reduce the severity of a flare-up. Over the years, I’ve figured out the products that get to work fast for maximum impact with minimal effort required. Keep scrolling to discover the best treatments for hormonal acne that I’ve tried.

1. Spot Treatments

Targeted spot treatments are designed to be applied to individual breakouts rather than all over. They’re typically the quickest way to take down a spot once you feel or see it appear. Both Laftah and Evans recommend looking out for spot treatments containing salicylic acid. "Salicylic acid is oil soluble thus able to penetrate deeply into the pores to breakdown bonds between the dead skin cells and oils,” explains Laftah. Out of the hundreds of spot treatments I’ve tried over the years, these are the most effective.

Shop spot treatments:

2. Face Masks

They may not be a daily staple in the same way a cleanser or sunscreen is, but face masks are one of the best ways to target both new and existing breakouts with fast-acting, hardworking ingredients. If you have acne-prone skin you’ll know that there is an overwhelming amount of face mask offerings on the market, so I’ve narrowed it down to my top four.

Shop face masks:

3. Exfoliants

"It can be helpful to track your cycle and understand the ebb and flow of your hormones, then record your symptoms, both physical, emotional, and your skin responses,” says Evans. "Once you know when in your cycle you see certain changes, you can adapt your regimen and lifestyle to pre-empt and reduce them, such as regular gentle exfoliation to keep skin clean and clear.” Acid-based chemical exfoliants will also help to fade pigmentation from leftover breakouts and will improve skin texture. But remember: Over-exfoliating can cause irritation. If you’re new to acids, start off using them once or twice a week, increasing usage when build-up occurs in the week before your period is due.

Shop exfoliants:

4. Toners

I know that some toners might seem like nothing more than bottles of fancy water, but this is not a category to overlook, especially if your breakouts are inflamed and painful. For me, the soothing ingredients and refreshing application of a face mist are always a welcome relief when my spots feel sore to touch. 

Shop toners:

4. Serums

One of the most important steps in any skincare routine, serums are the best opportunity you have to target your skin concerns with a tailored blend of potent ingredients. For both reducing and treating breakouts, Laftah recommends active ingredients like retinoids and salicylic acid.

Shop serums:

5. Moisturisers

Finding a moisturiser that works for breakout-prone skin is no easy task, but it’s important to keep skin hydrated in order to maintain good skin health. The healthier skin is, the better it’s able to defend the skin from external aggressors (like bacteria) and heal breakouts and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Shop moisturisers:

6. Tools

Certain skincare tools should be left to the pros, but there are a few DIY gadgets that come derm-approved for at-home use.

Shop tools:

Next Up: I Have Pigmentation, and I Swear By This New Serum for Even, Glowing Skin

I developed hormonal cystic acne in my early twenties, and whilst I've since gotten it under control with medication (spironolactone, in case you were wondering), I still have some uneven skin texture on my chin where the stubborn breakouts persisted (even with a diligent skincare routine).

It's not severe or particularly obvious to those around me, but it has always bothered me, and I was finding that skincare alone wasn't enough to sort it—even retinol wasn't cutting it. So when aesthetics device manufacturer Lynton launched Focus Dual, a machine that combines radiofrequency with microneedling (also known as RF microneedling, FYI) to treat several skin concerns, including acne scarring and uneven skin texture, I wondered what it might do for me.

Radiofrequency microneedling has become one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in the industry over the past few years. Debbie Thomas, skincare expert and founder of D.Thomas Clinic in London, was one of the first to offer RF microneedling with the Focus Dual. "Combining two clinically proven technologies—radiofrequency and microneedling—that work synergistically, the RF microneedling treatment offers dramatic skin-boosting results," she says. "RF microneedling is a versatile treatment, effective for age management, healthy skin promotion, overall textural improvements and scar and acne reduction."

In some lighting, the uneven skin texture on my chin is more apparent, and my makeup doesn't go on as smoothly as I'd like it to, as shown here.

Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to try RF microneedling for myself. Ahead, you'll find my honest review of the treatment, my before-and-after pictures and what I think you need to know about this innovative treatment.

What Is Radiofrequency Microneedling?

So, what exactly is radiofrequency microneedling? When I headed to the D.Thomas Clinic, I put the question to my clinic therapist, Elinor Hooper, who conducted my course of treatment. She explained that the device uses 25 tiny pinhead needles to puncture the skin. This controlled injury triggers the skin's healing response to kickstart collagen generation. "Microneedling is really good for refining the skin and helping to even the texture, whilst the radiofrequency creates heat to tighten and stimulate collagen," she says. "So, the two together help to improve the overall appearance of the skin."

A vacuum suction draws the skin into the tip evenly before the needles—which are finer than other competitor devices—are released, making it more efficient at delivering efficacious results and triggering the skin into recovery mode, where remodelling can occur.

My primary goal was the uneven texture on my chin, but this treatment can also address a whole range of skin concerns on both the face and the body. It can treat pigmentation and acne scarring, as well as plump fine lines and help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, too. It also has a tightening effect, making it ideal for a subtle lift. Plus, it can be used on the body too, and is particularly effective at treating stretch marks.

How to Prepare for Radiofrequency Microneedling

Before my first Focus Dual radiofrequency microneedling treatment, with numbing cream.

I was recommended a course of three treatments, each four weeks apart, to get the best results that I was hoping for. Depending on the severity of your concerns, you may need fewer or more treatments to achieve your goals. It's recommended to avoid sun exposure prior to your treatment, so autumn/winter is the ideal time to get started.

That said, I had come back from holiday the week before my initial treatment, so my therapist used insulated needles, which are a little gentler on sun-exposed skin. These needles are also more suited to dark skin tones, but your therapist will determine which is best for your skin tone, as well as which needle depth will achieve the best results for you.

Does Radiofrequency Microneedling Hurt?

Now, the answer that everyone wants to know. Does it hurt? I won't lie, it feels quite pinchy, particularly so in sensitive areas like around the eyes and lips, but you soon get used to the sensation. My therapist treated my face and neck, and she went over the areas of concern two or three times. As you can see below, I was quite red and my skin felt hot, but my therapist assured me this was all normal and a good reaction to the treatment. I would describe it as similar to feeling a little sunburnt, and I was this red for around an hour after my treatment (cue running out of the clinic with my biggest sunglasses on as I made my way to the nearest tube station). The redness subsided, and I looked less flushed after a couple of hours.

If you're really worried about it hurting, you can pop some numbing cream on beforehand. I went without for my first treatment, and whilst it was mostly bearable, I would highly recommend using it for a more comfortable experience, especially if you have a low pain threshold. Depending on which council oversees the area the clinic is in, you may need to buy and apply the cream yourself. If this is the case, it's because some councils allow only medical professionals to "prescribe" and apply the cream to patients (and it's likely that the practitioner who performs your treatment won't be a doctor or prescriber, as the law doesn't require microneedling to be carried out by a medical professional).

This was the case at D.Thomas Clinic, so I bought a tube of numbing cream and let it sit on my skin for 40 minutes before my subsequent treatments.

How Long Does Each Radiofrequency Microneedling Treatment Take?

Each treatment lasted for around 45 minutes, and I had three treatments in total, spaced four weeks apart. I was given some aftercare advice after each treatment—more on that below.

Radiofrequency Microneedling Aftercare

My skin two days after my radiofrequency microneedling treatment.

In the days after each treatment, my skin was pink, and I could see the marks where the needles had punctured my skin. It certainly looks more severe here than it actually was, and I didn't experience any pain whatsoever in the days after treatment. This lasted up to four days, after which my skin settled and the bumps disappeared. Naturally, my face was more sensitive during this time, so I was given some aftercare tips to ensure it healed well.

I only used gentle skincare for the four days after each treatment, and mostly avoided stronger active ingredients such as retinoids and exfoliating acids for the duration of my treatment course. Lynton has a cooling serum gel, which is designed to be used post-procedure, and I did so in the days after each treatment. I stayed out of the sun and wore SPF each day, which is even more important than usual, as the skin is particularly sensitive after needling. After a week, I could introduce my salicylic-acid cleanser and hyaluronic-acid serums back into my routine as normal.

It's okay to wear makeup 24 hours after an RF needling treatment, but I tried to go without for as long as possible, as I found my acne-prone skin was easily clogged where it was more exposed. If you do want to wear makeup, mineral-based powder foundations are recommended. It's also advisable to avoid swimming, saunas and vigorous exercise that causes your skin to heat up for a couple of days after your treatment.

Before

Before my treatment.

After

One month after my third and final treatment.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

It can take up to three months from your first treatment to see the full results, but initial changes can be visible six weeks after the first. I had my first RF microneedling treatment at the end of July, and my final one at the end of September. This "after" picture is about three months after my first treatment. Because of the skin-healing process and collagen production that occur as a result, you can expect to see further results around the six-month mark.

Whilst it's subtle, my skin texture is currently smoother and feels plumper. The scarring on my chin and jawline is also less prominent, and I feel my pores are less noticeable, and fine lines have been plumped. I've even noticed a little bit of lifting around the corners of my mouth.

My Verdict

With the results that I've seen so far, I would really recommend this treatment to anyone who wants to address skin-texture concerns, pigmentation or acne scarring, or if you just want to give your skin a boost. The treatment can be uncomfortable, and the downtime needs to be managed well, but I feel the results are absolutely worth it.

As someone who has previously had microneedling as a standalone treatment, I can say that I've experienced even better results with the addition of radiofrequency. It's now been three years since I had my course, and I can still see the benefits; though I'd be inclined to book another course to improve the acne scarring even further.

How Much Does a Radiofrequency Microneedling Treatment Cost?

Treatment cost will vary from clinic to clinic. At D.Thomas Clinic, Focus Dual starts at £395 for a single treatment or £1067 for a course of three.

Disclaimer: It’s crucial to do thorough research into the aesthetics procedure and practitioner(s) you’re considering. For injectable treatments, we advise checking the GMC (General Medical Council), NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) and GDC (General Dental Council) registers to ensure your chosen practitioner is a registered medical professional with an active licence to practice medicine in the United Kingdom. Note that Botox (botulinum toxin) is a prescription medicine in the UK, and therefore can only be legally prescribed by a cosmetic or aesthetic doctor, surgeon, dentist (not a dental therapist or hygienist) or nurse prescriber after a face-to-face consultation. Dermal fillers and biostimulators (such as polynucleotides) are not prescription medicines, and can therefore be performed by non-medics (like an aesthetic practitioner, for example), though we still recommend seeking treatment with a doctor or nurse to ensure you are in the hands of someone who has the skill, experience and tools necessary to deal with any complications, should they arise. You can find recommended and vetted practitioners near you on The Tweakments Guide, or the BCAM (British College of Aesthetic Medicine) and BAMAN (British Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses) registers. Additionally, the Government has recently announced a crackdown on unsafe cosmetic procedures, and amongst other measures, is urging the public to only visit practitioners at providers registered with the CQC (Care Quality Commission).

If like me, you spent the best part of your teens struggling with acne and persistent breakouts, then you’ve probably also spent your twenties dealing with the lingering aftermath of a dull, uneven skin tone. You’ll also know that there’s truly nothing more buzzkill than patches of hyperpigmentation when all you want is to live out your dreams of going makeup-free and having naturally radiant, glowing skin.

Of course, I’m not alone. Post-acne pigmentation is an increasingly common concern, and it’s easy to see why. Dermatologists and skincare experts agree that approximately 95% of the population experience acne between the ages of 11 and 30. But what happens when the breakouts clear? Scarring and hyperpigmentation are the lingering aftermaths of breakout-prone skin. Typically manifesting as red, brown, purple or black marks (depending on your skin tone and the depth of discolouration), this pigmentation develops when the skin has become inflamed. Untreated, it can take anything between three and 24 months for these marks to heal.

Like most, I’ve tried the holy trifecta of pigmentation-targeting ingredients—alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), retinoids and vitamin C—all to some varying degree of success. So when I heard that one of my favourite brands, Allies of Skin was launching a serum that claimed to boost glow without the use of AHAs, retinoids, or vitamin C, I was naturally intrigued. There’s certainly been a collective movement away from AHA-based products in the past year, as skin experts have educated on the dangers of over-exfoliation and the importance of strengthening the skin barrier to help skin heal. All of the aforementioned ingredients can be irritating (especially for sensitive skin) so aren’t a feasible option for many, but until now, the market has been short of products that work without them.

But that’s where Allies of Skin’s Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum comes into play. It might not contain exfoliating acids or retinoids, but according to Allies of Skin founder and skincare expert Nicholas Travis, that’s exactly what people were asking for. "We’re so used to products that strip and disrupt the skin barrier,” he says. "But I knew there had to be a way in which we could achieve a healthy glow without any acids, without any exfoliation and without any retinoids.”

What makes this serum unique is this exact concept and the unique blend of innovative ingredients that it contains. "It has 3% tranexamic acid and 2% alpha arbutin—two brightening powerhouses that inhibit excess melanin production (which is responsible for pigmentation in the area of concern),” says Travis. "There’s also a 5% mushroom complex which not only strengthens the skin barrier but soothes and provides incredible antioxidant protection.” He was keen for the formula to feature adaptogenic mushrooms, after personally seeing amazing benefits when taking them as an oral supplement. "The mushrooms are a great natural source of kojic acid (which is another proven ingredient to brighten pigmentation),” he explains. "They work alongside 5% niacinamide, a great active ingredient which helps to regulate sebum production, restore the skin barrier and brighten pigmentation.”

Chances are you may not (yet) be familiar with all of those ingredients, but that doesn’t mean to say they’re not seriously effective. While acids work by exfoliating the top layers of the skin, tranexamic acid works quite differently. "It goes deeper into the skin to reduce inflammation, unlike acids which actually trigger inflammation,” Travis explains. 

The serum may only just have launched but it already has big fans within the beauty community. "Previously, I was dealing with breakouts and acne but now I’ve passed that, my next goal was reducing discolouration and just generally brightening my skin,” says celebrity makeup artist and skin expert Nikki DeRoest. "I love that the serum can treat my pigmentation but also means I’m not stripping my skin and that it is still hydrated and healing.” DeRoest saw a difference within a matter of weeks. "After a week I thought I was seeing things but as I kept using it I could see it was truly brightening those spots,” she says. "Now I use it every morning and night. I’m obsessed.” After trying out the serum for the first time myself, I understood the obsession straight away. The serum has a lightweight but luxurious texture, it feels super soothing, and it doesn't trigger any redness or sensitivity in the slightest. What's more, because the skin is water-based, it gives skin an instant dewy glow.

Plus, Travis has ensured the serum can be used alongside other active ingredients without causing irritation. "You can use it on its own but you can also mix it,” he says. "For example with a vitamin C serum, or at night with a retinoid or acid-based serum.” 

Like DeRoest, I noticed a difference in my skin within a week of using the serum. First to my overall skin tone, which appears brighter and fresher, and then to my pigmentation—a recent spot that had left a red mark faded to nothing within just a couple of days. I'm confident that I'm now on the final countdown to makeup-free days ahead, so I can’t wait to see what the results are like after a few months of use. Yes, it is an investment, but for me, it is well worth it.

Shop the Serum

Shop More of My Favourite Products From Allies of Skin

Next Up: 24 Products Beauty Editors Can't Stop Recommending to Their Friends

Is it just me, or do toners get a really bad rap? Whenever I speak to people about their skincare routines, they always tell me that they don't use a toner as they don't really get what it's for or how it can help. Sure, they have the best cleanser, best serum and best moisturiser in their bathroom cupboard, but there's a common misconception that toners can exacerbate skincare concerns. In fact, it's the total opposite.

Don't get me wrong, you'll never hear me saying that you 100% need a toner as part of your skincare routine, and if it doesn't work for your skin type then that's absolutely fine, but the reason that I love this product so much is that there is now a huge range of sophisticated formulas out there designed to help tackle specific skincare concerns and make your complexion a whole lot happier. And trust me, I've tried the lot.

As someone with combination skin, enlarged pores, blackheads and blemishes, I've put my fair share of toners to the test over the years, and I've found some of the best formulas on the market that have helped transform my complexion. Intrigued to know more? Just keep on scrolling...

What Is a Toner?

First things first, what actually is a toner? "Fundamentally, a toner is designed to balance pH levels in the skin, which can prepare the skin for the use of other products like serums and moisturisers," explains consultant dermatologist, Dr Magnus Lynch. "[A toner] can also help to remove any residual makeup or dirt that accumulates during the day. [Plus], some toners contain active ingredients that can help with specific skin concerns such as acne."

"Lots of modern toners are used as a mild exfoliant, rich with AHAs [alpha hydroxy acids, which exfoliate the skin] to regenerate and brighten," adds facialist, Rhian Truman.

How to Choose a Toner for Your Skin Type

So, with so many toners on the market, how do you go about choosing the best one? "Toners can be used on all skin types," says Dr Lynch. "However, these may be tailored if you have specific skin concerns." For example, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, Dr Lynch recommends looking out for active ingredients such as salicylic acid or niacinamide. However, those of you with dry or more sensitive skin may benefit from ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.

How to Apply a Toner

Once you've found the right formula for you, it's important to apply your toner in the correct way. "Typically, a toner would be applied after cleansing your face and before the application of other products," says Dr Lynch. Usually, you can apply your toner to a cotton pad before sweeping across the skin, but make sure to check the instructions, as this can vary from product to product.

Now that you know all that, check out my edit of the best toners below (as someone who has tried them all), and get ready to take your skincare routine to the next level.

My current favourite toners that I am using on repeat.

The Best Toners, Tried & Confirmed by a Beauty Editor

1. Best Toner Overall: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £35
2. Best Toner for Dry Skin: Rhode Glazing Milk, £32
3. Best Toner for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion, £17
4. Best Toner for Sensitive Skin: Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner, £12
5. Best Affordable Toner: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, £8

1. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

2. Rhode Glazing Milk

3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion

4. Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner

5. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

6. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Exfoliating Face Toner

7. Medik8 Press and Clear

8. Paula's Choice Calm Nourishing Milky Toner

9. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence

10. Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner

11. Pixi Glow Tonic

12. The Ordinary Multi Active Delivery Essence

How We Tested

To compile this list of the best toners, each product was tested over several weeks on skin concerns, including dryness, enlarged pores, blackheads, congestion and blemishes. Every toner was used consistently as part of a full routine to assess how well it balanced the skin after cleansing, and whether it helped improve texture, clarity and overall radiance. We paid close attention to key ingredients and how each formula felt on the skin, noting any redness, dryness or breakouts.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

If there’s anything that beauty editors are forever in pursuit of, it’s healthy-looking, radiant skin. While some glowing makeup trickery can help you feign a healthy glow, the best course of action to achieve an even-toned, radiant complexion is skincare, and more specifically, a brightening serum.

First things first, let’s define what we mean by brightening. A brightening serum, in a nutshell, helps your skin look even toned and radiant. It can help fade dark spots from acne scarring, reduce pigmentation caused by sun damage (if you’re not already wearing an SPF every day, here is your sign) and imparts dull, lacklustre skin with a little more glow. Most brightening serums work by reducing melanin production, which can help to fade areas of skin discolouration.

Brightening serums can easily slot into your current skincare routine. You’ll want to incorporate this after cleansing your skin, but before moisturising. Serums are formulated to be more potent and deliver ingredients into the skin more so than moisturisers, so if you’re looking to invest in a brightening skincare product, a serum is your best bet to get the most bang for your skincare buck. And if you’re looking for brightening eye creams for dark circles – we’ve also got that covered.

"When looking to buy a serum to brighten and even the tone of the skin, there are loads of great ingredients,” says aesthetician and founder of West Room Aesthetics, Dija Ayodele. "Some of my favourites are kojic acid, liquorice root extract, niacinamide, resorcinol and alpha arbutin and retinoids. All these ingredients work by calming melanin production as well as targeting current hyperpigmentation to help with fading, so it is important to remember that they are long term products to prevent as well as to treat.”

While we love a product that delivers instant results, it’s worth using a brightening serum for at least four weeks to start seeing results, so stick with it and don’t forget to follow up with an effective SPF each day to help protect your skin to maintain skin clarity and radiance. Whether you have oily, dry or sensitive skin (or all the above – skin can be picky!) there’s a brightening serum for your skin type and budget below.

The 10 Best Brightening Serums

1. Paula's Choice Clinical Discoloration Repair Serum

2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum

3. Caudalie Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum

4. Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment

5. Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum

6. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

7. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum

8. Byoma Brightening Serum

9. The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

10. Tula Brightening Treatment Drops

Up next: This Is the Affordable Brand Beauty Editors Swear By for Clear, Glowy Skin

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

For most of my life, I have been blessed with pretty clear and even skin. While many of my friends battled with acne at school and throughout their teenage years, my skin stayed clear and blemish-free. That was until I hit my late 20s and I started to develop adult acne. Since then, I struggle to name a time that my face hasn’t had some sort of breakout or blemish. It is as though every time a spot started to heal, another would crop up. And so, I have been in a three-year cycle of breakouts, healing and scarring.

However, since seeking professional help from a dermatologist last year, things have been looking up. I haven’t had a notable breakout in four months (which is almost miraculous), and in terms of active spots, my skin is probably the clearest it has been in years. However, one thing I just can’t seem to get on top of is the scarring. To the naked eye, my complexion might still appear to have acne, but in reality, it’s just ongoing scarring.

As a result, I have invested a lot of time into researching acne scarring and adjusting my skincare routine in a bid to get rid of it. I have spoken to some of the top dermatologists and aestheticians around in a bid to get to the bottom of my scarring issues. And since adopting their advice, I have seen significant improvement. So much so that my complexion is now the clearest and most even it has looked in many years. So without further ado, keep scrolling to read everything there is to know about treating acne scarring and to shop the best products for the job.

The Different Types of Acne Scarring

First of all, let’s delve into why some of us get acne scars. "Acne scarring occurs during the healing process [of a spot]. It happens when there is an imbalance in collagen biosynthesis,” explains Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist for La Roche-Posay. "It can present as ice-pick scars (deep, narrow and pitted), rolling scars (broad depressions with sloping edges), boxed scars (broad depressions with sharp edges) and hypertrophic scars (elevated),” she adds.

However, it’s also worth noting here that scarring isn’t always a textural change. In many cases, acne scarring can simply present as pigmented changes without causing any noticeable differences to texture. Medical consultant Ifeoma Ejikeme explains, "Acne scars can be a change in colour or texture. Changes in colour could present as hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory erythema (redness).”

How Can Acne Scarring Be Prevented?

The best way to ensure you don’t have to deal with acne scarring is by helping to prevent it. As with everything in skincare, prevention is almost always easier than treatment. "I know it is such a cliché, but the number one thing to prevent acne scarring is not picking at your spots,” reveals Ahmed El Muntasar, NHS and cosmetic doctor. "For people of colour specifically, there is a risk of basic inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which means the spot is causing inflammation in the skin. The cells responsible for melanin production make more melanin around it, and that’s when dark little spots can occur. If you are prone to that, using ingredients like vitamin C will brighten the skin and also prevent it from happening,” he adds.

Another key element in preventing acne scarring is daily SPF application. "A robust skincare routine can minimise the occurrence of breakouts. Using a daily sunscreen also helps reduce scarring,” adds Ejikeme.

How Can Acne Scarring Be Treated?

The extent to which scars can be treated and how totally depends upon the type of scarring you have. "It is difficult to erase all acne scars. However, a number of treatment modalities can be used to improve their appearance,” says Laftah. Any scar that has left severe textural change, particularly if that involves indentation in the skin, will typically require clinical treatment. It is best to book in for a consultation with a doctor for such treatments.

"A general rule of thumb is if the scars are indented, you need treatment that lifts off the skin and flattens the scar. Microneedling uses a medical device that creates microscopic holes in the skin that are filled with collagen to flatten it out. Sometimes you can use a touch of dermal fillers on the scar itself. Microdermabrasion or peels could also be an option,” says El Muntasar. Similarly, clinical treatment is also often necessary for extreme raised scarring.

When it comes to pigmented changes, however, treatment can be undertaken at home with skincare products. "Pigmented scars require tyrosinase inhibitors, and redness in the skin can be treated with azelaic acid,” says Ejikeme. When it comes to inflammatory redness and pigmentation, time is also a key healer. "The skin changes will gradually fade with time, and actives including niacinamide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, azelaic acid and retinoids will help. Careful sun protection is essential to prevent worsening of redness and pigmentation,” says Laftah. 

As an all-rounder, retinoids will also help minimise the appearance of scarring, including mild textural changes. "Retinoids are generally a great option. They increase your cell turnover so that fresh skin from underneath comes to the surface quicker. Although, the best option is tretinoin, the strongest form of prescription vitamin A,” reveals El Muntasar.

For the best products to treat mild acne scarring, keep scrolling.

1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum

2. Clinique Superdefense SPF 40 Fatigue + 1st Signs of Age Multi-Correcting Gel

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+

4. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF25

5. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

6. Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum

7. Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

8. Verso Hydration Serum With Niacinamide

9. Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF50

10. Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum

11. Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

12. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Next up, experts agree this one skincare product is the first step to a healthy glow.

As a beauty editor who spends every single day consuming information and learning about skin from some of the top experts in the world, it’s safe to say that I know a thing or two about what we should and shouldn’t be doing in our quest for healthy skin. However, my years of experience in this job have also taught me that this does not mean I have the know-how on how to treat a medical skin condition.

You see, as like every other organ in our bodies, the skin and the way in which it functions is different for every individual. The advice that I give through my work is very much targeted at those that would like to give their already relatively healthy skin a helping hand. When it comes to skin conditions, whether it be eczema, rosacea, psoriasis or acne, there is little a beauty editor, friend, family member or influencer on Instagram can help with.

How do I know this, you ask? Because without blowing my own trumpet, I feel confident in saying that I know a lot more about skin and skincare than most. And, when my typically clear, glowing complexion started showing signs of acne over a year ago, I simply didn’t know what to do. I tried every tip and trick that I had learned. I tried acids, I tried no acids, I tried retinol, I tried no retinol, I tried countless different cleansers, as well as stripping my routine back to basics. And despite actioning everything I thought I knew to work, nothing helped. 

In the grand scheme of things, my acne isn’t terrible. However, as someone who totally skipped the teenage breakout phase, breaking out in painful, cystic acne in my twenties didn’t make me feel great. The spots themselves were based predominantly on my chin, around my jaw, and were often so painful that I couldn’t talk or leave the house.

Knowing that acne on the jawline is often linked to hormonal imbalances, I even came off my contraceptive pill in an attempt to start from scratch. At first, coming off my pill seemed to help and my breakouts died down a little, but six months later they were back and worse than ever. I knew that I needed medical guidance, but trying to see a dermatologist for acne on the NHS is no mean feat at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic.

Shannon before her acne breakouts.

After 18 months, I finally booked in to see a dermatologist at London’s Cadogan Clinic. And I would like to take this opportunity to tell everyone reading this that I know being able to book into a private clinic for any sort of skin condition is a 'luxury' that not everybody can afford. If your skin is impacting your mental health and you can’t afford to see a private dermatologist, I urge you not to give up with your NHS GP—skin conditions should not be overlooked. 

And while a part of me felt silly for seeing a dermatologist over seemingly mild acne, when my aesthetician, Pamela Marshall at Mortar & Milk (who by the way is considered London’s acne whisperer) advised I get a dermatologist to take a look, I knew it’s what needed to be done. So, two weeks ago, I had my appointment with consultant dermatologist at Cadogan Clinic, Dr Thivi Maruthappu. I have worked with Dr Maruthappu before and leant on her for insights to many articles, so I knew that I would be in good hands.

After a half an hour consultation, Dr Maruthappu had diagnosed me with acne vulgaris on my jawline and prescribed me a couple of prescription-only creams and a tablet to take every day for the next eight weeks. And while she explained that treating acne is a process that sometimes includes trial and error (meaning this might not be an immediate cure for me), she gave me some valuable insights on adult acne that I think are really important to share. This is everything Dr Maruthappu taught me…

About Meditation...

One of the first questions that Dr Maruthappu asked me was if I was stressed. My initial answer was no more than normal, however it turns out what many of us deem to be ‘normal’ is often too high. Over the past few months, I have been juggling a house move with an exceptionally busy time at work, meaning I have been averaging roughly five hours of sleep a night. "Five hours is less than optimal,” warned Dr Maruthappu. She explained how high stress levels can exacerbate acne due to an increase in cortisol levels. 

To help me get a grip on my stress (and maybe my acne), she recommended I invest some time in meditation. In a bid to help reduce my cortisol levels, I have been setting the time aside for 10 minutes of guided meditation on YouTube every evening.

Shop My Favourite Meditation Aids

About Diet…

One thing that Dr Maruthappu was very keen to get across is that the aggressive diet culture around acne and skin conditions needs to stop. "I have patients that have gone to extremes to cut out certain foods from their diets,” she admits. But the truth is, it can be really damaging for your mental health, and often isn’t founded in science.

She told me that, providing you’re getting a relatively balanced diet, rich in fatty acids, it’s likely not food causing your issues. With that being said, she did warn me that excessive dairy, sugar and protein powder consumption can risk exacerbating acne, so try to enjoy them in moderation.

While my diet is mostly balanced and very rich in fatty acids, I do know that my diet could be more nutrient rich, so I also take daily supplements to give me a helping hand.

Shop My Daily Supplements

About Hormones…

It’s important to remember that the skincare we buy in shops can only do so much for our skin. Sure, it can do a really great job at giving our skin what it needs to work at its best, but if there is something going on at a deeper level, medicated products are often required. 

When I told Dr Maruthappu that I came off my pill, she asked if I had been experiencing any hair loss (I had). "Hair loss can often be a side effect from coming off certain pills as estrogen creates a good growing environment for hair. When you come off the pill, those estrogen levels can drop,” she explains.

She also revealed that acne along the jawline can sometimes (but not always, I would like to highlight) point to the sort of hormonal irregularities that come with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). "However, with PCOS, acne is commonly accompanied by hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face) and irregular periods,” she adds. She advised that if I have any concerns, to visit my GP for blood tests.

I was prescribed spironolactone to help limit hormonal fluctuations, a tretinoin gel (retinoid) to increase cell turnover and an azelaic acid cream to minimise breakouts, bacteria and scarring. Although, please remember that this prescription is individual to me and might not be suitable for every individual’s wants and needs.

About Moisturiser…

When using a topical retinoid such as the one I have been prescribed, it’s absolutely imperative that you don’t use any other acids or exfoliants in your skincare routine if you want to avoid damage to your skin barrier. Dr Maruthappu advised it was important I use a moisturiser free from acid exfoliants and one that I already know doesn’t worsen by acne.

Shop My Go-To Daily Moisturisers

About SPF…

The key, when using any retinoid treatment (prescription or otherwise) is in being vigilant with your daily SPF application. Not only can retinoids made your skin more sensitive to sunlight, but applying SPF every day will also help protect skin against long-term scarring. And with so many great facial SPF products out there now, we really have no excuse.

Shop My Favourite Facial SPFs

It will come as no surprise to learn that I've always loved beauty products. As soon as I hit secondary school I'd spend my pocket money on magazines (Bliss, J-17, CosmoGirl—I'd buy them all) because I was totally obsessed with the beauty pages inside, especially the skincare tips.

You see, when you're dealing with acne as a teenager you become somewhat preoccupied with your complexion, and I was a teen on an acne-busting mission. Of course, being the early noughties, there wasn't the plethora of online information that there is now so I relied on magazines to educate me on which products would rid my skin of spots—and that meant a heck of a lot of Clearasil. Despite a lot of promising marketing jargon, nothing really worked.

As a teenager, your hormones are going haywire and, for me, acne is something that has stuck around into adulthood. In my late teens, I caved and asked my GP to put me on a brand of contraceptive pill that I'd heard could help to clear your skin up, but it still didn't have the miraculous results that I craved, merely keeping my blemishes to a manageable minimum. And by then, I had already been left with scarring and pigmentation due to some pretty intense breakouts in my younger years. 

All this to say, if you have acne and are reading this piece, then I totally get it. There is a kind of fervour that comes with facing daily breakouts that can feel exhausting: constantly researching, seeking advice and spending money on new products that you hope will finally be the ones to make a difference to your skin. But it doesn't have to be that way. With over 150,000 posts on Instagram, the #skinpositivity hashtag is a celebration of skin in all its forms with people like Jenny Yu and Cydney showing that acne doesn't have to be covered up. As someone whose confidence has always been intrinsically linked to the state of my skin, the discovery has felt like a breath of fresh air. 

So, while I can't promise that this skincare routine will rid your skin of acne entirely or transform your complexion overnight (and neither am I telling you that it should if you're more than happy with your skin as it is), I can promise you that it's more than just jargon. In fact, the entire routine is advised and approved by a woman who really knows her stuff, Anita Sturnham, MD, a GP specialising in skin health.

Before we get into the routine itself though, what actually causes acne? "In my experience, there is often a hormonal trigger, says Sturnham. "For teens, this can be due to the fluctuating hormones in puberty, and later in life, it's typically sex hormones or an adrenal hormone imbalance. We also know that acne and breakouts can be caused by pregnancy or hormonal medications being started or stopped, adrenal fatigue due to prolonged stress, lack of sleep, or putting the wrong things onto our skin. These trigger points can all add up and literally lead to mayhem in your skin."

Of course, while acne is most commonly be caused by hormonal fluctuations, any of us that deal with blemishes will be well aware of the stigma that spots are caused by unclean skin. Even now, despite being in my 30s and working as a beauty editor with access to some of the best products that money can buy and a seriously good skincare routine, I still feel self-conscious whenever I go for a facial or need to be bare-faced before a makeup tutorial in case the expert that I'm with makes the assumption that I don't take care of my skin. 

In fact, it's this quest for clean skin that Sturnham thinks could be detrimental for those of us caring for acne-prone skin at home: over-cleansing might actually be exacerbating our breakouts. "Many of my patients are using harsh cleansing products in an attempt to get clearer skin," explains Sturnham. "The issue with overdoing this step is that these products can strip your skin barrier, making the skin more prone to water loss through a process called transepidermal moisture loss. This sends a signal to your skin cells that it is dehydrated and it activates your sebaceous glands to produce extra sebum (the skin's natural oil), which makes the problem worse."

So, what is the best approach for looking after acne-prone skin? "The strategy starts with getting your skincare routine right," advises Sturnham.

Keep scrolling for her approved acne skincare routine for morning and night, then shop and some of my tried-and-tested products.

Morning skincare routine for acne-prone skin

Step #1: Cleanse

"Use a gentle cleanser to keep your skin looking fresh and radiant and try to avoid foaming cleansers that can strip the skin of its essential oils. Choose products which are non-comedogenic (they won't clog pores), and while breakouts are significant, look for ingredients like salicylic acid or lactic acid in a cream or gel formulation."

Step #2: Tone

"Use a rebalancing toner to restore your skin's natural pH levels, tighten your pores and prepare the skin for your active skincare treatments. This cleansing and toning regime will help with oil control and to unblock clogged pores, as well as prepare your skin so that your next step absorbs deeper and works more effectively."

Step #3: Treat

"Typically, I will add a prescriptive item into the mix here, such as Duac—a prescription-only product that contains benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. This dream duo works in synergy to dampen down inflammation. You will need to see your doctor for a prescription, but I highly recommend using this type of product in the acute phase. If skin is prone to dryness, I also recommend using a hydrating serum on top. Look for serums packed full of nourishing and hydrating ingredients but avoid oils, as these can clog your pores and make your breakouts worse. I recommend serums rich in hyaluronic acid and ingredients like zinc, magnesium and copper. Once breakouts are calmer, I'd suggest a serum that protects against environmental aggressors but also helps to reduce the inflammatory pigmentation, left behind after breakouts."

Step #4: Protect and Hydrate

"Finally, apply a protective, hydrating and non-pore clogging moisturiser over the top of your serum. This acts as a protective barrier for your skin and locks in moisture to keep the skin hydrated and its barriers strong. Whilst we know SPF protection is essential for prevention of UV damage and premature ageing, when it comes to acne skin, less is more. Skin is likely to purge and product overload won’t do your skin any favours so look for a mineral-based SPF which are generally more pore-friendly"

Evening skincare routine for acne-prone skin

Steps #1 and #2: Cleanse and Tone (as before)

Step #3: Serum

"Add in your retinoids here. Retinoids have been extensively studied for more than 30 years, and their collagen-building and acne-fighting properties are well documented. Adding in a retinoid serum helps to reduce pore inflammation, regulates sebaceous gland activity, speeds up cell repair and treats post inflammatory hyperpigmentation—the dark spots you are left when spots heal."

Step #4: Repair and Hydrate

"Often the morning moisturiser is adequate for acne sufferers, particularly if you're using a good serum underneath. Again, avoid heavily oil-loaded products and look for natural emollients such as safflower, jojoba, squalane. I also love using peptides and hyaluronic acid in an evening moisturiser."

Step #5: Exfoliate

"Once a week, use an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells from the top layers of the skin and encourage healthy new cells to reach the surface. This will give you a radiant complexion and reduce the risk of pesky skin cells clogging your pores. I recommend ingredients such as pyruvic acid, salicylic acid and lactic acid. However, avoid strong exfoliants if your skin is feeling sensitive or inflamed."

I'm going to jump right in and say it: There is no quick fix for acne. I've been dealing with it since I was 14 years old and have tried pretty much everything out there to keep it in check. Antibiotics, the contraceptive pill, private dermatology appointments, basically any product on the market promising to bust breakouts, you name it, and I've tried it. I'm now 31 years old and despite having access to amazing skin experts and the most highly recommended products, I still experience regular breakouts and painful spots. Why? Because despite what marketing might have you believe, one of the main causes of acne is hormones, and there's no amount of expensive serum that's going to change that.

"Acne is increasingly being considered a chronic disease," explains consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto, BSc, MBBCh, FRCP. "This means that whilst it may be controlled, there might be no long-term cure. Treatment can be successful, but acne can recur over time. Coming to terms with this and realising there is always a possibility it may come back is the first step to acceptance of this condition."

However, despite all that, there are things that can be done to help keep acne under control, which is why I think that getting professional advice and product recommendations from skin experts is invaluable.

Ahead, I speak to nine skin experts about everything from what acne is and how to get rid of it to how to look after spot-prone skin and their professional product recommendations for dealing with breakouts. Keep scrolling for the full low-down.

What actually causes acne?

So before we get into how to treat acne, it's important to understand what actually causes it. "We wish there were a straightforward answer to this question," say ZitSticka founders Robbie Miller and Daniel Kaplan. "The answer is as layered and nuanced as breakouts are annoying." However, it's clear that hormones are most definitely at play when it comes to the leading cause of acne. "A 2013 Brazilian study of people with adult acne found that the majority of the women surveyed had higher-than-average levels of both androgen and dehydroepiandrosterone—two hormones involved in menstruation," explain Miller and Kaplan. "Unfortunately, due to hormones, it's documented that women disproportionately suffer from acne compared with men."

As for the physical effects on the skin? "Regardless of whether you are a teenager with acne or an adult, the changes occurring in our skin when we suffer with acne are the same," says Anita Sturnham, MD, a GP specialising in skin health. "We see enlarged, inflamed pores, a build-up of sebum and old skin cells clogging these pores, and we see an overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria. Hey, presto, add these things together, and we get breakouts. The things that trigger these changes can be multifactorial. In my experience, there is often a hormonal trigger. For teens, this can be due to the fluctuating hormones in puberty and later in life, typically, sex hormones and/or adrenal hormone imbalance."

However, there's another factor that's undoubtedly contributing to a rise in the cases of adult acne, in particular, and that's stress. "When we're stressed, we produce more androgens, which stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, leading to outbreaks," explains Osman Bashir Tahir, MBBS, MS, MRCS, MSc.

Of course, learning to keep calm and carry on isn't much use when anyone dealing with acne will know that waking up to a new crop of spots is stress-inducing in itself. However, I've taken some comfort in the fact that acne is way more common than I actually realised. "Acne affects over 80% of the population at some point in their lives, so people who escape unscathed are incredibly fortunate," says Mahto.  

What common mistakes do people make when trying to get rid of acne?

The experts were unanimous that over-exfoliation and picking spots were two of the biggest mistakes that people make when treating acne-prone skin at home. In fact, not only do both things leave skin feeling inflamed and sensitive, but also, long-term, you're "more at risk of deeper scars and hyperpigmentation that are more difficult to treat," says Tahir. However, I was more surprised to learn that every skin expert I spoke to mentioned the importance of caring gently for the skin and not being afraid of hydration.

"Thinking that you need to remove all sources of moisture from your skin in case it might clog pores" is something that we should all be re-evaluating, says Omorovicza co-founder Margaret de Heinrich. "If your skin is lacking hydration, it can overcompensate by producing even more oil." 

Neighbourhood Botanicals founder Micaela Nisbet agrees, stating that over-drying is the biggest mistake that people make. "When spots are coming to a head or at a head, they need drying and antibacterial treatments. After that, they need healing hydration," Nisbet explains. "Don't continue to put drying acne treatments onto spots that need to heal."

"There's definitely a misconception that acne is caused by dirty skin, and I think a lot of us take that into adult life," says Scientia founder Tiffany Salmon. "We look for products that are going to get rid of oil, strip the skin and dry out spots, but often that's going to do more damage than good. Yes, you want to look for key ingredients and actives that target those breakouts, but you also want to make sure you're not overwashing or over-stripping the skin too, as that's going to damage your moisture barrier, trigger excess sebum production and potentially make things worse."

How should we be caring for acne-prone skin at home?

Acne is such a broad skin condition that it's hard to prescribe general advice that can work for everyone. "The kind of spots you are experiencing will determine what kind of treatment program to embark on," explains skin cosmetician and founder of his eponymous skincare brand Ole Henriksen. "Some constants should be [using] gentle cleansing products that don’t strip or irritate the skin; [looking] for products that contain salicylic acid, as this can help keep pores clean and blockage free; [drinking] plenty of water; and a good vitamin B complex can help with stress too."

Experts were also keen to stress the importance of going back to basics when it comes to skincare for acne-prone skin—something which I definitely struggle with in my role as a beauty editor when I'm constantly testing and trialling different products. "Follow a stripped-back regime that prioritises reducing inflammation and strengthening and rebuilding the skin barrier," says Tahir.

And in terms of formulations? "Stay away from using facial oils, cleansers and thick creamy textures in product," advises Mahto. "Stick to light or gel-like formulations. Ideally, the product should be labelled as noncomedogenic. Whilst this is not a guarantee the product will not make you break out, it is better than a product that is not labelled at all."

Keep scrolling for expert-approved product recommendations for treating acne:

Cleansers

Serums and Moisturisers

Exfoliators and Treatments

If you’re prone to acne and are breaking out right now, just know that you are not alone. Whether a result of the sudden change in weather, the constant switching between office air conditioning and central heating or simply the effect of daily dirt and grime (or a combination of all the above), there's no denying that this time of year tends to play havoc with our skin. And the result? Unwanted breakouts.

Over the past few months, I've found myself plagued with a constellation of blemishes popping up at will and staking their claim on my complexion. And, while of course, these breakouts are completely normal, getting my skin back to its best has been high on my priority list.

As a result, I've reached for nearly every blemish-busting beauty product in my extensive collection — I've tried spot patches and drying treatments, cleansers and serums. If a product promises to combat breakouts, you better believe I've had my hands (or my face) on it. Yet, while these products helped to treat existing breakouts, I had yet to find one that actually prevented breakouts before they appeared.

That was until I picked up a bottle of Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier after I saw a number of my favourite skin experts recommending it on social media, and now not only will I never look back, but a whole bunch of Who What Wear UK editors have been sold on it, too. (Managing director, Hannah Almassi, swears by it for preventing post-workout breakouts, and managing editor, Poppy Nash, uses it every single day.)

What Is Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier?

First and foremost, Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier is a hypochlorous facial mist that offers antimicrobial protection. This essentially means it kills off all of the bad bacteria that breed on our skin, preventing breakouts before they appear.

You've most likely seen these sprays going viral on TikTok in recent months, with people spritzing them as they sit on aeroplanes or walk around the supermarket. Yet where Clinisoothe+'s formula differs is that, while many solutions that work to banish bacteria in this way are incredibly harsh on the skin, Clinisoothe+ is specially formulated with sensitive skin in mind. That means you'll find no alcohol, so as not to cause unwanted dryness, as well as a neutral pH, to keep skin calm and balanced.

To apply, you simply spritz it onto the skin after cleansing morning and night. Then, go about your business without fear of breakout-inducing bacteria sitting on the skin. It really is as easy as that. I use it before I head to the office, after going to the gym, as well as anytime I plan to get on the London tube to help keep my complexion in check.

"Clinisoothe+ is a product I recommend to almost everyone," says skin health expert and celebrity facialist, Pamela Marshall, when I spoke to her about the mist. "Every day, we are assaulted with environmental factors, and our skin bears the brunt of it. Clinisoothe is that superhero product that keeps the skin calm in a crazy world."

"I recommend using it after you cleanse, both morning and night," she continues. "Let it sit for about 30 seconds and then move on to your next step in your routine. It's also great to use post-workout, if you can't cleanse your skin right away. I recommend that my clients spray the inside of their hats during the wintertime to keep them clean, as hats are notorious for causing acne spots. For me, it's a little miracle product."

Sure, this mist doesn’t come with any of the self-care, mind-calming benefits of normal face mists, but trust me when I say this stuff works when it comes to combating breakouts—and that's why I'll never be caught without it.

Shop More Products to Help Tackle Breakouts

There’s no doubt that the beauty buzzwords of 2020 look a little different to what any of us could have imagined. Back in January, we were convinced that 2020 would be the year of tranexamic acid, brow lamination and glow-boosters, however many months (and what feels like lives) have passed, and the things we forecast to be big news have been trumped by the likes of at-home treatments and DIY dye jobs.

There is one term though that has ruled the 2020 beauty space for the last five months, and that word is maskne—the name dreamt up by the industry to define breakouts that occur around the mouth and nose area from wearing a protective face mask. From the minute that wearing a face covering in public became a thing, beauty brands far and wide starting trying to flog products to prevent and/or treat maskne. And I have to admit, for the first few months, I was sceptical. I have seen marketing buzz terms like this come and go, and, frankly, giving the consumer yet another thing to worry about in such troubling times felt like total scaremongering.

But then I started breaking out. And I’m not talking the odd spot like I’m used to, I’m talking my entire chin area covered in big, red zits. Suddenly, maskne didn’t seem like such a con. In a bid to get to the bottom of the issue and figure out how I could tackle it, I reached out to some of the most knowledgeable brains in the game, and this is what they had to say.

Why Does Wearing a Mask Increase Risk of Breakouts?

Essentially, the main reason that masks are bad news for our skin is down to a combination of friction and build up of sweat and bacteria. Clinical aesthetician and co-founder of Mortar & Milk, Pamela Marshall explains, "Our pores don’t like chaos in any way. Too much bacteria, sweat, sebum, dead skin cells and friction can cause swelling and lead to an inflammatory response (an acne spot).”

The bad news is that wearing a mask for a prolonged amount of time increases basically every single one of the mentioned causes of spots. "The warm, moist environment is a haven for bacterial growth. The longer you have a mask on your face, the more time bacteria has to do its work,” says Marshall.

How Can We Prevent Maskne?

Some of us are more likely to suffer with maskne than others. For example, those that already experience acne are likely to see heightened issues from prolonged mask wear. Similarly, those that have to wear masks for a very long amount of time are also more likely to encounter issues. While nothing can be done to totally eradicate the chances of mask-induced breakouts, certain measures can be taken to keep the breakouts at bay. "Always wear a clean mask,” says Marshall. "Make sure you have multiples and wash them daily. In the clinic, I wear a disposable mask and change it for each client. While this is bad for the environment, it’s the right choice in terms of minimising spreading the virus. It also means that I’m reducing the buildup of sweat, sebum and makeup on my skin.”

Keeping bacteria buildup at bay is imperative for preventing breakouts. Making sure you are cleansing your face thoroughly both morning and night is crucial more so now than ever. Elizabeth Arden’s consulting dermatologist Dendy Engelman says, "Using products that contain salicylic acid will help as it works to keep the pore open and prevent buildup.”

For management throughout the day, Marshall recommends investing in an antimicrobial solution to tackle bacteria quickly and efficiently. "I carry Clinisept with me wherever I go. At work, we were all struggling with maskne, but now, a few times an hour, we pull our masks down and spray our face with Clinisept. This simple act has either dramatically reduced or completely eliminated mask acne for all of us,” she says.

Another top tip? Consider the mask itself. While certain fabrics can cause abrasion and friction, upsetting the skin and encouraging breakouts, others are considered much kinder. "Look into buying a silk mask. Silk is definitely the best fabric for helping to prevent breakouts. It’s kind on the skin because it produces less friction, therefore minimising the risk of microdamage,” says Engelman.

How Can We Treat Maskne?

The truth is that when maskne has formed, it should be treated similarly to how you would deal with any other breakout. Marshall recommends weaving certain ingredients into your routine while you’re suffering from mask-induced breakouts to help ease the blow. "Make sure you’re using a treatment moisturiser formulated with mandelic acid or polyhydroxy acids. I also recommend using a great clay mask as a spot treatment,” she says.

When it comes to my job, few things wind me up more than a product that gives wildly false claims. It shouldn’t be such a big ask that, as consumers, we aren’t lied to about the powers that any one beauty product has, should it? And while things like "cellulite” and "face-lift” creams are the worst offenders for this, I find myself getting riled up over spot treatments the most.

Unlike the aforementioned beauty products that are simply never going to work, because their claims are founded on marketing drivel, spot treatments can, should and do work. Sure, they’re not going to blitz a pimple in a second, but they do have the power to dramatically reduce its severity. So what’s the issue, you ask? None of them ever seems to actually work. I’ve tried countless spot remedies in my time, and while some literally make your skin peel off, others barely do a thing.

In fact, I’ve wasted so much of my precious time on spot treatments that don’t work (I have found you really have to get them on quick to see real change), it makes me quite mad to think about it. To save everyone else the frustration, keep scrolling for my edit of the targeted spot treatments I have genuinely found to make a difference.

Next up, 22 of the best face masks around.

I have never suffered from acne. My skin is oily and prone to the occasional whopper of a spot, but I’ve never really experienced full-blown acne. Really, if we’re going to get pernickety, we’ve all experienced acne in some form, as all spots are just acne in varying degrees. But if we’re talking about acne in the cystic form that we all envisage it as when we hear the word uttered, then no, I’ve never had acne.

Something that I have experienced though, is really severe breakouts on my chest. However, these breakouts aren't made up on just any normal spots, and I think a whole bunch of you will know what I mean. You see, when I took to my Instagram stories a couple of weeks ago asking for help about the red bumps and congestion that plagued my chest, I was swamped with replies from friends that have been experiencing the exact same thing.

Unlike the spots I’m used to getting on my face, the ones that crop up all over my chest in the summer aren’t squeezable. They’re like plugs of congestion that fill my pores and just sit there, getting redder and more irritated with every bit of friction that comes their way until, eventually, they disappear. So having received the confirmation that I am most definitely not alone in my chest spot woes, I booked in a virtual appointment with Lauren Hamilton, aesthetic doctor and founder of Victor & Garth, and this is what she had to say.

Skincare Shouldn't Stop at the Face

It turns out that the spots on my chest are formed in exactly the same way as any other spot. "It’s just oil and dead skin cells getting trapped in the hair follicle, which causes a comedone to form. Comedones on the chest are a common problem, but people just don’t talk about it a lot because they assume nothing can be done,” says Hamilton.

But things can be done, and it’s actually very simple. The most effective way to prevent spots on the chest? Extend your skincare products down the neck and onto the décolletage morning and night. "Cleanse twice a day, exfoliate once or twice a week and use an acid, like salicylic acid, to help decongest,” she advises. However, if you’re using a physical or AHA exfoliator on your face, it’s best to stick to a BHA on the chest area. Hamilton advises, "A BHA like salicylic acid acts as a chemical exfoliator that removes all of the dead skin cells and debris to unclog pores and stop the comedones forming.”

Shop Decongesting Products

Summer Might Make Things Worse

One thing that I have definitely noticed over the years is that my chest breakouts are far worse in the summer, and I wondered if this is because of something I’m doing differently. "It could just be that you’re noticing it more because you’re wearing more tank tops and the area is more exposed,” Hamilton says.

However, there are also more scientific reasons that chest breakouts seem to be more prominent in hot weather. She explains, "In the summer, things like sweat and SPF can cause congestion and breakouts, especially if you’re not cleansing the area properly at the start and end of the day. Our diets also tend to change in the summer. If you’re eating more sugary foods, it can trigger breakouts.”

Pigmentation Is Common

During our consultation, I mentioned that the thing that really irritates me is the scarring that I experience post-breakout, but the truth is, I knew what the response would be. Because they’re not squeezable spots, I’m prone to picking them. And trust me—as a beauty editor, I know that you shouldn’t even touch, let alone pick your spots, but something about my chest spots brings out the demon in me. "It’s key that you try not to pick or squeeze. It will always exacerbate the problem and lead to worse scarring,” Hamilton confirmed.

One insight that Hamilton did give on the matter, though, is one surrounded hyperpigmentation. "Because you have a lighter skin tone, you might not experience this,” she told me. "But for darker skin, in particular, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be a real pain when it comes to the skin on the chest. As an area, it’s very prone to it.” The solution? It comes back to bringing your skincare all the way down again. "You want a product that will help even out skin tone. If you notice scarring, vitamin C serums and creams are great. Also, resurfacing peels can exfoliate, revive dull skin, even out skin tone and minimise the appearance of discolouration,” she advises.

Shop Products for Pigmentation and Scarring

Never Skip SPF

I know that this is something that crops up in almost every beauty article about every skin concern ever, however, when it comes to treating your summer chest breakouts, Hamilton explains that it’s more important than ever to wear SPF. It’s easy to feel like slathering on SPF will only worsen breakouts, especially when they’re sore, but sun damage will only worsen the scarring and pigmentation.

"Applying SPF to the décolletage is a key thing we forget,” says Hamilton. "We realise we have neglected our faces for so long and slather our faces in suncream but then forget about other areas. Using acids to treat breakouts makes it more important than ever to use SPF, as they increase sun sensitivity.”

With that being said, applying SPF makes it even more important to cleanse the area thoroughly at the end of the day to avoid it congesting the pores further. Hamilton explains, "It might take some time to find the right formula for you, but to help prevent further breakouts, all you have to do is make sure you wash it off.”

Shop SPF

The best thing about being a beauty editor is that I get the opportunity to speak with some of the world’s top beauty experts basically every single day. From celebrity makeup artists to Harley Street surgeons, I am forever picking the brains of experts in a bid to learn everything there is to know about beauty. And while picking up different makeup tips and tricks is wonderful, the one thing I am always most fascinated by is the sort of skincare products dermatologists use.

There’s no doubt that shopping for skincare can be daunting and often frustrating, and not just because of the abundance of choice. From moisturisers to cleansers and eye creams to face masks, all too often, we are let down by miracle claims that don’t live up to their promises. And while most medical skin experts and dermatologists insist that if you have serious skin concerns, you should always seek expert advice, there are a handful of accessible skincare brands that they wax lyrical about.

From super-affordable cleansers and SPFs to clinical-grade serums, there are a number of brands and products that come highly recommended time and again. With expert-approved skincare ingredients, when it comes to the skincare brands that derms love, you better believe you’ll see results. Keep scrolling to discover the brands and products that dermatologists always recommend.

1. La Roche-Posay

French skincare is known for its glowing results, but La Roche-Posay really is in a league of its own amongst French pharmacy skincare. Much like all of the products to follow, its formulas are fuss-free and contain very few what I like to call "luxe additions,” meaning there’s little fragrance and no expensive-feeling slip to the products. They just work.

2. CeraVe

For years, dermatologists raved about CeraVe as the affordable skincare brand that everyone should know about, but it was only available in the U.S. Now, though, you can buy the hero products on British soil too. Again, with incredibly simple formulas that promote skin health in every way, it’s hard to go wrong.

3. Exuviance

While most of the other brands on this list can be purchased either in drugstores or via mainstream retailers, Exuviance is very much a clinical brand, and you may have to hunt a little harder to find it. It’s likely that you may not have heard of it before, but the shelves of some of the best aesthetics clinics around usually boast an impressive selection of Exuviance products.

4. SkinCeuticals

While dermatologists do have some seriously great, affordable recommendations up their sleeves, that’s not to say that the more expensive options are no good. In fact, SkinCeuticals is a brand that dermatologists continue to recommend despite its eye-watering prices. Loved by doctors, aestheticians and facialists, its highly potent formulas are some of the best that money can buy.

5. Bioderma

If you haven’t already guessed, French pharmaceutical brands are a big hit among dermatologists. With simple, fuss-free formulas, they are a go-to for those with problem skin. Bioderma might be best known for its makeup artist–approved micellar water, but dermatologists and skin experts also swear by its Sébium range for controlling breakouts.

6. Acnecide

Once an over-the-counter-only brand and now readily accessible via high street stores like Boots, Acnecide is (as its name suggests) a great brand to check out if your skin is prone to acne or breakouts. Utilising active ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, the range is formulated to both treat and prevent breakouts, but without irritating or drying out skin.