Pimple Prone? Here's All The Skincare Ingredients You Should Know About.
Whether it's a random spot or persistent breakout, acne is a difficult/confusing/exhausting skin condition to treat. With picking and popping off the cards (despite the temptation), it’s important to familiarise yourself with some of the best skincare ingredients for acne — from complexion soothers to overnight zit zappers.
So consider congestion class in session because right here, we’re talking through six of the best skincare ingredients for breakout-prone skin, so you can treat existing spots, prevent new ones from forming, and carry on living your best (skincare) life.
Keep scrolling for our complete pimple-prone skincare ingredient glossary.
WITCH HAZEL
What is it: A natural astringent made from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis Virginiana plant.
When to use it: Witch hazel is great when it comes to reducing shine and tightening the look of pores (a big yes from us).
Try: Skin Control Blackhead Blaster Extra Strength (available at Big W, IGA or skincontrol.com.au)
TEA TREE
What is it: Extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree, tea tree has known antibacterial properties, making it excellent when it comes to treating spots and breakouts.
When to use it: Some skin types might be able to tolerate pure tea tree oil as a targeted treatment, but our advice is to look out for products that contain tea tree alongside other pimple-fighting ingredients.
Try: Skin Control Pimple Patch (available at Chemist Warehouse, Woolworths, Big W, Coles, IGA or skincontrol.com.au) or Skin Control Breakout Bar (available at Chemist Warehouse, Woolworths, Big W or skincontrol.com.au)
EUCALYPTUS OIL
What is it: Eucalyptus oil is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial wonder ingredient thought to regulate oil flow and calm the skin.
When to use it: Like tea tree, eucalyptus makes a great addition to any acne-targeted skincare product, whether that’s a cleanser, moisturiser, or in the form of a dedicated spot treatment.
Try: Skin Control Blackhead Blaster made with Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Oil for sensitive skin (available at Big W, IGA or skincontrol.com.au)
CALAMINE
What is it: Calamine powder is made up of zinc oxide (a white powder) and a dash of iron oxide (responsible for the dusty-red pigment). It’s soothing and has certain absorbent properties, so it works a treat when it comes to drying out a spot. If you had the chickenpox as a kid, you’re probably pretty across its anti-itch power as well.
When to use it: Use a calamine-rich drying lotion on angry whiteheads overnight. It should reduce swelling, and absorb some of the fluid for a flatter, less obvious spot the next day.
Try: Skin Control Blemish Banish (available at Chemist Warehouse, Woolworths, Big W, IGA or skincontrol.com.au)
SALICYLIC ACID
What is it: Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, or BHA for short, that exfoliates the skin. BHAs are able to dissolve oil, so they quite literally work to clean out clogged pores. Salicylic acid will also eliminate dead skin cells (which are often part of the pimple problem).
When to use it: Use a product containing salicylic acid a few nights a week to keep the skin clear and prevent acne breakouts from forming. It’s especially useful on persistent blackheads too (nose and chin, we see you).
Try: Skin Control Breakout Bar (available at Chemist Warehouse, Woolworths, Big W or skincontrol.com.au) or Skin Control Blemish Banish (available at Chemist Warehouse, Woolworths, Big W, IGA or skincontrol.com.au)
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
What is it: A deeply cleansing, absorbent powder that works to decongest, refine the skin and clear out pores. Think of activated charcoal as a vacuum for your face.
When to use it: if you’re prone to blackheads, give this ingredient a go. It will help to mop up excess shine, balance pore size and eliminate impurities.
Try: Skin Control Breakout Bar (available at Chemist Warehouse, Woolworths, Big W or skincontrol.com.au)
