Acne is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts which are visible on the surface of the skin. Most common on the face, inflammatory acne can leave scars. While the exact cause of acne is unknown, skin type, cleansing and exfoliation routine, hormone balance, stress, and environmental aggressors such as UVA/UVB, Infrared-A (IR-A), and ozone pollution are all contributing factors.

1. Cleanse: An effective daily cleansing and exfoliation routine, to decongest pores and remove excess sebum and dead skin cells sets the foundation for how to prevent acne. Apply SkinCeuticals’ best face wash for acne, LHA Cleansing Gel, formulated for acne-prone skin, which exfoliates skin and decongests pores, leaving skin feeling smoother and brighter.

2. Acne Treatment: Make sure you use a serum or treatment with acne fighting ingredients such as citric acid, salicyclid acid, retinol, and glycolic acid. Ingredients like citric acid in skincare help to reduces excess oil production and eliminates pore-clogging dead cell build up to diminish blemishes and decrease future breakouts. Experience the benefits of citric acid with SkinCeuticals' Blemish + Age Defense Serum for acne.

3. Moisturize: The best acne products may dry the skin, so apply a moisturizer to keep skin hydrated. The best moisturizers for acne prone skin, such as SkinCeuticals' Daily Moisture Moisturizer, should help soothe and prevent acne, keeping skin healthy and balanced.

4. Mask: Treat your skin with SkinCeuticals’ best face mask for acne, Clarifying Clay Masque, to absorb excess oil, minimize shine and refine surface texture. Avoid touching the face to prevent irritation and spread of bacteria.

For a complete bundle of acne skincare products, try SkinCeuticals' Acne Breakout Trio with our Blemish + Age Defense Serum, Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen, and Phyto Correcive Gel.

Acne scars occur when a breakout penetrates the skin deeply and injures the surrounding tissues. These scars can be identified by either an area of residual hyperpigmentation, or pitted and uneven skin surface, or both. Depending on your individual acne healing process, you may require products to directly treat leftover hyperpigmentation, or smooth out skin texture, or a combination of both topical treatment therapies, for acne scar removal. Try SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense as an acne spot treatment to provide additional exfoliation to smooth skin texture, and SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 to increase cellular turnover, stimulate the creation of collagen, to help improve the appearance of existing and past blemishes.