Dealing with frequent zits can be a wee bit challenging. However, a solid CTMS routine with the right ingredients can help alleviate acne while improving overall skin health. In this blog, we decode the C of CTMS! All cleanser essentials for pimples – the ingredients you should and shouldn’t use. We also focus on how this no-frills skincare staple can be transformative. 

What Is A Cleanser And Why It Is Important? 

A cleanser is a formula that removes dirt, grime, and impurities from the pores, ensuring a balanced skin microbiome for the skin. Additionally, a potent cleanser extends several benefits for your skin.

1. Unclogs pores and cues healthy cellular regeneration: The skin lays bare to dirt, pollutants, and other impurities all day. This creates a layer of buildup atop that hampers cellular renewal, clogs pores and makes your skin appear dull. A cleanser adroitly dissolves this buildup to address the above concerns and more. 

2. Deeply hydrates the skin: Hydration is crucial for the upkeep and maintenance of your skin. Ample hydration accelerates healing, strengthens the lipid barrier, and ensures the overall structure of your skin.  

3. Calms inflammation and irritation: Using a soothing cleanser stops bacteria from spreading through the skin.  

4. Improves your skin’s circulation: Cleansing for only a minute improves the blood flow to your skin, bestowing upon it a soft radiance. Moreover, regular cleansing cues the regeneration of skin cells and enhances Collagen production – making you look more youthful.  

5. Boosts your serum or treatment’s efficacy: Before using a result-oriented serum or treatment, use a cleanser to remove dirt, debris, and dead cells. This ensures better absorption of the active ingredients across the barrier for swifter results.

What Should You Look For In A Cleanser For Acne? 

To target a specific concern like acne, your cleanser should check the above boxes and then some more. Ahead, we list the non-negotiables for your acne cleanser.

1. Oil control: One of the main reasons for acne is excessive greasiness. That’s right, when surplus sebum, dirt, and dead cells clog the pores, it leads to the appearance of bumps. Therefore, an acne cleanser should aim to regulate sebum for a healthy microbiome.

2. Unclog pores: A potent acne formula should dislodge dirt, grime, and other impurities from the pores for even, smooth skin. This helps prevent all forms of acne – inflammatory and non-inflammatory (re: whiteheads and blackheads)  

3. Prevent acne and soothe inflammation: It goes without saying, that an acne face wash should be able to prevent and curb acne. Since this skin condition occurs when microbiomes start thriving in clogged pores, the right cleanser will inhibit this bacterial growth for smooth, radiant skin.

Quick Summary: What to Look For vs. What to Avoid

What Ingredients Should You Look For In An Acne Cleanser

Now that you’re well-versed in the functionalities of an acne face wash, here are some ingredients you should seek.

1. Salicylic Acid: Salicylic Acid is an oil-soluble active ingredient that cuts excess sebum, unclogs pores, and reduces acne. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe inflammation.  

2. Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a non-negotiable for folks with acne-prone skin. Its topical application soaks up excess sebum, prevents clogged pores and ensures long-lasting hydration for the skin.  

3. Hyaluronic Acid: Low hydration levels in your skin trigger the sebaceous glands into overdrive mode. This leads to a never-ending oil slick on the skin, excess buildup and eventually, the formation of bumps. Incorporate a powerful humectant like HA that binds water molecules to the skin and replenishes its deepest layers.  

4. AHAS like Glycolic Acid: The powerful exfoliant, Glycolic Acid, sloughs off your skin’s outermost layer to prevent greasiness, blackheads, and acne. The ingredient boasts small molecules that easily percolate into the skin for best results. 

5. Azelaic Acid: Azelaic Acid makes for a great addition to your anti-acne kit. The active ingredient inhibits acne-causing and soothes inflammation.

What Are Some Ingredients You Should Avoid For Acne? 

Certain ingredients can irritate acne-prone skin, leading to more breakouts and inflammation. Scroll ahead to make an informed decision –

1. SLS or Sodium lauryl sulphate is a foaming agent commonly found in cleansers. It makes your skin feel stripped, leading to more greasiness, breakouts, and inflammation. 

2. Alcohol in your acne cleanser leads to irritation and dehydrates the skin. This grave oversight leads to perpetual greasiness, clogged pores, and eventually breakouts. 

3. Parabens are preservatives that can disrupt your hormone levels, leading to inexplicable episodes of breakouts.

The Best Acne Cleanser 

A potent acne cleanser forms the core of an infallible skincare routine, so why settle for second best? Try Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash. The innovative formula reduces acne while ensuring deep hydration and nourishment. 

Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, and Niacinamide 

This 2% Salicylic Acid face wash blots excess sebum and kills acne-causing bacteria, significantly reducing breakouts in only 4 weeks. The non-drying formula also contains Niacinamide that prevents TEWL, aids barrier functions and helps soothe irritation. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid gives a big boost of hydration to the skin.

Match Ingredient to Your Acne Type

• For Hormonal/Cystic Acne: Focus on Niacinamide to calm deep inflammation.
• For Oily Skin & Blackheads: Salicylic Acid is your best friend as it dives deep into the oil-filled pore.
• For Dry but Acne-Prone Skin: Stick to Hyaluronic Acid paired with a gentle BHA to avoid stripping the barrier.

Related Articles:

1. Acne: Types, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
2. Skincare Guide to Achieving Acne-Free Skin
3. Know the Causes And Treatments of sudden Acne Breakouts

What Is The Best Skincare Routine For Acne

1. Take a coin-sized amount of the Salicylic Acid cleanser and gently scrub your skin for 30 seconds. Once through, use cold water to rinse off. This little step will help seal maximum hydration into the skin.

2. Next, dab your skin dry and apply Foxtale’s Acne Spot Corrector Gel on individual bumps and eruptions. This acne scar removal gel contains Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid that help shrink acne in 12 hours only. 

3. Once the treatment sinks in, apply a generous layer of the oil balancing moisturizer on your skin. The Niacinamide-infused formula removes excess oil, prevents clogged pores, and brightens skin while administering long-lasting hydration. 

Unlike the common misconception, acne is not unique to oily skin. You can have excessively dry skin yet observe frequent breakouts. So, how do you employ acne-busting formulas daily without making your skin dry or stripped than it already is? Scroll ahead to know 

What Causes Acne On Dry Skin?

Before we find formulas that hit the sweet spot, it's important to understand the reason behind acne on dry skin:

1. While there may be other triggers, acne occurs on dry skin due to the lack of natural moisturization. Dry skin loses water molecules quickly (and rather dramatically) to become dehydrated. This pressing concern cues the sebaceous glands into overdrive mode, resulting in more sebum. And when this sebum, keratin, and dead cells clog pores on your skin, you see the formation of bumps and eventually acne.

2. Using ill-suited products can also lead to acne on dry skin. Using formulas, especially pore-clogging moisturizers often leads to acne. We recommend checking the product label if you are prone to breakouts.

What Are Some Ingredients That Work For Acne And Dry Skin  

Admittedly, acne on dry skin is a tough combination to beat. Here’s a look at ingredients that work best for these distinct concerns.

For acne: Bid farewell to acne with Salicylic Acid. The oil-soluble ingredient percolates into the pores to remove excess oil, unclog pores, soothe inflammation, and alleviate acne. The meticulous exfoliant is gentle and doesn’t make the skin feel stripped.

For dryness: The best ingredient to revive dry, flaky skin is Hyaluronic Acid. HA is a powerful humectant that binds about X1000 water molecules to the skin, making it feel soft and radiant. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid counters inflammation or redness due to extreme dryness.

What Are The Best Products To Treat Acne On Dry Skin?

Foxtale brings you the best products to treat acne on dry skin. Look closely at the string of ingredients that help strike a balance between oil control and hydration

1. Acne Control Face Wash

Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid  

This Acne Control cleanser removes dirt, grime, and impurities from the pores while ensuring a healthy skin microbiome. Salicylic Acid, the MVP of the blend, soaks excess oil, alleviates inflammation, and buffs away dead cells for acne free. The best part? This Salicylic Acid face wash works wonders without making your skin feel stripped.

Why does this product work for acne on dry skin? 

The efficient formula also contains the hydrating duo of Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide – making it a great fit for dry skin. Humectant Hyaluronic Acid binds water molecules to the skin while Niacinamide preserves this hydration by preventing TEWL.

Related Article: Guide to Acne Control Face Wash

2. 12% Niacinamide Serum

Ingredients: Niacinamide

Niacinamide Serum is a quick-absorbing formula blots excess sebum and prevents clogged pores while bestowing a radiant matte finish on the skin. Additionally, Niacinamide possesses anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate acne-related redness.

Why does this product work for acne on dry skin? 

Niacinamide helps preserve your skin’s hydration by preventing TEWl or transepidermal water loss.

Related Article: Niacinamide For Acne

3. Acne Spot Corrector Gel

Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Niacinamide

Don’t you just hate it when a lonesome pimple shows up before an important meeting or date night? Fret not! Foxtale helps you zap that zit in only 12 hours. Our Acne Spot Corrector Gel with Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid sloughs off dead cells to flatten bumps. Moreover, Azelaic Acid kills acne-causing bacteria and soothes inflammation.

Why does this product work for acne on dry skin?

This gel for removing acne scars carries Niacinamide that prevents TEWL to keep skin hydrated. Having said that, we recommend dabbing this formula on individual bumps or eruptions.

Related Article: Go-To Guide On Acne Spot Corrector Gel

4. Skin Radiance Mask

Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Aquaxyl, Brazilian Purple Clay, and Kaolin Clay

This decadent whip contains physical and chemical exfoliants that remove excess sebum, dirt, and other impurities from the pores. Results? Gorgeous, radiant skin. Use it weekly to keep whiteheads, blackheads, and acne at bay.  

Why does this product work for acne on dry skin?

Foxtale’s Skin Radiance Mask forms an anti-dehydration shield to bolster the barrier, prevent moisture loss, and preserve skin hydration for 8 hours.

Related Article: All You Need to Know About Skin Radiance Mask

What Is The Best Skincare Routine For Acne On Dry Skin?

Now that you’re privy to the best formulas, let’s build a daily regimen for dry skin with acne.

1. Start cleansing with the Acne Control Face Wash. Use a coin-sized amount of the formula to scrub your face for 30 seconds. Once through, use cold water to rinse off. This helps seal in maximum hydration for dry skin.

2. Dab your skin dry and follow up with a serum or treatment of choice. Wait for the formula to sink before moving on to the next step.

3. The lack of moisturization leads to acne on dry skin in the first place. So, ensure to slather a generous amount during your morning and nighttime routine. To beat this tough combo, we recommend Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer. It contains Niacinamide that blots excess sebum and prevents clogged pores while bestowing a brightening effect on the skin. 

4. No routine is complete without sunscreen. Folks with dry, acne-prone skin can try Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen. The lightweight formula regulates sebum production while ensuring long-lasting hydration for the skin. Take two fingers’ worth of the formula and apply it on your face, neck, ears, etc. Reapply every 2 hours.

Acne is one of the most prevalent skin concerns in the Indian subcontinent. According to statistics, it affects nearly 72% of adolescents and 27% of the adult population.  

Acne occurs when dead cells, debris, and excess sebum clog the pores on your skin, leading to the appearance of pesky bumps. These plugged pores are further aggravated when bacteria start thriving in them, resulting in redness and inflammation. One must note acne eruptions are not just limited to the face but can also occur below the chin, especially on the chest, arms, and back.   

While body acne is generally not a serious condition, it can seriously affect one's mental well-being and confidence. If you struggle with body acne, keep reading for a lowdown on topical treatments and cosmetic procedures that can give you clear, radiant skin. 

What Causes Body Acne?  

Acne vulgaris occurs due to these 3 main reasons.

1. Excess sebum production: Just like the face, your skin above the waist contains several sebaceous glands that produce oil. This oil or sebum moisturizes your dermis and averts harmful pathogens. However, overproduction of sebum clogs the pores, leading to bumps and eruptions. 

2. Clogged pores: Skin with overzealous sebaceous glands is more prone to attract dirt and debris from the immediate surroundings. When this debris along with dead cells and excess sebum clogs the pores, it leads to the formation of whiteheads or blackheads i.e. non-inflammatory acne.  

3. Uninhibited growth of bacteria: Plugged pores make way for harmful acne-causing bacteria to inhibit them. Results? Redness and inflammation in and around the eruptions. 

Common Triggers For Acne   

Even if your skin type isn’t oily, you might experience stubborn body acne due to the following factors  

1. Genetics: You may be genetically predisposed to acne and breakouts. So, if your mother grappled with acne in her teenage years, chances are you will too.

2. Hormonal changes: You might notice inexplicable acne or breakouts around your mensuration cycle. This happens due to hormonal changes in the body which trigger excess sebum production. 

3. Stress: Stress leads to the production of hormones called androgens. These hormones directly impact the skin by stimulating its oil glands – leading to more acne breakouts than usual. 

4. Oily and comedogenic body care: Sometimes breakouts occur due to the use of oily or non-comedogenic products. To avoid this problem, make sure to read the label of every bath and body product that you plan on purchasing. 

5. Diet: Indulging in carbohydrates (like skim milk, chocolates, burgers, and more) makes your skin more prone to pesky breakouts.  

6. Excessive perspiration (a.k.a. sweating): When sweat combines with oil, impurities, and dead cells to clog pores, it leads to body acne. To avoid this problem, ensure to maintain optimal personal hygiene at all times. Hop into the shower and wear a fresh pair of clothes after a workout session. 

7. Sun exposure: Continued sun exposure also leads to breakouts on the body. You see, the relentless rays from the sun dehydrate the skin. This lack of moisture molecules triggers the sebaceous glands, resulting in more greasiness and acne.  

What Are The Different Types Of Body Acne?  

Breakouts, in general, can be categorized into pimples, papules, blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, and cystic acne – based on their severity. Body acne, on the other hand, has 3 broad subcategorizations 

1. Acne Cosmetica: This type of body acne occurs due to ill-suited skincare or hair care products. A mild form of breakout – you may observe eruptions around your hairline and the neck. To circumvent this problem, steer clear of shampoos (or conditioners) with silicones and oils, and comedogenic body care offerings.  

2. Acne Mechanica: Continued contact with your sporting gear, equipment, or even snug workout wear can trigger episodes of acne mechanica. This is due to dirt, debris, oils, and harmful bacteria getting trapped in a hot and humid environment – resulting in papules or pustules. 

3. Sweating: Excessive sweat irritates the skin, aggravating pre-existing bumps. So, if you have acne-prone skin, we recommend observing immaculate personal hygiene. Don’t lounge around in your sweaty workout wear for too long. Hop into the shower and put on a pair of fresh, dry clothes. 

The Best Active Ingredients for Body Acne

Body skin is thicker than facial skin, so it can often handle more potent concentrations.

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): Oil-soluble. It goes deep into the thick skin of the back to "vacuum" out the pores.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills the bacteria on the surface. Great for "angry" red bumps.
• Glycolic Acid (AHA): Dissolves dead skin cells that cause "rough" texture on the arms.

Prevention For Body Acne 

Before we delve deeper into the different solutions for body acne, check out some simple tips and tricks that will help prevent them  

1. Adhere to a consistent body care routine: The skin is the largest organ of the human body, then why is its care just limited to the face? If you are guilty of this grave oversight, remedy the situation with an infallible body care routine. Use a body wash that exfoliates dead cells to reveal smooth, supple skin. Next, use a generous lather of a hydrating body lotion to lock in the treatment.  

2. Load up on fruits and veggies: Experts suggest that low-glycemic foods help reduce acne significantly. If you are susceptible to breakouts, try a balanced diet complete with fresh veggies, fruits, oats, nuts, and more. Steer clear of complex carbohydrates in fried foods, chocolates, and skim milk. 

3. Clothing choices: We know that heat, humidity, and physical strain can worsen body acne. This is why we recommend wearing comfortable, breathable fabrics that don’t trap buildup in moist areas – leading to breakouts. 

4. Stress: Inarguably, stress and acne go hand-in-hand. To reduce breakouts due to increased cortisol, we recommend practicing meditation and mindfulness. You may also try yoga for the betterment of your physical, emotional, and spiritual health – further resulting in great skin.  

Professional Treatments For Body Acne  

In case of severe body acne, you can opt for the below professional procedures. Before you take the plunge, we recommend consulting with a board-certified dermatologist.  

1. Corticosteroid Injection: Used for severe cases of cystic acne, a corticosteroid injection reduces the cyst size, inflammation, and pain significantly. It can be summoned to clear excessive acne scarring.  

2. Chemical peels: A chemical peel uses a high-concentration exfoliant (like Glycolic Acid or Lactic Acid) to shed dead cells from the dermis. This method helps address adjacent concerns like clogged or open pores, remove excess oil, and of course treat acne.  

3. Light Therapy: Light therapy entails directing infrared blue or red light on the acne eruption or lesion. This process is usually combined with topical treatments for best results. 

Best Home Remedies For Body Acne  

 In case of mild body acne, you can resort to the following home remedies. Effective and convenient with no side-effects, whip these solutions at home to see the results for yourself  

1. Baking Soda: The common kitchen ingredient is also a gentle yet effective exfoliant. Mix one part of the soda with two parts of water and apply the paste to the affected areas. Rinse off after 10 mins.  

2. Aloe Vera: Scoop out some natural aloe vera and apply it on acne bumps. The miraculous ingredient packed with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helps alleviate body acne instantly.  

3. Honey and milk: In a bowl, mix honey and milk in a 1:1 ratio to create a whip. Now apply it on the problem areas for 10 minutes tops and wash it off. For those unaware, milk contains Lactic Acid that gently exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, remove greasiness, and tackle acne. Moreover, honey possesses antibacterial properties that curb inflammation and infection.  

4. Tea tree oil: Mix tea tree oil with a carrier (like coconut oil) in a 2:1 ratio. Apply this mixture on individual bumps to inhibit bacterial growth.  

5. Apple Cider Vinegar: Dunk a cotton ball in Apple Cider Vinegar and apply it to the individual eruptions. This ingredient’s natural antimicrobial properties help alleviate infection and reduce inflammation. 

When To Consult A Dermatologist   

You should consult a dermatologist when your body acne   

• Is cystic or nodular  
• Bleeding or ejecting pus  
• Appears too red or inflamed  
• Won’t go down with the help of OTC medicines or remedies  
• Has been impacting your mental well being 

Related Articles: 

1. Why Exfoliating Body Wash Should Be in Your Routine
2. Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide: Which One Is Right?
3. A Beginner’s Guide to Skincare Acids

Conclusion 

Acne is a skin concern that is not just confined to the face. Due to the presence of several sebaceous glands (above the waist) – you may experience acne on your arms, neck, back, and chest too. Based on the severity, you may opt for home remedies, topical treatments or professional procedures to bid farewell to body acne and get smooth, supple skin. 

A skincare all-rounder, Niacinamide works on multiple fronts like improving hydration, fading dark spots, and strengthening the lipid barrier. But what is really understated is the role of the active ingredient in acne care and prevention.   

If you’re someone who grapples with oiliness or acne, scroll ahead to learn the many benefits of Niacinamide. But before we get to this cheat sheet, here’s a look at the ingredient’s basics. 

What Is Niacinamide? 

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, abundantly found in eggs, fish, poultry, veggies, and nuts. The water-soluble active plays an important role in maintaining overall skin health. The best part? Niacinamide has little to no side effects and works on most skin types. You can also layer Niacinamide with Salicylic Acid to double down on acne control, with Vitamin C, for brightening, with Hyaluronic Acid for multi-level skin hydration. 

How Does Niacinamide Work To Clear Acne? 

Niacinamide helps clear acne by working on multiple factors -

1. Alleviates inflammation: One of the best anti-inflammatory ingredients, Niacinamide soothes redness and irritation often accompanied by an acne breakout.

2. Reduces the severity of acne: While Niacinamide is not exactly antimicrobial, it ensures a skin microbiome which is less conducive to bacteria growth.  

3. Skin barrier repair with Niacinamide: Topical application of Niacinamide strengthens the lipid barrier. A strong and sturdy barrier prevents pollutants, allergens, and other aggressors from irritating the skin, preventing acne breakout/spread. 
"Draelos et al. (2006) – 4% niacinamide vs clindamycin for acne J Drugs Dermatol"

Niacinamide vs. Salicylic Acid: Which is Better for Acne? 

This is a common question for those building an acne routine. While both are effective, they work differently:

The Benefits Of Niacinamide For Acne-Prone Skin 

Keep acne at bay with these Niacinamide benefits for acne-prone and oily skin.

1. Sebum Control with Niacinamide: The main culprit behind pesky acne breakouts – overactive sebaceous glands. The overproduction of oil along with dead cells, debris, and other impurities clogs the pores, leading to bumps and inflammation. Luckily, Niacinamide in your daily skincare blots this excess sebum on your face for healthy skin. 

2. Prevents clogged pores: Niacinamide also prevents clogged pores that reduce the risk of whiteheads, blackheads, and acne. 

3. Minimizes the pores: We know that acne-prone skin is characterized by overzealous sebaceous glands. This overproduction of oil (a.k.a. sebum) makes the pores glaringly visible, a common complaint of the skin type. Enter Niacinamide. Use it regularly to blur the pores for a smooth, even surface. 

How To Incorporate Niacinamide In Your Skincare Routine 

Niacinamide is mostly a safe active ingredient for all skin types. It pairs exceptionally with other actives like Salicylic Acid and Retinol for acne control. You can use it in your morning or nighttime routine for best results. But before applying Niacinamide -

1. Thoroughly cleanse: Use a gentle, pH-balancing cleanser to remove the dirt, grime, and other impurities from the pores. This step ensures better absorption of your Niacinamide serum. For acne-prone skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Acne Control Cleanser with Salicylic Acid.   

2. Now, apply Niacinamide: To curb oiliness, minimize pores, and tackle different signs of acne, use our 12% Niacinamide Serum. Formulated with double-encapsulated technology, the lightweight formula gives your bright and smooth skin in only 14 days.  

3. Follow with moisturizer: Once the serum sinks into your skin, apply a layer of moisturizer. A generous slather of our Oil-Free Moisturizer seals the hydration and Niacinamide treatment into the skin for prolonged periods. It doesn’t feel greasy and clog pores even in the slightest.   

4. SPF in the morning, without fail: If you’re using Niacinamide for acne in the morning, remember to apply sunscreen. Active ingredients can make your skin photosensitive and to avoid any flareups you need 2 fingers’ worth of matte sunscreen. 

Research And Evidence: Does Niacinamide Really Help Acne? 

According to a research paper published on the National Library of Medicine, 6 out of the 10 subjects observed a substantial reduction in acne with Niacinamide – oral and topical treatments. Additionally, no major side effects were noted.   

To learn more about the benefits of Niacinamide for acne, refer to this research paper on MDPI. 

Other Skin Benefits Of Niacinamide 

Apart from combating acne-related concerns, Niacinamide works on several skin concerns – as seen briefly in the introduction. In this section, we delve deeper into the benefits.

1. Fights dark spots and pigmentation: Topical application of Niacinamide reduces dark spots and pigmentation to administer an even skin tone. The ingredient achieves this by controlling the melanin distribution across skin cells. For best results, pair Niacinamide with Vitamin C in your morning/nighttime skincare routine.

2. Maintains skin hydration: Niacinamide forms a seal on the dermis, preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. Pair with a Hyaluronic Acid-based serum to maximize hydration for the skin.  

3. Averts aggressors: The skincare workhorse is also replete with antioxidant properties. It shields your skin against pollutants and other environmental aggressors. 

Possible Side Effects Of Niacinamide And How To Avoid Them  

Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated amongst most individuals, a handful of folks may experience-

1. Allergic reactions: First time users may experience rashes, redness, and other types of flareups. Counter this problem by discontinuing the product and speaking to a board-certified dermatologist. 

2. Dryness, bumps or uncomfortable tightness: Rarely, a handful of people may experience dryness or an uncomfortable dryness to their skin. This usually happens due to the skin’s unfamiliarity with the active ingredient. To curb these episodes, conduct a patch test beforehand. Start with a low concentration of Niacinamide 2 to 3 times a week. If your skin reacts well to it, amp up the frequency. 

Related Article:
1. Healing acne scars with niacinamide
2. Clearing skin with salicylic/retinoids 
3. AHA BHA tips for acne
4. Niacinamide vs salicylic acid choice

Conclusion

Niacinamide is a skincare all-rounder that addresses multiple concerns, but its role in acne control is underrated. Topical application of the active ingredient soothes inflammation, curbs acne-causing bacteria and maintains a healthy skin microbiome. Use it in your morning and nighttime rituals for best results.