A pimple that shows up the night before something important is one of the more universal frustrations, and pimple gel is the product category most people reach for in that moment. The problem is that most people do not know how to use it correctly, which limits what it can actually do. Used right, a good acne gel for pimples does more than just calm the surface. 

Depending on its active ingredients, a pimple gel can help target clogged pores, excess oil and the inflammation associated with breakouts. This guide explains how to use pimple gel, when to apply it, how often to use it, and common mistakes to avoid. 

What Is Pimple Gel and How Does It Work?

A pimple gel, also called a spot treatment or acne spot corrector gel, is a targeted, concentrated formula applied directly to individual breakouts rather than spread across the entire face. Unlike a face wash or moisturiser that covers the whole skin surface, it delivers a higher concentration of active ingredients to the active pimple, the inflamed spot, and the healing breakout, without overloading the surrounding skin.

The active ingredients in most pimple gel formulas are the same. Salicylic Acid penetrates inside the pore and dissolves the sebum and dead cell buildup that created the blockage. Azelaic Acid has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help address acne while improving the appearance of post-acne marks. Glycolic Acid exfoliates the skin's surface and can help improve the buildup of dead skin cells associated with clogged pores and uneven texture.

Niacinamide can help support the skin barrier, reduce the appearance of excess oil, and improve the appearance of post-acne marks with consistent use. The combination of these actives can make a targeted spot treatment useful for addressing individual breakouts, while a broader acne-prone skincare routine can help manage the factors that contribute to recurring breakouts. 

Pimple Gel Benefits: What Can It Do? 

Using a pimple gel correctly, in the right routine, gives better outcomes.

• Faster resolution of active pimples: Depending on its active ingredients, a pimple gel can help target clogged pores, excess oil, and the inflammation associated with breakouts. 
• Supports the appearance of post-acne marks: Ingredients such as Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid can help improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation associated with breakouts. For a broader approach, learn more about how to reduce acne marks as part of your skincare routine. 
• Prevention of clogged pores: Salicylic Acid can help exfoliate inside pores and reduce the buildup of oil and dead skin cells that can contribute to breakouts. 
• Oil control around the breakout: Spot treatments containing ingredients such as Niacinamide or Salicylic Acid can help manage excess oil and the buildup associated with clogged pores. 

A pimple gel cannot replace a complete routine. It addresses the active spot. The rest of the routine handles the conditions that keep creating new spots in the first place.

When to Use Pimple Gel?

Pimple gel is generally used when you notice an active breakout. Some spot treatments may also be appropriate for early-stage breakouts, depending on their formulation and directions for use. Pimple gel can generally be used once or twice daily, depending on the product's formulation and your skin's tolerance. Many people prefer applying it at night because it can remain on the skin without being disturbed. If you're using a targeted acne spot treatment for active breakouts, apply it directly to the affected area rather than across the entire face. 

How to Use Pimple Gel: Step by Step

Step 1: Cleanse first

Pimple gel applied over dirty skin, sunscreen residue, or makeup does not absorb properly. The actives need to reach the skin directly to work. Use a gentle, non-stripping face wash to clean the skin before applying any spot treatment. We recommend Foxtale's Salicylic Acid Face Wash, which helps cleanse away excess oil and buildup as part of an acne-prone skincare routine. Pat the skin dry before applying the gel. 

Step 2: Apply to individual spots only

Dispense a pea-sized amount on your fingertip and apply it directly to each pimple or breakout. The gel should cover the spot without spreading significantly beyond its edges. This is not a product to blend outward. 

Apply a thin layer directly over the affected area and gently spread it over the pimple. Avoid rubbing aggressively or applying a thick layer, as more product does not necessarily mean faster results. Give it a minute to start absorbing before moving on. 

How much pimple gel should you use? A thin layer is generally enough for an individual breakout. Applying more product will not necessarily make the pimple disappear faster and may increase the risk of dryness or irritation. 

Step 3: Add serum if using one

If your routine includes a serum such as niacinamide, you can apply it as part of your acne routine. However, avoid layering multiple potentially irritating actives over the same area unless the product instructions or your dermatologist recommend it. For example, a niacinamide serum for acne-prone skin can be used across the face to support oil control and the appearance of post-acne marks, while the spot treatment is applied only to individual breakouts.

We recommend Foxtale's 12% Niacinamide Serum for oil regulation and post-acne mark prevention across the full face. The spot treatment addresses active breakouts. The two work on the same concerns through different formats and different surface areas.

Step 4: Moisturise after

Skipping moisturiser because skin is oily or because there is an active breakout is one of the most common mistakes in acne care. Skipping moisturiser can leave acne-prone skin feeling dry, tight or irritated, particularly when using exfoliating acne actives. A lightweight moisturiser can help reduce dryness and discomfort that may occur when using exfoliating acne actives. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a moisturizer for oily skin with a lightweight texture that feels comfortable without leaving a heavy or greasy finish. 

Step 5: SPF the following morning

Sunscreen is an important part of an acne routine, particularly if you're trying to prevent post-acne marks from becoming more noticeable. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen every morning and reapply when required based on your exposure.

Pimple Gel vs Acne Cream: What's the Difference?

A pimple gel and acne cream can both be used to target breakouts, but their texture, ingredients, and intended use can differ. Pimple gels are often formulated as targeted spot treatments and are applied directly to individual breakouts, while acne creams may be designed for broader application depending on their active ingredients.

The right choice depends on the formulation and the type of acne you're treating rather than whether the product is a gel or cream. If you're dealing with recurring breakouts rather than an occasional pimple, a consistent acne-prone skincare routine can be more appropriate than relying on a spot treatment alone. 

How Often Should You Use Pimple Gel?

How often you use pimple gel depends on its active ingredients and your skin's tolerance. Start according to the product directions rather than assuming that applying it more frequently will make pimples disappear faster. If your skin becomes excessively dry, irritated, or uncomfortable, reduce frequency or stop using the product and consult a dermatologist if needed.

Does Pimple Gel Remove Pimples Overnight? 

Pimple gel may help reduce the appearance of an active breakout, including its size or redness, but it cannot guarantee that every pimple will disappear overnight. Results depend on the type of breakout, the active ingredients in the formula, and individual skin response. 

Applying more product than recommended will not necessarily make a pimple heal faster. Foxtale's Acne Spot Corrector Gel is a leave-on spot treatment formulated with Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Niacinamide. It is designed to be applied directly to active breakouts and used according to the product's directions. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Pimple Gel

• Applying too much product: A thin layer is generally sufficient for a targeted spot treatment.
• Using it across the entire face: If the product is formulated as a spot treatment, apply it only to individual breakouts unless the product directions state otherwise.
• Layering multiple strong actives: Combining several exfoliating or potentially irritating acne treatments on the same area can increase the risk of dryness and irritation.
• Picking or squeezing the pimple: This can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of post-acne marks.
• Skipping moisturiser: Acne treatments can sometimes leave skin feeling dry or irritated, making barrier-supportive hydration an important part of the routine.
• Forgetting sunscreen: Daily sun protection can help prevent post-acne marks from becoming more noticeable.
• Applying it more frequently than recommended: More frequent application does not necessarily mean faster results.
• Ignoring persistent irritation: Stop or reduce use if significant irritation develops and seek professional advice if needed.

Conclusion

A pimple gel is a useful product in an acne-prone routine. But it works best as one part of a consistent routine rather than an emergency fix. The steps are cleanse, treat with spot gel and a supporting serum, moisturise, and protect with SPF the next morning. This way, a good acne gel for pimples helps resolve breakouts faster, reduces post-acne marks, and leaves a clean skin surface between sessions. 

When it comes to managing acne-prone, oily skin, Salicylic Acid has earned a special mention, and for good reason. This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is highly praised for its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells, loosen excess oil, and clear oil buildup from pores, making it a popular choice for managing recurring breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads. As a result, Salicylic Acid can help unclog pores, reduce blackheads and whiteheads, and improve the appearance of acne-prone skin. 

Salicylic Acid benefits skin by keeping oil, dirt, and debris at bay, making it less prone to attracting acne and pimples. However, it is important to choose the formulation, frequency, and time of application, as these can all influence how well it fits into your skincare routine. In this guide, we explain Salicylic Acid benefits, uses, side effects, how to use it, the right concentration and how it fits into an acne-prone skincare routine. 

What Is Salicylic Acid and How Does It Work?

Salicylic Acid is an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the skin and helps remove dead skin cells and excess oil from pores. Because it is oil-soluble, it can work on the buildup inside pores, making it particularly useful for oily, congested, and acne-prone skin.

So, what does Salicylic Acid do to skin? It helps loosen and exfoliate dead skin cells and excess sebum that can contribute to clogged pores. With consistent use, this can help reduce the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and congestion while improving the look and feel of uneven skin texture.

Salicylic Acid is available in different formulations, including cleansers, face washes, serums, and spot treatments. The way it is used depends on the product formulation, concentration, and your skin's tolerance.

Some potential Salicylic Acid benefits include:

• Removing excess oil and dead skin cells
• Helping unclog congested pores
• Reducing the buildup that contributes to blackheads and whiteheads
• Improving the appearance of rough or uneven skin texture
• Supporting clearer-looking skin with consistent use

Using Salicylic Acid for blackheads or open pores can be helpful, as it dissolves the dead skin layer, helping relieve blackheads and whiteheads. 

Did you know? Salicylic Acid products commonly contain 0.5% to 2% Salicylic Acid. Lower concentrations may be gentler for beginners, while 2% Salicylic Acid is often used in acne-focused cleansers, serums, and spot treatments. 

How to use Salicylic Acid on face?

How you use Salicylic Acid depends on whether you are using a face wash, serum, spot treatment, or another formulation. Always follow the directions on the product, especially when using a concentrated leave-on treatment.

A simple routine can look like this:

Step 1: Cleanse your face
Start with a gentle cleanser unless your Salicylic Acid product is itself a face wash.

Step 2: Apply your Salicylic Acid product
Use the recommended amount and avoid applying more than directed. If you are using a leave-on serum or treatment for the first time, introduce it gradually.

Step 3: Moisturize
Follow with a moisturizer to help keep your skin comfortable and support the skin barrier.

Step 4: Apply sunscreen in the morning
If Salicylic Acid is part of your morning routine, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

How Often Should You Use Salicylic Acid?

There is no single frequency that works for everyone. How often you should use Salicylic Acid depends on its concentration, formulation, and your skin's tolerance.

If you are new to Salicylic Acid, start according to the product's recommended frequency and increase use only if your skin tolerates it well. Using it more often than directed can increase the likelihood of dryness, peeling, or irritation.

Common Question: Is Salicylic Acid Good for Acne? Salicylic Acid can be useful for acne-prone skin because it helps exfoliate dead skin cells and excess oil that can clog pores. Did you know that a Salicylic Acid face wash is often a beginner-friendly option because it is rinsed off?

Should You Use Salicylic Acid in the Morning or at Night?

Salicylic Acid can be used in either an AM or PM skincare routine, depending on the formulation and your skin's tolerance. Which one fits better in your skincare routine? There is no universal rule that it must be used exclusively at night. However, depending on the formulation and your skincare regimen, it can be used in either an AM or PM routine.

Salicylic Acid at night can be a convenient choice for leave-on treatments. It helps simplify your morning routine, especially if you are already applying moisturizer and sunscreen. Using Salicylic Acid at night can make it easier to keep your morning routine simple. If you use it in the morning, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final step of your skincare routine.

 

Did you know? Salicylic Acid can help reduce blackheads and whiteheads by exfoliating dead skin cells and loosening excess oil and buildup from clogged pores. Use it consistently, but avoid overuse to prevent dryness and irritation. 

Can Salicylic Acid Help With Open Pores?

Salicylic Acid may help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores when excess oil and congestion make pores look more noticeable. By helping remove oil and dead skin-cell buildup, it can make the skin appear smoother and less congested.

However, Salicylic Acid cannot permanently shrink pore size. Pore appearance is influenced by factors such as genetics, skin structure, age, and sebum production.

Read more about Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid for acne to understand how these ingredients can fit into the same routine. 

Can Salicylic Acid Help With Acne Scars?

Salicylic Acid may be useful for acne-prone skin, but it is important to distinguish acne scars from post-acne marks.

Dark spots left behind after a pimple are often referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), whereas depressed or raised acne scars involve changes to the skin's structure.

Salicylic Acid primarily helps with exfoliation and pore congestion. It should not be considered a standalone treatment for depressed or raised acne scars. If persistent acne marks or scars are your primary concern, ingredients for acne scars such as Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, or other targeted treatments may be considered depending on your skin's needs.

Read our guide on Salicylic Acid vs Glycolic Acid to understand which may be better suited to different skin concerns. 

Salicylic Acid Products for Face and Body

If you are looking to add Salicylic Acid to your routine, the right product depends on where you are using it and the type of concern you want to address.

• Oil & Acne Control Face Wash

The 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash is formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. Salicylic Acid, in combination with substances like Niacinamide, Cica Extract and Hyaluronic Acid, cleanses the face, while also helping to target excess oil and pore congestion. If you want a wash-off Salicylic Acid solution to use as part of your regular washing routine, it might be a practical alternative. 

• Acne Spot Corrector

An Acne Spot Corrector can be used for focused application to regions prone to individual breakouts. Spot treatments are more effective than using an acne-treatment cream all over your face since you may apply the product precisely where it is required. 

• Exfoliating Body Acne Wash With 2% Salicylic Acid & Zinc

Want to get rid of tired and dull-looking skin texture? Try our Hula Hoop Body Acne Body Wash! Powered by the nourishing properties of a 5% complex of Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Betaine, and Zinc PCA, it goes on the skin gently, offering gentle exfoliation and keeping skin oil-free. A salicylic acid body wash for back acne can be a useful addition to a body-care routine, relieving buildup in areas prone to frequent breakouts. 
 

It works effectively on strawberry and bumpy skin textures, relieving a dull, tired-looking appearance. Using this salicylic acid body wash helps with body acne and uneven skin and provides soft, supple, and brighter-looking skin. Explore Salicylic Acid skincare products to find face and body-care options suited to different acne and congestion concerns. 

What Are the Side Effects of Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic Acid is generally well tolerated when used as directed, but it can irritate some people. Common Salicylic Acid side effects may include:

• Dryness or tightness
• Redness
• Peeling or flaking
• Stinging or irritation
• Increased discomfort when the skin is already dry or compromised

These effects are more likely when Salicylic Acid is used too frequently, applied in excessive amounts, or combined with several other exfoliating products.

How to Avoid Salicylic Acid Irritation

Start with the frequency recommended on the product and give your skin time to adjust. Avoid applying Salicylic Acid to visibly irritated or damaged skin, and use a moisturizer regularly to help maintain skin comfort. If you experience persistent or severe irritation, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.

The Bottom Line

Salicylic Acid is a BHA that helps exfoliate dead skin cells, remove excess oil and reduce pore congestion. Whether you choose a face serum or moisturizer, it is important to use the right formulation with an ideal concentration. 

A salicylic acid face wash for acne and pimples can be highly effective. If you are using it during the day, you should always pair it with sunscreen. And if you are using a serum containing Salicylic Acid, it is best to introduce it gradually, follow the product’s directions, moisturize regularly, and let your skin adjust to the product. 

Moreover, a dermatologist’s opinion is highly advised when you are dealing with deep, painful, or persistent acne, as they can help plan the most appropriate treatment for your skin condition.

Sunscreen is a must-have in your daily routine. It protects your skin from UV damage, slows visible aging, and helps prevent long-term issues like hyperpigmentation.

But if you’ve started breaking out after using a new sunscreen, you may wonder: Can sunscreen cause acne or breakouts? The answer is that certain sunscreen formulations can contribute to clogged pores, irritation, or breakouts if they don't suit your skin. Sunscreen itself isn't inherently acne-causing.

Related Article: Guide on SPF 30 vs 50 vs 70 Sunscreen

Can Sunscreen Clog Pores?

Yes, some sunscreen formulations may contribute to clogged pores, particularly when the formula feels rich, heavy, or doesn't suit your skin. However, sunscreen itself isn't inherently pore-clogging. Your skin type, the overall formulation, and how your skin responds to the product all matter. If you're prone to clogged pores, look for a lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen.

Why Sunscreen Might Be Causing Your Breakouts

If you notice breakouts after applying sunscreen, the problem may be the formula, texture, or how it interacts with your skin, not sunscreen itself.

Some sunscreens may feel heavy or greasy, especially on oily or acne-prone skin. This can make your skin feel congested and may contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.

Common reasons include:

• Heavy or greasy textures: Thick formulas may feel uncomfortable and increase the greasy feeling on oily skin.
• Occlusive ingredients: Some oils, waxes, and silicones can feel heavy or contribute to congestion for certain people.
• Sweat and excess oil: Sunscreen combined with sweat and sebum can make the skin feel more congested, particularly in hot and humid weather.
• Skin sensitivity: Certain sunscreen ingredients may irritate sensitive skin, which can sometimes lead to redness or irritation.
• Poor formula match: A sunscreen that works well for dry skin may feel too rich for oily or acne-prone skin.

If you regularly experience breakouts after applying sunscreen, look for a non-comedogenic, lightweight, oil-free, or gel-based sunscreen designed for oily or acne-prone skin.

Related Article: Guide in Sunscreen for acne-prone skin

Common Sunscreen Ingredients That May Trigger Breakouts

Not every sunscreen works the same way for every skin type. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, some richer formulas may feel heavy or contribute to congestion.

Key Ingredients to Look For

• Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide: Mineral UV filters that provide broad-spectrum UV protection. Mineral and organic/chemical sunscreens can both work for acne-prone skin, so focus on the overall formulation, texture, and how your skin responds. 
• Niacinamide: Can help support the skin barrier and may be useful for people concerned about excess oil. 
• Hyaluronic Acid: Adds lightweight hydration without making it greasier. 

What to Look For Instead

When choosing a sunscreen for  oily or acne-prone skin, consider:

• Non-comedogenic formulas
• Lightweight or gel textures
• Oil-free formulas, if your skin gets greasy easily
• Niacinamide, which can help support oil control and the skin barrier
• Silica, commonly used in sunscreens to help absorb excess surface oil
• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher: Choose adequate UV protection for daily use; SPF 50 is also an option for people who prefer higher labelled protection. 

The right sunscreen should provide reliable UV protection without leaving your skin feeling excessively greasy, heavy, or uncomfortable.

How to Tell If Your Sunscreen Is Actually Causing Breakouts

If you start noticing breakouts after switching to a new sunscreen, the product may be contributing to the problem. However, breakouts can also be caused by hormones, stress, skincare products, or other factors.

Look for these signs:

• Breakouts appear after introducing a new sunscreen: Notice whether pimples or clogged pores started after you began using the product.
• Breakouts appear where you apply sunscreen: New bumps or acne mainly on the forehead, cheeks, or other sunscreen-covered areas may be worth monitoring.
• Your skin feels more congested: Increased oiliness, small bumps, or rough texture can indicate that the formula isn't agreeing with your skin.
• Your skin feels irritated: Redness, itching, burning, or discomfort may suggest irritation rather than acne.

Acne vs irritation

• Clogged pores/acne: small bumps, whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples developing mainly in areas where the sunscreen is applied.
• Irritation: redness, burning, itching, stinging, or a rash-like reaction.
• Sweat and friction: Heat, sweating, and friction from masks, helmets, hats, or clothing can also contribute to bumps, so not every breakout that occurs after sunscreen is necessarily caused by the sunscreen.
• Other causes: hormonal changes, stress, new skincare products, makeup, or changes in cleansing can also coincide with a breakout.

Related Article: Guide on Sunscreen myths and facts

Try a Simple Elimination Test

If you suspect your sunscreen is causing breakouts:

1. Temporarily stop the suspected SPF 50 sunscreen if you think it is triggering a reaction, and replace it with another sunscreen your skin tolerates.
2. Keep the rest of your skincare routine unchanged, if possible.
3. Monitor your skin for changes in breakouts, congestion, and irritation.
4. If your skin improves after stopping the product, consider whether the sunscreen may have contributed to the reaction.
5. When switching to another sunscreen, choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.

Remember, stopping a sunscreen should not mean skipping sun protection altogether. If you discontinue one product, replace it with another sunscreen that your skin tolerates well.

What to Do If Your Sunscreen Is Causing Breakouts

Simplify your regimen and try a different sunscreen if you think it's triggering your breakouts. Sunscreen is essential; don't skimp on it or apply too little.

Maintain an Easy Routine

• Nighttime cleansing: Use a mild wash to get rid of sunscreen, sweat, oil, and makeup completely. It may be helpful to use a micellar water or cleansing balm as a first step in removing makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, and then apply a mild cleanser.
• Do not introduce several new products: Prior to incorporating many new acne remedies, let your skin have a chance to adjust.
• Look at salicylic acid as a possible option: If you're also worried about your pores being blocked, you could find relief with a salicylic acid face wash. If it's okay with your skin, ease it in gently.
• Change your sunscreen to one that is suitable for your skin type, lightweight, and non-comedogenic. 

How Can I Prevent Breakouts and Still Protect My Skin From the Sun? 

Skin needs protection that works with it, not against it. The best way to choose your preferred formula is to understand your skin and buy the formula based on it. If you have acne-prone skin, it is best to choose a lightweight, matte sunscreen. Gel sunscreens do not leave a greasy layer, making them the best pick for sensitive and oily skin. Choose sunscreen for dry skin with ingredients like Glycerin or Hyaluronic Acid that add moisture without making skin feel heavy or greasy.

Best Non-Comedogenic Sunscreens in India

If you're looking for a sunscreen that feels comfortable on breakout-prone skin, choose a formula based on your skin type, preferred finish, and texture.

• Foxtale Ultra Matte Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++: A suitable option for oily and acne-prone skin if you prefer a lightweight, matte finish. Its non-comedogenic formula is designed to feel comfortable without leaving the skin excessively greasy. 
   
• Foxtale Dewy Finish Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++: A suitable option for normal to dry skin if you prefer a hydrated, dewy finish. Its non-comedogenic formula provides sun protection while keeping the skin feeling comfortable and moisturised. 
   
• Foxtale Glow Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++: A suitable option if you prefer a lightweight, glow-focused sunscreen. It contains Vitamin C and Niacinamide and is designed to provide sun protection with a radiant finish. 

Conclusion

So, can sunscreen make you break out? Certain sunscreen formulations can contribute to clogged pores, irritation, or breakouts, but sunscreen itself isn't inherently acne-causing. The right formula depends on your skin type, texture preference, and how your skin responds to the product.

If you're prone to breakouts, look for:

• Non-comedogenic formulas
• Lightweight textures
• Oil-free formulas if your skin gets greasy easily
• Products designed for oily or acne-prone skin

Most importantly, don't skip sunscreen because you're experiencing breakouts. If a particular formula doesn't suit your skin, switch to one that provides reliable UV protection while feeling comfortable on your skin. 

Why do I get acne?

You usually get a pimple when the pores of your skin become blocked with a mix of oil, dead skin and bacteria. This shows up on the surface as inflammation in the form of a whitehead, blackhead or cyst. Eventually, the pores become clogged and push their contents to the skin’s surface. It is important to note that it is multifactorial. You can be hit with a zit for many reasons, some of which you can control and others you can’t. It is not a definitive list—because so many things can cause breakouts at different times in your life. But if any of these issues ring a bell, here’s what you can do.

• You could have oily skin

Some people are genetically programmed to make more oil. Skin cells stick together within the follicles (especially if you aren’t exfoliating) and then trap oil from reaching the surface. This causes oil to fill the pore, which when melded with any bacteria in the area, leads to acne.

• Your beauty products could be getting in the way

You might be trying really hard to eat better, sleep more often and stick to your anti-acne routine. But if your products aren’t working for you, they could be causing acne. Mineral oil, for example, which is in many moisturizers, could clog your pores and cause blackheads or whiteheads. Fragrance, if you’re sensitive to it, could also increase inflammation and make you more prone to zits.

• You’re about to get your period

Just before you get your period, oestrogen and progesterone levels fall, and testosterone levels are higher than usual. This triggers your sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum. Too much can result in clogged pores and breakouts. This is true in the case of medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which cause an overproduction of androgens, which can cause hormonal acne. These are usually seen on the bottom half of the face.

• You’re stressed out

When you’re nervous, upset or overwhelmed, your body is in a fight-or-flight mode for longer than it should be. This causes the production of a corticotropin-releasing hormone and cortisol. These promote the overproduction of oil, which leads to a worsened inflammation.

• You’re eating sugary foods

When blood sugar levels spike, the body produces more insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Eating foods with a high glycemic index can cause breakouts. Increased insulin ups the level of androgens, which increases sebum production.

• You’re not washing your face enough (or you’re over-washing it)

To help prevent pimples, it’s important to remove excess oil, makeup, and sweat daily, so you can prevent congestion. Exfoliating is key too. You can ensure that you break down the glue between dead skin cells so they don’t stick together and accumulate. But, at the same time, if you over-cleanse, you could dehydrate your skin, which could make things worse. When skin is too dry, it causes a backup of dead skin, as well as excess sebum production to overcompensate, which hampers the balance even further.

What are the different kinds of acne?

The five main kinds of acne are whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules and cysts.

Also Read: Acne: Types, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

What are the major topical skincare ingredients I can use?

When it comes to tackling acne, topical ingredients are the most effective. They work to prevent, inhibit and treat them. These are some of the most popular ones you’ll spot on ingredient labels:

• Salicylic acid 

The structure of the salicylic acid molecule makes it oil soluble, so it is able to break down the oil collected in the pores. It is able to penetrate so deep into the skin, unclogging pores and cleaning it deeply. Using an acne spot corrector gel that contains salicylic acid helps in controlling oil production and prevents breakouts. This is an ideal ingredient to use if you have blackheads or whiteheads and it works as a great preventative agent. 

• Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide works by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria and peeling dead skin cells away. It can cause dryness and irritation if you apply too much of it though, so doctors suggest layering it as a spot treatment. 

• Retinoids

Retinoids increase the turnover rate by getting rid of the top layer of dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new collagen and healthy new skin. It works as the gold standard for acne therapy. 

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids

AHAs like glycolic acid is water soluble, it exfoliates the dead skin cells on the surface, to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. 

• Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a comedolytic, so it breaks down pore blockages and keeps new ones from forming, and it is able to get rid of the bacteria on the surface, reducing redness and inflammation in the process. 

The Conclusion 

Having acne can be a difficult thing to deal with, but remember, your worth as a person is not defined by the presence or absence of it. When you incorporate the right products into your routine, the road to clear skin doesn't seem like a bumpy ride. By consistently following this routine, you can help regulate oil production, unclog pores, and prevent future breakouts. Achieving radiant and acne-free skin won't seem like a far-fetched dream anymore. 

FAQs 

1. What can I do as soon as I feel a zit coming on?

Keep your hands off! You don’t want to risk transferring any bacteria from your fingers onto the inflamed area and making it worse. Pros suggest icing the area—it soothes and may reduce redness. You may want to treat the area with small amounts of salicylic acid, and then layer a moisturizer to prevent dryness.

2. What measures can I take to prevent oily skin? 

Blotting excess oil from your skin is an excellent way of preventing excess oil appearance throughout the day. Keep in mind to cleanse your face even after exercising. Never skip putting on sunscreen. 

3. What causes acne on the face? 

Acne is caused when sebum and dead skin cells clog the hair follicles. It is also caused due to hormonal changes seen during puberty which can increase oil production, leading to acne. Factors like stress and diet can also contribute to acne outbreaks.