A Beauty Blogger’s Guide To Reducing and Preventing Acne
My name is Iain and I've worked in the Beauty Industry for 8 years now. I've been on the front line in store helping people navigate the world of skin, as well as worked in education, artistry and marketing. When I'm not writing about skincare, you can find me over at Instagram talking about beauty or working on my PhD.
We all want to know how to get rid of acne, but sometimes our natural responses to our skin when it isn’t behaving actually sets us back.
Wanting to pop a pimple, strip the skin by over exfoliating it, or trying to dry the acne out by avoiding moisturiser, are all responses that seem to make sense.
Unfortunately, most of the time these approaches can exacerbate acne by causing further inflammation and damage to the skin’s barrier.
Beauty Blogger, Iain Jeffery shares his favourite products for reducing acne and why they work so well.
Iian's Acne Dos and Don'ts:
Iain Jeffery’s Guide to the Best Skin Care for Acne:
😴 Night Routine
Step 1: Exfoliating oil double cleanse
Step 1: Exfoliating oil double cleanse
At night, start your double cleanse with an exfoliating cleansing oil. Iain uses the to break down makeup, oil and dirt. This formula is a great blend of hydrating and exfoliating ingredients, which leave your skin feeling balanced and refreshed. Apply a pea sized amount of this cleanser to dry skin and massage in and lather for 30 seconds before rinsing off.
Step 2: Follow up with a water based cleanser
Step 2: Follow up with a water based cleanser
Follow up your oil based cleanser with a water based cleanser that will lift up any excess gunk off the skin. Iain oscillates between two La Roche Posay cleansers depending on how deeply they want to clean the skin. Try the for a lightweight milky cleanser packed with Ceramides and Niacinamide. Or switch to the for a deep cleanse that doesn’t strip! Just massage into the skin for 60 seconds and rinse. If you have a FOREO device this is a great time to use it!
Step 3: Introduce a Retinol
Step 3: Introduce a Retinol
1-2 nights a week try introducing a retinol cream or serum to help promote cell turnover, reduce acne scarring and promote collagen production. Iain uses a prescription retinol, but if that’s not your speed we recommend trying any of these great options. Remember to introduce retinol to the skin gradually, and always follow up with SPF the next day as retinol can sensitize the skin.
Step 4: A potent BHA serum
Step 4: A potent BHA serum
On the nights you aren’t using a retinol, try a chemical exfoliant with a BHA like Salycilic acid to clean out your pores. Try the , a water weight serum that contains 1.5% Salycilic acid and 3.5% Glycolic acid. This formula minimises sebum production and post-acne hyperpigmentation. Simply apply 4-5 drops to the skin and give the product a minute or two to sink in before going on to your next step.
Step 5: Rehydrate the skin
Step 5: Rehydrate the skin
Rehydrate the skin with an active mist like the . This mist helps your skin build up its moisture barrier over time and actively fights off free radicals. It also helps increase the absorption of the hydrating products yet to come. So, spritz away!
Step 6: Restore plumpness
Step 6: Restore plumpness
Restore your skin's plumpness with a hydrating serum packed with Squalene. The contains a high concentration of this ingredient to help support the barrier. Apply 4-5 drops and pat into skin.
Step 7: A firming eye cream
Step 7: A firming eye cream
Apply the to your undereye using the applicator and lightly dab it in. This product helps depuff and smooth out fine lines.
Step 8: An innovative moisturiser
Step 8: An innovative moisturiser
Iain uses the , which is also a huge staff favourite for a reason. This innovative moisturiser adjusts to the needs of your skin and contains Shea Butter and Sunflower Seed Oil to nicely hydrate the skin. Apply 1-2 pumps to the face, neck and decolletage.
Step 9: An effective spot treatment
Step 9: An effective spot treatment
When needed, Iain turns to the for an effective spot treatment. Dab the gel cream on any spots you may have erupting and let the Niacinamide and Piroctone Olamine do the work. This is actually a hydrating formula, so it won’t dry out your skin excessively.
Step 10: A probiotic mask
Step 10: A probiotic mask
A probiotic mask will help feed your barriers flora and fauna. Try putting on the overnight or just for ten minutes to nourish the skin!
🌞 Morning Routine
Step 1: A gentle cleanser
Step 1: A gentle cleanser
Try opting for a gentle cleanser in the morning like the to cleanse and refresh your skin!
Step 2: Try a Vitamin C!
Step 2: Try a Vitamin C!
After cleansing, Iain goes in with the . This 15% Vitamin C serum helps to protect and brighten the complexion. Add 5-6 drops to dry skin and simply pat it in.
Step 3: An active mist
Step 3: An active mist
Spray the all over the face to rehydrate the skin and protect from free radicals.
Step 4: A hydrating serum
Step 4: A hydrating serum
Apply 4-5 drops of the and pat into the skin. This highly moisturising serum adds plumpness to the skin and helps to soothe redness.
Step 5: Seal in hydration
Step 5: Seal in hydration
Seal in hydration with the versatile , which is the right consistency for day or night. This moisturiser also works excellently under make up. Apply 1-2 pumps to the face, neck and decolletage.
Step 6: Dewy goddess SPF
Step 6: Dewy goddess SPF
Iain uses the as the final step of their skin care routine. Not only does this sunscreen serum provide 50+ protection it also layers perfectly under makeup and provides the skin with a subtle glow.
What are the Best Acne Products?
While everyone’s skin is different, many people find products with potent active ingredients help to reduce acne over time with consistent use.
In this routine Iain Jeffery uses potent antioxidants in the morning (in the form of Vitamin C), and a retinol at night (a prescription Vitamin A).
However, everyone is different and someone with more sensitive skin might find calming products more helpful for hormonal acne.
So don’t be afraid to try a few different approaches if any of these products don’t work for you, and remember you can always contact our customer service team for specific advice about how to work with your skin type.
This routine was transcribed by India Williams
*SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Frequent re-application or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection. Always read the label. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided.
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