
If you’re struggling with acne and congested pores, it’s likely that you’ve rearranged your skin care routine a bunch of times, looking for the magic combination of products that will give you clean, clear skin.
While there’s no quick fix that works for absolutely everyone, we’ve put together a routine made with acne prone skin in mind.
From
Skinstitut cleansers that exfoliate pores to
Skinstitut moisturisers that balance the skin, these are the best
Skinstitut products for acne prone skin.
What Are Congested Pores?
Before trying to treat them, it's important to understand what congested pores actually are and how they affect your complexion.
If you have
clogged pores, they're the result of an accumulation of dead skin cells and excess sebum, or oil.
When these two components combine, they produce a plug within the pore that cuts off the oxygen supply to the skin.
With a lack of oxygen, bacteria can rapidly multiply, causing
acne and blemishes.
Congested pores prevent the goodness from your skincare from penetrating. Products will simply sit on your skin as build-up.
You may notice makeup applying unevenly and your skin feeling heavy and oily.
Which Skinstitut Products Can I Use To Decongest Pores?
Skinstitut works on a
five-step system: cleanse, exfoliate, correct, hydrate, and protect. Every step is important when dealing with acne prone skin.
Here’s our roundup of Skinstitut acne treatment products for congested pores:
Our Favourite Skinstitut Acne Cleanser

This Skinstitut oily skin cleanser contains 12% glycolic acid to resurface the skin and unclog pores. It has a refreshing gel formula that is enhanced with tea tree oil to soothe breakouts.
Why we recommend it: In order to remove impurities, you need to use a high-intensity cleanser such as
Glycolic Cleanser 12%.
This product cleanses your skin deeply whilst lightly exfoliating to decongest pores.
High Potency Skinstitut Exfoliator for Acne

In this dual chemical/physical exfoliant, glycolic acid enhances the shedding of dead skin cells and breaks down what is clogging your pores.
Jojoba beads mechanically buff away debris and tea tree oil works to fight bacteria.
Why we recommend it: An exfoliant is a particularly important step if you have congested pores.
Exfoliants help remove dead skin cells and product build-up.
Glycolic Scrub 14% works in two ways to promote clear skin.
Try This Skinstitut Retinol for Acne

This low strength retinol serum is a great introduction to the wonders of vitamin A.
At 0.25% this light corrective gel is ideal for speeding up cell turnover and promoting clear skin.
Why we recommend it: Retinol is an active ingredient that increases collagen and elastin production and repairs skin damage—perfect for those with acne-prone skin.
It's important that you apply retinol correctly to ensure maximum benefits.
The Right Skinstitut Moisturiser for Acne

This lightweight moisturiser that can be used day and night to hydrate oily, acne prone skin.
Niacinamide and cucumber soothe the skin, while kakadu plum works to defend and brighten the complexion.
Why we recommend it: Exfoliants and retinol can be quite drying, so it's important to rehydrate the skin as part of your routine.
However, you don't want anything too heavy that can clog up your skin once more.
Skinstitut Moisture Defence - Oily Skin is a lightweight formula that gives you a matte, clear complexion whilst hydrating.
Protect Your Skin Barrier

A healing gel that uses cucumber, aloe vera, bisabolol and castor oil to calm inflammation.
Why we recommend it: Skinstitut Laser Aid is a multipurpose product that can be used as a lightweight moisturiser or an antibacterial mask.
This product contains a rich blend of nutrients to soothe and cool the skin and reduce any redness and irritation.
Using Skinstitut Laser Aid for acne is a perfect last step for keeping pores free of congestion.
What Skinstitut Products Can I Use for Blocked Pores and Dry Skin?
If your skin leans more dry, we recommend going for the
Skinstitut L-Lactic Cleanser 200mL and the
Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub 14% as opposed to both Glycolic products.
The
Skinstitut L-Lactic Cleanser 200mL will be more
suitable for your skin type, as it is still a chemical exfoliant and will help decongest the skin, without being too harsh or stripping on more normal to dry skin types.
The
Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub 14% will be a great addition to this, to allow for additional exfoliating once or twice a week.
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
Interested in more Skinstitut content? Check out our other guides below:
Want to find the best Skinstitut product for you in under 30 seconds? Take our Skinstitut Quiz now!