Acne

What is going on

Acne starts when oil and dead skin block a pore. Bacteria feed on the trapped oil, the pore gets inflamed, and a spot appears. Harsh scrubbing makes it worse: irritated skin produces more oil and heals slower.

What actually helps

• Salicylic acid (BHA) is oil-soluble, so it clears inside the pore. Use it once a day, at night to start.
• Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria behind red, angry spots. A short-contact wash is the gentlest way to use it.
• Niacinamide calms redness and slowly evens the marks spots leave behind.
• A light, fragrance-free moisturiser every day. Treated skin that is not moisturised gets irritated and breaks out again.
• Sunscreen every morning. Sun darkens acne marks and makes them last months longer.

A simple routine

Morning: gentle cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen. Evening: cleanser, one treatment (BHA or benzoyl peroxide, not both on the same night), moisturiser.

Be patient

Give any routine six to eight weeks before judging it. Introduce one new active at a time, and keep your hands off the spots.