12 Treatments to Effectively Solve Your Acne Worries

We all struggle with acne and spots at some point in our lives - sometimes it’s hormonal, other times it’s due to a bad diet but at all times, it’s a nightmare to deal with.

You might have noticed now that we’re spending more time at home, spots and acne are more prevalent and with lockdown loosening up there’s nothing more you might want than clear skin for when you go out. As of late UV light exposure tends to be low for most people working at home, the resulting bacterial and immune system shifts may make acne breakouts more common.

That’s why I’ve combed through the UK market for acne products available - tested on me, available to you. Each product is unique and worthy of your attention.

Peace Out Skincare

Claiming to be “must have skincare with easy, one-step skincare solutions combining active ingredients with innovative technology” - peace out skincare lives up to the claim. This brand offers skincare solutions to a wide variety of problems. Peace Out Acne dots offers a breakthrough acne treatment by combining hydrocolloid polymer technology with salicylic acid, vitamin A and aloe vera to minimize breakouts overnight through absorbing sebum oil. The spots are large enough to be left on overnight on large angry spots and there is nothing more satisfying than revealing a zapped spot in the morning.

Available at Boots.

Dermatology M

Utilising Chinese Herbal Medicine, Dermatology M draws upon the best of both classic and contemporary methods, crafting effective, easy to use formulas that can be used solely or alongside internal medicine – speeding up the repair process and restoring skin equilibrium. In their offering targeted towards acne and problematic skin, you can find their bestseller Fei Zi Shui Spot Targeting Gel. Refining, calming and toning, this daytime targeted treatment gel for blemishes helps clear pores and balance oily or combination skin. For a Cleanse & Clear Face Mask grab Xiao Cuo Mian Mo this powerfully effective facial treatment gently and naturally refines and clears skin.

Available at Dermatology M.

111SKIN Maskne Protection Bio Cellulose

The latest launch from 111SKIN targets one of the biggest skin concerns since COVID: maskne. Created by Dr Yannis Alexandrides in his clinic after observing the increased demand the Anti-Blemish Bio Cellulose Mask – traditionally sold as a dual- segment, multi-formula saviour to soothe imperfections – has been developed and repurposed to tackle the growing ‘Maskne’ epidemic. It’s superior composition also adheres to the face like a second skin, acting as a physical barrier between your dermis and any protective masks should you wish.

Shop the mask at 111Skin.

Dermaquest Acne Management Kit

Clear and control breakouts using the powerful combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to purify and exfoliate, while reducing the pore-clogging oils that can cause future blemishes. crafted to hydrate the skin while keeping your complexion balanced and beautiful, these oil-free blends harness the anti-inflammatory power of lilac plant stem cells and other botanicals, leaving skin calm, clear and shine free for hours. This set is the ultimate essentials kit with an SPF, Cleanser, Serum and Moisturiser for the perfect daily skincare routine.

Shop the kit at Dermaquest.

Foreo Espada

Offering targeted care, the Foreo Espada is the tool for blemish-busting action. With powerful beams of blue LED that propels blue light wavelengths deep in the skin, the acne-clearing pen gently targets spots, clogged pores and blackheads to help you achieve a clearer, calmer complexion. Based on professional dermatology treatments at a fraction of the cost, this skin-clearing device is a powerful at-home alternative with results that are just as good! Featuring T-Sonic pulsations, the device helps to dislodge excess sebum, bacteria and dead skin trapped in pores. It can be used on pimples that haven’t yet surfaced, nipping them in the bud and preventing formation of more zits.

Start your skincare journey with Foreo here.

ZitSticka GOO GETTER Spot Clarifying Dots

Each GOO GETTER patch is made from moisture-drawing hypercolloid to absorb fluid and impurities from your surface-level zit, quickly flattening its appearance. The ZitSticka dots are then infused with exfoliating, fuss-fightning ingredients for an added superboost - this includes niacinamide, salicylic acid, vitamin c and tea tree to accelerate skin clearing and renewal. Perfect for extracting goo from zits that dwell close to the skin’s surface, GG also protects your zit from your fingers and outside stressors to keep the area clean. Got an early stage zit instead? Beat the spot before it arrives with the ZitSticka KILLA, transparent patches layered with 24 self dissolving microdarts that flood your early stage spot - flattening its angry appearance at the source.

The ZitSticka Spot Clarifying range is available here.

Dermalogica Active Clearing Range

The Dermalogica Active Clearing range offers modern solutions to adult acne while also preventing signs of premature ageing. The range features the AGE Bright Spot Fader. This two-in-one spot treatment reduces the appearance of active breakouts and post-breakout marks. Salicylic Acid works to clear breakouts, while Niacinamide and Hexylresorcinol work synergistically to fade post-breakout marks, improving uneven skin tone. AGE Bright™ Complex reduces visible skin ageing and helps prevent over-drying. Another firm favourite from the Active Clearing range is the AGE Bright Clearing Serum which exfoliates to help prevent breakouts and accelerates cell turnover to reduce signs of skin ageing.

Available at Dermalogica and authorised stockists.

Image Skincare Maskne Kit

Banish those pesky “Maskne” breakouts with this effective Image Skincare Maskne Kit. This comes with three products formulated to reduce the appearance of blemishes and imperfections.The brand's aestheticians have assembled their must-haves to help purify the skin, purge impurities, and keep skin looking healthy. This essential set includes; a silky cleanser, super-green mask and a soothing serum to get your day off to a great start.

Purify your skincare by shopping the Image Skincare Maskne Kit here.

Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Clear Biome

Formulated specifically for stressed and problem skin, Skin Clear Biome is a pioneering supplement harnessing the benefits of microbiome technology. Four strains of beneficial bacteria and yeast which work in synergy to balance and clear the skin from deep within. Featuring patent-pending biome technology Skin Clear Biome is a next-generation skin supplement, formulated by Advanced Nutrition Programme experts to nurture the close connection between a healthy gut and balanced skin.

Visit Advanced Nutrition Programme for problem-solving skin supplements.

Teoxane Anti Blemish Sknicare Set

Protect and repair skin blemish prone skin with TEOXANE’s Anti Blemish Skincare Collection. This carefully selected regime will soothe and refine damage prone skin whilst ensuring retained hydration and continued protection from the elements. While this set doesn’t directly fight active acne - it acts as a great preventative skincare routine with a Miccelar solution, Deep Repair Balm, Skin refiner and filler.

Grab the full skincare routine at Teoxane.

Katherine Daniels Acne & Blemished Skin Treatment Boost

This powerhouse, prescriptive concentrate, uses a new generation of advanced scientific ingredients to deliver remarkable, real results. Using their own unique stem cell technology Katherine Daniels’ team of skin scientists have harnessed the power of Plasma Rich Cell Factors (PRCF) to develop a new generation of highly active, uber-effective, sustainable ingredients to create this innovative, targeted concentrate to treat and protect acne and blemished skin. It works best alongside the Katherine Daniels regime.

Grab your treatment boost at Katherine Daniels.

Ren Clean Skincare Clearcalm Non-Drying Spot Treatment

Seeing spots? Meet the skin-loving spot solution. Designed specifically to be non-drying, the clean blemish treatment uses Willow Bark to naturally help reduce redness and spot size, without leaving you feeling flaky. Seamless under makeup and redness calming if you’re going fresh-faced, Maritime Pine and Thyme work to help repair and minimise redness. Xylitol keeps the surrounding area hydrated, while prebiotics rebalance your microbiome (good bacteria) to minimise future breakouts. Use on the spot to clear it, and on a spot prone area to break out of your breakout.

Get the innovative spot treatment at Ren Clean Skincare.