Understanding Breakouts: What’s Really Happening Under Your Skin
Breakouts happen when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This creates the perfect environment for inflammation, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.
Several factors can increase your likelihood of breakouts:
-
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, or stress can boost oil production.
-
Excess sebum: Too much oil mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores.
-
Bacteria: When bacteria get trapped inside a clogged pore, it can lead to infection and inflammation.
- Lifestyle factors: Diet, stress, certain medications, and even how often you wash your pillowcases can contribute.
“Managing breakouts It’s about balancing oil build-up, gently clearing pores, and strengthening your skin’s natural barrier.”
— Dr George Thouas, Skincare Development Scientist at Salvarity
For more on how breakouts form and what influences them, visit the American Academy of Dermatology.
Step-by-Step Skincare Routine for Breakout-Prone Skin
One of the biggest myths about acne-prone skin is that you need a complicated 10 step routine. In reality, simple and consistent routines are the most effective. Here’s how to build one that supports clear, healthy skin.
1. Start with a Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing is the foundation of any breakout-fighting routine. A good cleanser removes excess oil, makeup, and impurities without damaging your skin barrier. Avoid harsh soaps or scrubs, they can strip natural oils and make breakouts worse.
Try a science-backed cleanser like the Hydra-Purify Facial Cleanser. Formulated with salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for unclogging pores, it helps clear dead skin cells and prevent congestion while maintaining hydration. It’s gentle enough for daily use and ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
Pro tip: Cleanse twice a day. In the morning to remove overnight oil build-up and in the evening to wash away sunscreen, makeup, pollutants and bacteria.
2. Use a Targeted Serum
After cleansing, applying a targeted treatment serum helps address breakouts more directly. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide to help calm inflammation, reduce excess oil, and prevent clogged pores.
We recommend the Primed & Ready Mattifying Serum. Lightweight and non-comedogenic, it works to smooth skin texture, support oil control, and gently exfoliate inside pores. Used regularly, it helps reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts without drying out the skin.
Pro Tip: Apply a thin layer after cleansing, focusing on breakout-prone areas like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
3. Moisturise (Don’t Skip This Step)
Many people with breakout-prone skin skip moisturiser, thinking it will make things worse. But dehydrated skin often produces even more oil, which leads to more breakouts. The key is choosing a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that hydrates without clogging pores.
The Back in Balance Clarifying Moisturiser is an excellent option. It helps smooth and calm blemish prone skin while supporting your skin barrier. It also contains antioxidants to help protect against environmental stressors, leaving your skin balanced, hydrated, and less prone to irritation.
Pro tip: Apply moisturiser twice a day. Right after serum to lock in hydration and keep your skin barrier strong.
4. Protect with sunscreen every morning
Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable, sun exposure can worsen the appearance of post-acne marks. Choose a non-comedogenic SPF 30+ designed for the face.
Powerful Ingredients That Support Breakout-Prone Skin
The right ingredients can make all the difference in how your skin behaves. Dermatology experts and Mayo Clinic research highlight a few key ones that are proven to help:
-
Salicylic Acid: A BHA that exfoliates inside the pore to remove oil, debris, and dead skin cells.
-
Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3 that reduces redness, supports the barrier, and helps control oil.
-
Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
-
Azelaic Acid: Helps unclog pores and fade post-acne pigmentation.
-
Tea Tree Oil: A natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory that can calm redness.
Lifestyle Tips to Help
While skincare products play a key role, your daily habits matter too. Small changes can make a big difference in how often you break out and how quickly your skin heals.
-
Don’t pick or squeeze pimples: It can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring.
-
Use non-comedogenic products: This applies to sunscreen, makeup, and moisturisers.
-
Keep your hands and phone clean: Bacteria transfer easily to your face.
-
Change pillowcases regularly: Oils and bacteria build up on fabrics and transfer back to your skin.
-
Manage stress: Stress hormones can increase oil production and trigger breakouts.
-
Eat a balanced diet: Reducing high-sugar, processed foods can support skin health.
The Salvarity Approach: Science Meets Simplicity
At Salvarity, we believe skincare should be simple, effective, and backed by science. Our formulas are created to support evolving skin, combining clinically researched ingredients with gentle, balanced formulations.
Every product is designed to:
-
Cleanse without stripping your barrier
-
Target breakouts while calming inflammation
-
Hydrate without clogging pores
-
Protect your skin from future flare-ups
Build Your Routine with Science-Backed Products
If you’re ready to start your journey to clearer skin, begin with these essential steps:
-
Cleanse daily with Hydra-Purify Facial Cleanser to remove impurities and unclog pores.
-
Target breakouts with Primed & Ready Mattifying Serum to reduce congestion and smooth skin texture.
-
Hydrate and protect with Back in Balance Clarifying Moisturiser to keep your barrier strong and skin balanced.
Ready to take control of breakouts? Shop the Skincare for Acne Collection and find your new breakout-fighting routine today.
Learn More About Science-Backed Skincare
Want to understand more about how evidence-based products support your skin? Explore our guide: Discover the Salvarity Range: Skincare Products Backed by Science for a deeper dive into our products.
Start Your Clear Skin Journey Today
Breakouts don’t define you and they don’t have to last forever. With the right routine, the right ingredients, and the right support, you can achieve clearer, calmer, and more confident skin.
At Salvarity, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Explore our Skincare for Acne Collection and discover how our science-backed cleansers, serums, and moisturisers can help transform your skin.
👉 Shop now and start building your breakout fighting routine today.
FAQs About Skincare for Breakouts
What skincare to use when breaking out?
When your skin is breaking out, it’s important to simplify your routine and focus on gentle, non-comedogenic products. Use a mild cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid to help unclog pores, followed by a lightweight serum that targets oil control and inflammation.
How do you manage skin prone to acne in children?
Acne in children, particularly pre-teens, is often triggered by early hormonal changes. Gentle skincare is key, start with a mild cleanser and avoid strong actives like retinoids unless recommended by a dermatologist.
What skincare is good for acne-prone skin?
Acne-prone skin benefits from products that help balance oil production, clear clogged pores, and calm inflammation without over-drying. Look for salicylic acid (to exfoliate inside pores), niacinamide (to soothe redness and support the barrier), and azelaic acid (to reduce blemishes and pigmentation).
What is the root cause of acne breakouts?
The root cause breakouts is clogged pores. This usually happens when excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria build up inside hair follicles at the openings of pores. Hormonal changes often trigger this process by increasing oil build-up Other contributing factors include genetics, stress, certain medications, and lifestyle choices such as diet or skincare habits.
