Beyond the blemishes: Real skin stories from people living with acne-prone skin

June marks Acne Awareness Month, an important opportunity to raise awareness of the realities of living with acne-prone skin. While blemishes are often the most visible symptom, the impact of acne-prone skin can extend far beyond what is seen on the surface.

According to NHS and NICE data, 95% of people aged 11–30 experience acne to some extent during their lifetime.¹ However, for many individuals, acne-prone skin affects more than their complexion alone. Research suggests that people living with acne are significantly more likely to experience anxiety, reduced self-confidence and negative impacts on their emotional wellbeing.^2-5 The visibility and unpredictability of breakouts, alongside concerns such as post-blemish marks, redness and scarring, can influence social interactions, self-esteem and overall quality of life.

As part of the BIRETIX Beyond the Blemishes campaign, Cantabria Labs is helping to broaden the conversation around acne-prone skin by raising awareness of both the visible symptoms, but also the emotional challenges that can accompany them.

To bring this message to life, we're sharing real stories from people who have experienced acne-prone skin at different stages of their lives. Their experiences highlight how acne can affect confidence, self-perception, and frustration while also demonstrating the importance of finding a management approach that works for the individual.

Robert's story: Managing persistent, acne-prone skin later in life

“My Skin Is Now at Its Best for the First Time in Nearly Six Years”

Late-onset adult acne refers to acne that appears for the first time in adulthood, often unexpectedly and at a stage of life when many people assume their acne concerns are behind them. While it is more commonly discussed in women, men can also be affected. The causes are often complex and multifactorial, involving genetics, inflammation, lifestyle factors and individual skin triggers. For Robert, acne-prone skin became an unexpected challenge later in life.

What began as occasional flare-ups in his mid-sixties triggered by stressful life events, gradually developed into a persistent skin concern that affected both his confidence and wellbeing.

As his symptoms worsened, Robert found himself searching for answers, consulting multiple doctors and dermatologists in the hope of finding an effective solution. However, the experience often left him feeling frustrated and uncertain.

"I was very concerned and frustrated," Robert explains. "One doctor thought it was rosacea, another thought it was a reaction to certain foods, and another said it was seborrhoeic dermatitis. They were all prescribing different pills and creams, but nothing seemed to help."

Determined to get clarity, Robert eventually sought private dermatological care and received a diagnosis of adult acne. He was prescribed a 12-week course of antibiotics, but unfortunately this did not significantly improve his condition.

A holistic approach to acne-prone skin

Rather than giving up, Robert decided to take a more proactive approach to understanding his skin. Over the following years, he made substantial lifestyle changes. Around four years ago, he removed ultra-processed foods and refined sugars from his diet, significantly reduced his alcohol intake and adopted a more active lifestyle after retiring from a sedentary career.

Today, at 72 years old, he exercises daily, remains alcohol-free and continues to prioritise his overall health. Robert also began keeping a detailed food diary to identify potential triggers. Over time, he noticed that certain foods appeared to contribute to flare-ups.

"I found that tomatoes and peppers seem to trigger my skin, usually two or three days after eating them. Keeping a food diary has helped me identify patterns and avoid foods that don't agree with me."

Despite these positive lifestyle changes, Robert was on the search for skincare products that could help support his acne-prone skin for a more holistic approach.

Discovering Cantabria Labs

In June 2024 he came across Cantabria Labs while researching online. After discovering HELIOCARE 360° A-R Emulsion, he decided to give it a try.

"Almost immediately, within a day or two, I noticed the effects," Robert recalls. "It was soothing my skin and reducing the redness. After all those years of trying different products, I couldn't believe how well it helped."

Encouraged by these results, Robert continued exploring the Cantabria Labs range and introduced the BIRETIX Regime for Adolescent and Persistent Acne-Prone Skin into his daily routine.

Within just two weeks, he began noticing further visible improvements. His skin felt calmer, healthier and easier to manage. The ongoing cycle of flare-ups became less overwhelming, and he felt more confident in his appearance.

Looking back on his journey

Today, Robert still follows this routine consistently.

While he occasionally experiences flare-ups, which he believes are often linked to dietary triggers, he feels far more confident in his ability to manage them.

"I still use the BIRETIX regime today, along with the HELIOCARE 360° A-R Emulsion," he says. "If I do get a flare-up, it helps calm things down very quickly."

Looking back on his six-and-a-half-year journey, Robert feels his skin is in a much better place than it was just a few years ago.

Robert's experience echoes the BIRETIX philosophy that acne-prone skin is rarely influenced by a single factor and needs a holistic approach. His journey involved professional guidance, lifestyle adjustments, a better understanding of what triggered his breakouts and a consistent skincare routine. Over time, these changes helped him regain confidence and feel more comfortable in his own skin.

Anne’s story: Finding confidence after years of adult acne-prone skin

“For the First Time in My Life, I Have Blemish-Free Skin and I am Confident in My Skin”

For many women, acne doesn't end with adolescence. Adult breakouts can persist for years, often accompanied by sensitivity, uneven skin tone and ongoing changes in skin balance. The combination of these concerns can be both physically frustrating and emotionally draining, affecting confidence as well as day-to-day wellbeing. For Anne, acne-prone skin wasn't a teenage phase she eventually grew out of. She had experienced varying stages of acne since puberty and remembers a time when treatment options were far more limited.

"I've had acne since my teens, back when Clearasil was about the only option available. I had a short spell of prescription treatment when I was younger, but the side effects meant I couldn't continue. Over the years, I mostly managed my skin through diet and keeping it clean, but when I became a nurse and started working shifts, my skin became much more difficult to control."

While her skin had never been completely clear, it remained relatively manageable for many years. That changed when she entered perimenopause.

"My skin started showing noticeable deterioration with the onset of perimenopause. I was never completely clear, but it was manageable until my hormones took a nosedive. Oiliness became one of my biggest challenges and I could never go more than a few hours without having to blot excess oil from my face."

While her skin had never been completely clear, it remained relatively manageable for many years. That changed when she entered perimenopause.

"My skin started showing noticeable deterioration with the onset of perimenopause. I was never completely clear, but it was manageable until my hormones took a nosedive. Oiliness became one of my biggest challenges and I could never go more than a few hours without having to blot excess oil from my face."

The emotional impact of adult acne-prone skin

Like many women experiencing adult acne-prone skin, Anne found the impact extended far beyond the visible blemishes.

"All the time, my skin affected my confidence, but even more so as I got older. Around the same time, I was becoming a wife and a mum and felt like I was losing parts of my identity. The changes in my skin felt like the last thing I had any control over, and the more stressed I became, the worse it seemed to get. Looking back now, I can see how that cycle was feeding my skin concerns."

Despite spending years searching for solutions, Anne often felt disappointed by the products she tried.

"I spent a fortune on products that promised so much but delivered very little. Most products aimed at oily or acne-prone skin were either too drying or didn't really do anything. Some even made my skin worse."

Discovering Cantabria Labs and BIRETIX

Anne's journey with Cantabria Labs began with photoprotection rather than products for targeted acne-prone skin care.

She first introduced HELIOCARE 360° Oil-Free Gel SPF50+ into her routine after becoming more conscious of protecting her skin from sun damage.

"I noticed my skin stayed visibly less oily throughout the day when I started using HELIOCARE. It was probably the first real skincare decision I'd made based on what my skin actually needed, rather than what glossy magazines were telling me I should be using."

Encouraged by the results, Anne went on to discover BIRETIX and introduced the adult acne-prone skin regime featuring the BIRETIX Double Correction Serum into her routine.

The changes came sooner than she expected.

"Within about three weeks, I noticed a huge difference. My pores looked visibly smaller, I hardly had any breakouts and my skin just felt lovely. I loved the texture of the serum from the very beginning. It feels delicate, absorbs quickly and never feels sticky or greasy."

Following the success of the serum, Anne expanded her routine to include additional BIRETIX products, including the BIRETIX Oil-Control Solution and Tri-Active Gel.

"After adding the other products, everything seemed to come together. Within another couple of weeks, I had clear skin for the first time in my life. I remember leaving the house wearing nothing but lip gloss. No foundation, no concealer, nothing. That had never happened before."

A new relationship with her skin

Today, Anne's remains consistent with her routine which includes the BIRETIX Adult Acne Regime alongside HELIOCARE, helping her to maintain the clarity and balance she had been searching for for years.

The impact has been about far more than fewer breakouts.

"The biggest change has been my confidence to be makeup-free and let my real skin shine. My husband sees it and so do my children. I never liked photos of myself and took very few. Now I'm in all of them, and no filters are needed."

Looking back on her experience, Anne describes her journey with BIRETIX in one word:

"Revolutionary. For the first time in my life, I have blemish-free skin. I wasted so much time and money on products that did nothing to help and probably made things worse. Finding a routine that genuinely works for my skin has completely changed how I feel about it."

For Anne, the transformation was about more than clearer-looking skin. It was about finding a routine she could trust and regaining confidence in her complexion.

Samantha's story: Balancing acne-prone skin through pregnancy, motherhood and prescription retinoid treatment

“I Can Stay Consistent with My Retinoid Treatment Without My Skin Feeling Uncomfortable”

Hormonal acne is one of the most common forms of adult acne-prone skin in women. Unlike adolescent acne, which often affects the forehead and T-zone, hormonal acne frequently appears around the lower face, jawline and chin. Fluctuations in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum recovery and perimenopause can all influence sebum production and inflammation, contributing to recurring breakouts that can be difficult to manage.⁶

For as long as she can remember, Samantha, 35, had experienced acne-prone skin concentrated around her chin.

Unlike teenage acne, her breakouts were often deep, painful and difficult to predict. Painful red spots and cystic blemishes would regularly appear around her menstrual cycle, frequently leaving behind post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) that could take weeks and even months to fade.

"It wasn't just the breakouts themselves," Samantha explains. "It was the marks they left behind and the feeling that as soon as one spot disappeared, another would appear in its place."

Like many women experiencing adult acne-prone skin, Samantha often relied on makeup to conceal active blemishes and post-blemish marks. However, she found that layering products over already congested skin often left her complexion feeling heavier and, at times, seemed to worsen the cycle she was trying to manage.

Interestingly, Samantha noticed a significant improvement in her skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For a period, her skin felt calmer and more balanced than it had in years.

However, approximately 12 months after becoming a mother, the familiar pattern of breakouts began to return.

"The flare-ups gradually came back and seemed to follow the same cycle I'd experienced for years. It was frustrating because I'd had a glimpse of what it felt like to have clearer skin."

Starting prescription retinoid treatment

Samantha started a course of topical prescription retinoid treatment to help manage her flare-ups and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

While she was committed to following the treatment plan, she quickly began experiencing some of the common side effects associated with retinoid use.

"Within the first week, I noticed significant dryness. My skin felt tight and was becoming increasingly uncomfortable."

Supporting the skin barrier during treatment

Concerned that the irritation might affect her ability to continue treatment consistently, Samantha introduced the BIRETIX Isorepair Regime alongside her prescription retinoid cream.

"Within a couple of days, my skin felt much more comfortable. The dryness started to improve and the redness began to calm down."

By introducing the BIRETIX Isorepair Regime alongside her prescription retinoid treatment, Samantha found she was able to better manage the dryness and sensitivity commonly associated with retinoid use. Supporting her skin barrier helped improve overall comfort and allowed her to remain consistent with treatment without needing to pause due to irritation.

Results without compromise

Today, Samantha continues to use the Isorepair Regime as part of her routine to help support her skin while using prescription retinoids.

Her experience highlights the important aspect of acne management that is often overlooked: successful treatment is not only about addressing blemishes, but also about supporting skin comfort and barrier health throughout the process.

"Treating my acne has been important but so has looking after my skin while I do it. Having a routine that helps manage the dryness and sensitivity has made a huge difference to my overall experience and my overall skin health and skin confidence."

The BIRETIX approach: Purify, treat and care

BIRETIX regimes are designed around a simple but effective apporach: Purify, Treat and Care.

• Purify focuses on cleansing away excess oil, impurities and daily build-up while helping prepare the skin for the next steps in the routine.
• Treat involves targeted products designed to support blemish-prone skin and help improve the visible appearance of imperfections.
• Care recognises that acne-prone skin still requires hydration and barrier support. This step is particularly important for individuals experiencing sensitivity, redness or skin undergoing intensive acne treatments.

Together, these three pillars help support the wider needs of acne-prone skin, for a holistic skincare approach to the management of acne-prone skin.

Explore the BIRETIX Regimes for acne-prone skin

Every acne journey is different, and so are the needs of acne-prone skin.

Whether you’re managing persistent breakouts, adult acne-prone skin or skin undergoing prescription acne treatment, BIRETIX offers three dedicated regimes designed to support the full spectrum of acne-prone skin concerns for varying treatment journeys:

Adolescent & Persistent Acne-Prone Skin Regime

This regime helps manage active blemishes while addressing associated concerns including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), post-blemish marks and the visible appearance of acne scarring. Through targeted exfoliation and skin-renewing technologies, it supports clearer, smoother and more even-looking skin. Clinically proven to significantly reduce blemishes by up to 76% and blackheads by 61% after only 28 days of regular use, the regime also helps reduce excess sebum while remaining suitable for sensitive skin.⁷

Adult Acne-Prone Skin Regime

Developed for adult acne-prone skin, this regime helps manage active blemishes while addressing associated concerns such as enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, excess oil and post-blemish marks. Formulated with targeted ingredients that support skin renewal and barrier function, it helps improve overall skin clarity and radiance while promoting a smoother, more refined and balanced-looking complexion. Clinical evaluation demonstrated a significant reduction in sebum, skin shine and pore size in as little as 14 days, with significant reductions in redness and blemishes after 28 days.⁸

Isorepair Regime for Dry/Sensitised Acne-Prone Skin

Specifically developed for dry, sensitised or treatment-compromised acne-prone skin, this regime helps restore comfort while supporting the skin barrier. It helps alleviate visible dryness, tightness, redness and irritation commonly associated with prescription acne treatments, enabling continued treatment adherence and improved skin tolerability. Clinical evaluation demonstrated that the regime helps improve hydration and strengthen the skin barrier, with a 46% reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL).¹⁰ It has also been shown to improve skin comfort and tolerability during retinoid treatment and help improve the visible appearance of acne scars.⁹ In addition, the accompanying lip care provides immediate and long-lasting hydration, with clinical testing showing a 68% increase in lip hydration immediately after application, maintained for up to six hours.¹¹

Explore the BIRETIX range from Cantabria Labs UK to discover a regime that supports your acne-prone skin journey.