What is acne?

Acne is caused by overactive sebaceous glands that produce too much oil. It mainly affects areas of the skin with a high concentration of oil glands, including the face, chest, back and shoulders. Common symptoms include a shiny complexion, enlarged pores, breakouts, redness and scarring.

Understanding acne-prone skin

  • What causes acne?

    Acne is caused by overactive oil glands producing too much sebum. This excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, clogging the pores. Here, bacteria thrive, which leads to infection and inflammation. If the clogged pore is close to the surface of the skin, it bulges out as a whitehead. If the skin over the spot opens, oxidisation turns it into a blackhead. Deeper congestion will manifest as a painful cyst. 

  • Who is affected?

    Acne is most common amongst teenagers and young adults, but it can affect people of all ages. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Hormones play a big role in the development of acne, which is why puberty and pregnancy are often triggers. External factors, such as diet, medications, pollution and skincare, may aggravate symptoms. A family history of acne will also increase the likelihood of developing acne.

  • How to manage acne

    Acne can be difficult to treat. A combination of targeted skincare, professional treatments and lifestyle changes can help to manage its symptoms. Skincare recommendations include regular gentle cleansing, applying a lightweight moisturiser, wearing SPF every day and incorporating oil-controlling ingredients such as retinoids, niacinamide and zinc, as well as antioxidants to boost skin health.

Treating different types of acne

Acne doesn’t look the same for everyone, so why should it be treated the same way? At Cantabria Labs, we understand that adult acne and blemish prone skin is complex. That’s why our advanced formulas are designed to treat different types of presenting acne with clinically proven results you can see and feel, while also caring for long-term skin health.

Treating late-onset & relapsing acne

For individuals experiencing acne later in life, or seeing flare-ups return after a period of remission, BIRETIX Double Correction Serum provides dual-action care.

Clinically proven to show visible results in just 14 days1, it reduces blemishes, regulates excess oil, minimises pores and smooths fine lines while progressively improving tone, texture, and luminosity with continued use. The advanced formula not only tackles breakouts but also strengthens the skin barrier and addresses early signs of ageing, making it uniquely suited to the needs of adult acne sufferers.

Experience dermatologist-approved care for adult acne-prone skin with the BIRETIX Regime for Adult Acne-Prone Skin.

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Treating adolescent or persistent acne

For those whose acne began in adolescence and continues into adulthood, BIRETIX Tri-Active Anti-Blemish Gel offers triple-action daily care.

Clinically proven to deliver up to 76% fewer blemishes in just 28 days2, it exfoliates clogged pores, controls excess sebum, reduces redness, and prevents new imperfections from forming. With RetinSphere® Technology, BIOPEP-15, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide, Tri-Active provides an effective yet tolerable solution that restores clarity and comfort to persistent acne-prone skin.

Discover the BIRETIX Regime for Adolescent/Persistent Acne-Prone Skin.

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Technologies & ingredients to effectively treat acne-prone skin

Find the right acne products for your skin

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FAQs

What causes acne-prone skin?

Acne-prone skin develops when pores become blocked by excess oil, dead skin cells and impurities. This can create an environment where blemishes are more likely to form. Factors such as hormonal changes, genetics, stress and certain skincare products can all contribute. Acne-prone skin can affect adolescents and adults and may vary in severity over time.

How should I build a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

A skincare routine for acne-prone skin should include gentle cleansing, targeted treatment and appropriate hydration. This can be tailored using structured regimes, such as the BIRETIX Regime for Adult Acne-Prone Skin or the BIRETIX Regime for Adolescent or Persistent Acne-Prone Skin, depending on individual needs. Using products in the correct order and maintaining consistency helps support clearer-looking skin while protecting the skin barrier over time.

Can using the wrong skincare products make acne worse?

Yes. Using skincare products that are too harsh, overly rich or not suited to acne-prone skin can disrupt the skin barrier and increase irritation or breakouts. Products that clog pores or strip the skin of moisture may cause the skin to produce more oil in response. Choosing products formulated specifically for acne-prone skin can help support balance and improve tolerance.

Should acne-prone skin still use sunscreen?

Yes. Daily sunscreen use is especially important for acne-prone skin, as active ingredients used to treat blemishes can increase sensitivity to UV light. For this reason, it is important to protect the skin from sunlight by wearing high-level, broad-spectrum sun protection every day. Consistent sunscreen use helps protect the skin barrier, supports skin recovery, and reduces the risk of post-blemish marks becoming more noticeable.

Can diet or lifestyle affect acne-prone skin?

Diet and lifestyle factors may influence acne-prone skin in some individuals. Stress, lack of sleep and certain dietary habits can affect hormone levels and oil production, which may impact breakouts. While results vary from person to person, maintaining a balanced lifestyle alongside a consistent skincare routine can help support overall skin health and reduce flare-ups.

How long does it take to see improvements in acne-prone skin?

Results vary depending on skin type, severity and consistency of care. With targeted routines, visible improvements can be seen within a few weeks. In clinical studies of BIRETIX, improvements such as smoother texture, improved oil balance and visible reduction in blemishes have been observed in as little as 14 days*, with more significant reductions in redness, blackheads and blemishes reported after 28 days* when routines are followed consistently. (* Data on file.)

Related articles

  • What type of acne do I have? A guide to mild, moderate and severe acne

    Understanding the different types of acne is essential for discovering the right course of treatment and whether you should seek professional help.

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  • Second puberty? Why adult acne happens & how to treat it

    The resurgence of breakouts can be frustrating, especially for those who thought they had left teenage spots in the past.

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  • The emotional impact of acne: What nobody talks about (but everyone feels)

    Acne is often considered a surface issue. But for many people, the impact of acne runs deeper, taking a huge toll on mental health and quality of life.

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References

  1. Data on file. CRO Complife, Italy 2024. Clinical-Instrumental evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of a cosmetic treatment in subjects with acne prone skin; 20 female subjects with mild to moderate acne symptoms applied Biretix Double Correction Serum twice daily for 42 days - results tested at baseline (T0) and after 14 (T14), 28 (T28) and 42 days (T42)​.
  2. Data on file.