What is acne-prone skin?

Acne-prone skin is characterised by excess oil production, clogged pores and a tendency to develop blackheads, whiteheads, spots and blemishes. It most commonly affects the face, chest, back and shoulders, where sebaceous (oil) glands are most active.³ 

Common signs of acne-prone skin include: 

  • Excess shine and oiliness

  • Enlarged or congested pores

  • Blackheads and whiteheads

  • Inflammatory blemishes

  • Redness and post-blemish marks

  • Uneven skin texture

What causes acne-prone skin?

Acne-prone skin develops when excess sebum combines with dead skin cells, leading to blocked pores. This creates an environment where Cutibacterium acnes bacteria can proliferate, triggering inflammation and breakouts.⁴ Whiteheads form when a blocked pore remains closed at the skin surface, while blackheads develop when the pore remains open and its contents oxidise. Deeper inflammation may result in nodules or cysts.³ Several factors can contribute to acne-prone skin, including:

Hormonal fluctuations⁵

Genetics and family history⁶

Stress⁷

Pollution and environmental aggressors⁸

Certain medications³

Inappropriate skincare products³

Lifestyle and dietary factors⁹

Who is affected by acne-prone skin?

Acne is most common among teenagers and young adults, but it can affect people of all ages.³ Hormonal changes play a major role in acne development, which is why puberty and pregnancy are common triggers.⁵ A family history of acne can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.⁶ External factors, including stress, pollution, medications and certain skincare products, may also aggravate symptoms.³˒⁷

How to care for acne-prone skin

Managing acne-prone skin requires a consistent skincare routine focused on reducing congestion, controlling excess oil and supporting the skin barrier.²

Skincare recommendations include:

Regular gentle cleansing²

Applying a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser¹⁰

Wearing broad-spectrum SPF daily¹¹

Incorporating ingredients such as retinoids, niacinamide and zinc where appropriate²˒¹²

Using antioxidant-rich formulations to support overall skin health¹³

A combination of targeted skincare, professional treatments and lifestyle changes may help manage symptoms and improve skin appearance over time.²

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Treating different types of acne-prone skin

Acne-prone skin is not one-size-fits-all. Different types of blemishes, skin concerns and life stages require different approaches. At Cantabria Labs, our BIRETIX formulations are specifically developed to help improve the appearance of acne-prone skin while supporting long-term skin health.

Adult acne-prone skin

For adults experiencing persistent or recurring breakouts, BIRETIX Adult Acne Regime featuring the BIRETIX Double Correction Serum provides dual-action care.

Clinically proven to deliver visible improvements in just 14 days14, it helps reduce blemishes, regulate excess oil, minimise the appearance of pores and improve overall skin texture and radiance. It also helps support the skin barrier and addresses the first signs of ageing, making it particularly suitable for adult acne-prone skin.

Discover the BIRETIX Regime for Adult Acne-Prone Skin.

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Persistent acne-prone skin

For those experiencing ongoing acne-prone skin from adolescence into adulthood, the BIRETIX Regime for Adolescent/Persistent Acne-Prone Skin featuring the BIRETIX Tri-Active Anti-Blemish Gel delivers triple-action daily care.

Clinically proven to reduce blemishes by up to 76% in 28 days15, it helps exfoliate congested pores, regulate excess sebum, reduce visible redness and minimise future breakouts. Powered by RETINSPHERE® Technology, BIOPEP-15, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and niacinamide, it provides effective care for acne-prone skin while maintaining skin comfort.

Discover the BIRETIX Regime for Persistent Acne-Prone Skin.

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Dry acne-prone skin sensitised by retinoids

For those with acne-prone skin undergoing prescription retinoid treatment, the BIRETIX Isorepair Regime supports treatment adherence and comfort by helping to maintain skin barrier integrity.

Featuring the BIRETIX Isorepair Cream, it has been clinically tested by users undergoing prescription retinoid treatment demonstrating a -46% reduction in water loss (TEWL), improving hydration and strengthening the skin barrier.16,17

Discover the BIRETIX Isorepair Regime.

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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.

    Read article

  • 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.

    Read article

  • 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.

    Read article

References

  1. NICE Guideline NG198. Acne Vulgaris: Management (2021).  
  2. NHS. Acne. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/  
  3. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Acne.  
  4. Zaenglein AL et al. Pathogenesis and Treatment of Acne. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.  
  5. Thiboutot D. Hormonal Influences on Acne Pathogenesis. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.  
  6. Bataille V et al. The Influence of Genetics and Environmental Factors in Acne. British Journal of Dermatology.  
  7. Chiu A et al. Stress and Acne. Archives of Dermatology.  
  8. Dréno B et al. The Impact of Exposome Factors on Acne. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.  
  9. Smith RN et al. Diet and Acne: A Review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.  
  10. Draelos ZD. The Role of Moisturizers in Acne Management. Dermatologic Clinics.  
  11. American Academy of Dermatology. Acne Skin Care Recommendations.  
  12. MDPI. Exploring Acne Treatments: From Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies (2024).  
  13. Addor FAS. Antioxidants in Dermatology. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia.
  14. 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).​
  15. Milani, M., & Colombo, F. (2023). Clinical-instrumental assessment of a daily cosmetic regimen in ensuring improved skin barrier and tolerability in sensitive skin undergoing acne treatment: A prospective open trial. International Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology, 8(1), 1–8.
  16. Open-label clinical experience, 20 patients on oral isotretinoin (20 mg/day) over 12 weeks; assessments at baseline, day 45 and day 90 (Dr Mayte Truchuelo).
  17. Zurko Research, Evaluation of tolerance of a cosmetic under dermatological control of Biretix Isorepair Cream on 20 volunteers.