Why Am I Breaking Out and How Do I Stop Acne?

If you’re a teenager like me, you’ve probably had times when your skin just decides to break out for no reason (or at least it feels like no reason!). Teen acne is super common and it’s mostly down to hormones. During puberty, your body produces more oil (sebum), which can clog pores and lead to spots, blackheads, and breakouts. The good news is there are simple ways to help manage it!

From what I’ve learnt, being gentle with your skin is really important. Using a cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin, sticking to non-comedogenic products (which basically means they won’t clog your pores), and being consistent with your routine can really help. I wanted to share some products I personally use that have made a big difference for me and my friends.

My Favourite Acne Products That Actually Help

1. The Inkey List Spot Treatment and Toner

I love The Inkey List for two reasons: it actually works, and it’s not too expensive! The spot cream is green, which means it also helps colour correct redness — green cancels out red, so it instantly makes spots less obvious. Loads of my friends use this too and it’s really helped people who have had bad acne. I also like that you can buy it in loads of places, the packaging is simple and explains what it does, and it’s only £9. For something that works this well, I think that’s really good.

The toner from The Inkey List is another one I use every day. The bottle is a good size, it lasts ages because you only need a little bit, and it makes my skin feel really clean after using it. I’ve found it works even better when I use it with the spot treatment. It’s £10 which seems fair considering how long it lasts and the results I get from it.

2. Cerave Blemish Control Cleanser

This is part of my daily skincare routine and I think it’s way better than a normal cleanser, especially if you have acne. Cerave is really popular with teenagers because it’s a brand that people trust and it’s designed for sensitive skin. After using it, my skin feels really fresh and properly clean without feeling tight or dry. Loads of my friends use it too and they’ve had really good results. The bottle is a decent size and it costs around £10 which I think is good value for how long it lasts.

3. Face Scrubber

This is honestly such an underrated product! You can get small silicone face scrubbers from loads of places, and they’re really affordable. Most of my friends have one and they’re great for unclogging pores, especially when you use them with your cleanser like the Cerave one. I love mine because it helps my skin feel extra clean without being too harsh, and it’s quick and easy to use.

Final Thoughts

Everyone’s skin is different, but these products and tips have really helped me and my friends manage acne. Hopefully, if you’re struggling with breakouts, something here can help you too. The main thing is to be gentle with your skin, stick to products that work for you, and don’t stress too much — spots are completely normal!