How to Get Rid of Acne: Causes, Treatments and Prevention (2026)

Acne affects up to 85% of people at some point in their lives, making it the world\’s most common skin condition. Whether you\’re dealing with the occasional breakout or persistent cystic acne, understanding the root causes and evidence-backed treatments is the first step to clearer skin. This guide covers everything from skincare routines to prescription options.

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What Causes Acne?

Acne develops when hair follicles become plugged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Four main factors contribute:

Excess sebum production: Hormones (particularly androgens) stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil
Clogged pores: Dead skin cells don\’t shed properly and mix with oil to block follicles
Bacteria: Cutibacterium acnes (formerly P. acnes) thrives in blocked follicles and triggers inflammation
Inflammation: The immune response to bacteria causes redness, swelling, and pain

Hormonal Acne

Hormonal fluctuations—during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause—can trigger or worsen acne. Hormonal acne typically appears along the jaw, chin, and lower cheeks. It often correlates with your menstrual cycle and may require hormonal treatment options.

Types of Acne

Type	Description	Severity	Best Treatment
Whiteheads	Closed, flesh-coloured bumps	Mild	Salicylic acid, retinoids
Blackheads	Open, oxidised pore plugs	Mild	BHA exfoliants, niacinamide
Papules	Small red, inflamed bumps	Moderate	Benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics
Pustules	Pus-filled inflamed spots	Moderate	Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid
Nodules	Large, painful, deep lumps	Severe	Prescription retinoids, antibiotics
Cysts	Large, pus-filled, painful	Severe	Isotretinoin, cortisone injection

Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

Morning Routine

Cleanser: Gentle foaming or gel cleanser with salicylic acid (0.5–2%)
Toner: Alcohol-free toner with niacinamide or witch hazel
Treatment: Niacinamide serum to reduce sebum and inflammation
Moisturiser: Lightweight, non-comedogenic gel moisturiser
SPF: Oil-free, non-comedogenic SPF 30–50

Evening Routine

Cleanser: Double cleanse if wearing makeup/SPF
Treatment: Benzoyl peroxide spot treatment OR retinoid (not both)
Moisturiser: Lightweight gel or oil-free moisturiser

Key rule: Introduce new actives slowly. Never layer benzoyl peroxide with retinoids or acids on the same evening—this can cause severe irritation.

Best Ingredients for Acne

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

A beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates into pores, dissolving the mix of sebum and dead skin cells. Ideal for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily skin. Use at 0.5–2% in cleansers and toners.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. Available in concentrations from 2.5% to 10%. Start low (2.5%) to minimise dryness and irritation—it\’s equally effective at lower concentrations with fewer side effects.

Retinoids

Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover, preventing pores from clogging. OTC retinol works well for mild acne; prescription tretinoin is significantly more powerful for moderate to severe acne.

Niacinamide

Reduces sebum production, minimises pore appearance, and calms inflammation. Excellent for acne-prone skin—can be used morning and evening without irritation.

Azelaic Acid

Kills acne bacteria, reduces inflammation, and fades post-acne marks. Available OTC at 10% and prescription at 15–20%. Suitable for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.

Acne Treatments: From OTC to Prescription

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Benzoyl peroxide washes and spot treatments
Salicylic acid cleansers and toners
Adapalene 0.1% gel (Differin) — a retinoid available OTC in many countries
Niacinamide serums and moisturisers

Prescription Treatments

Topical antibiotics: Clindamycin, erythromycin (often combined with benzoyl peroxide to prevent resistance)
Topical retinoids: Tretinoin, tazarotene (more potent than OTC options)
Oral antibiotics: Doxycycline, minocycline for moderate to severe inflammatory acne
Isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane): Reserved for severe, cystic acne; highly effective but requires medical supervision
Oral contraceptives: Some formulations approved for hormonal acne treatment
Spironolactone: Anti-androgen medication effective for hormonal acne in women

In-Clinic Treatments

Chemical peels (salicylic, glycolic, or TCA)
Light therapy (blue light for bacteria, red light for inflammation)
Cortisone injections for large cysts
Extraction facials by licensed aestheticians

Lifestyle Factors That Affect Acne

Diet and Acne

Research increasingly links certain dietary patterns to acne:

High glycaemic index foods: White bread, sugary drinks, and refined carbs spike insulin, which can increase sebum production
Dairy: Some studies link whey protein and skim milk to acne flares in susceptible individuals
Omega-3 fatty acids: Anti-inflammatory fats from oily fish, flaxseed, and walnuts may help reduce inflammatory acne

Stress and Acne

Stress hormones (cortisol and androgens) directly stimulate sebum production. Stress management—regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices—can meaningfully reduce stress-related breakouts.

Sleep and Skin

Poor sleep increases inflammatory markers and can worsen acne. Aim for 7–9 hours per night. Use a clean pillowcase (change at least twice weekly) to avoid transferring oil and bacteria to your skin.

Dealing With Acne Scarring

Types of Acne Scars

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark marks left after spots heal—not true scars, these fade with time and treatment
Atrophic scars: Depressed scars including ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars
Hypertrophic/keloid scars: Raised scars more common on the back and chest

Treatments for Acne Marks and Scars

For PIH: Vitamin C, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and SPF daily
For atrophic scars: Microneedling, chemical peels, laser resurfacing (Fraxel, CO2), dermal fillers
For raised scars: Silicone sheets, corticosteroid injections, laser treatment

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for acne treatments to work?

Most topical treatments take 6–8 weeks to show meaningful improvement. Prescription treatments like tretinoin may take 3–6 months for full effect. Isotretinoin typically produces results within 4–6 months of a full course. Patience is essential—don\’t abandon a treatment before giving it adequate time to work.

Should I pop pimples?

Generally no. Squeezing pimples can push bacteria deeper, worsen inflammation, and increase the risk of scarring. If you must extract, do so only on a whitehead that has come to a clear head—use clean hands, a warm compress first, and apply an antibacterial product afterwards. Cysts and nodules should never be squeezed.

Does washing your face more help acne?

No. Over-washing strips the skin\’s natural moisture barrier, triggering more oil production as compensation. Wash twice daily (morning and evening) with a gentle cleanser. If you exercise, wash your face after workouts to remove sweat and bacteria.

Is acne hormonal or dietary?

Often both. Hormonal fluctuations are the primary driver for many people, but diet—particularly high-glycaemic foods and dairy—can exacerbate hormone-driven acne. Tracking breakout patterns alongside your cycle, diet, and stress levels can help identify your personal triggers.