28TH JULY 2024

Acne-prone skin: What it means, what causes it, and how to address it

Skinsights > Acne-prone skin: What it means, what causes it, and how to address it

Let’s face it; acne-prone skin can feel like a never-ending battle – but it doesn’t have to be. Getting to the root of what makes your skin tick (or break out) is the first step to a happier, healthier complexion. Here's the lowdown on what acne-prone skin means, what causes those frustrating breakouts, and how to reclaim your glow with a targeted approach – and a little help from ilik.

What is acne-prone skin?

Acne-prone skin is like the overachiever of the skin world – always working overtime to produce pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and even cysts. Often oily, this skin type loves to clog its pores with sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. If your mirror is no stranger to breakouts, welcome to the club.

Sorry to say, but sometimes, you can blame the ‘rents for your breakouts (thanks mum and dad). Genetics play a starring role in how much oil your skin churns out, how it reacts to hormonal drama, and how quickly it regenerates. If acne runs in the family, there’s a good chance you’re working with some inherited overachievers in the sebaceous gland department.

Sebum, your skin’s natural moisturiser, is a double-edged sword. Too much of it? Clogged pores and breakouts galore. Hormonal shifts (puberty, periods, pregnancy – you know the drill) crank up sebum production, turning your face into an oil slick faster than you can say “blotting paper.”

Let’s talk hormones – the ultimate skin saboteurs. Androgens, like testosterone, love to stir up trouble by ramping up oil production. Throw in menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or PCOS, and you’ve got a recipe for hormonal chaos. Oh, and don’t forget stress – your cortisol levels spike, oil production goes haywire, and your skin pays the price.

Your skin reflects what’s on your plate (and in your lifestyle). Sugar, dairy, and high-glycaemic foods can trigger flare-ups, while stress, poor sleep, and dehydration only add fuel to the fire. Treat your skin like the temple it is – and maybe lay off the sugary lattes.

Pollution, humidity, and harsh skincare products are like bad dates for your skin – irritating, clogging, and leaving behind a mess. And those “cool” products that don’t actually match your skin type? They’re not doing you any favours.

It's time to get your clinically proven formula that's made just for you.

Consistency is queen when it comes to acne-prone skin. Start with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type to sweep away grime without stripping your skin dry. Add a chemical exfoliant (think salicylic or glycolic acid) to keep those pores squeaky clean. And yes, an oil-free moisturiser is non-negotiable – even oily skin needs hydration to keep its barrier intact.

Over-the-counter skincare products might look the part with fancy packaging and clever buzzwords but, truth is, they’re all bark and no bite. Sure, they might include familiar ingredients, but at concentrations so mild they’re practically whispering at your skin instead of doing any real work. They’re designed to be safe for the masses, which often means dialling down the potency and upping the fillers.

Stubborn acne calls for ingredients that deliver results, and that’s where ilik’s personalised prescription skincare comes in. Our expert dermatologists create formulas packed with clinically proven ingredients – created with science. We're talking powerhouse ingredients such as tretinoin, spironolactone, clindamycin, used at strengths that actually get results – no fluff, no filler, just skin-transforming science. These formulas aren’t just powerful – they’re tailor-made for your skin’s unique needs. One-size-fits-all? Not on our watch.

ilik doesn’t do cookie-cutter skincare. From your online consultation to your doorstep delivery, we’re all about creating treatments that fit you like your favourite pair of jeans – perfectly tailored and oh-so-effective.

Forget the guesswork. Our dermatologists use their years of training and expertise to craft formulas that actually deliver results. We’re talking actual science. Prescription ingredients may sound intense, but they’re the heavy lifters your skin needs to get back on track.

Your relationship with ilik doesn’t stop at checkout. Our team of skincare pros is with you every step of the way, tweaking your treatment plan as your skin evolves. Got questions? Need adjustments? We’ve got you covered.

Managing acne-prone skin doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending uphill battle. With a thoughtful routine, science-backed ingredients, and personalised support from ilik, you’re not just addressing acne – you’re transforming your skin.
Say goodbye to the one-size-fits-all approach and hello to a smarter way to care for your skin. At ilik, we believe you deserve more than just good skin – you deserve your best skin. And we’re here to make that happen.