If you have oily skin, you probably know that it needs an entirely different set of products to normal or dry skin. I know too: I've battled with excess oil and congestion my whole life. Oily skin is a blessing in many ways, it helps slow premature ageing. But facing the day with a rough and congested complexion can affect self confidence. So, finding the right skincare system that let's you face the day with confidence is incredibly important.
Still on the hunt for the right products for you? I've narrowed down the best in skincare systems for acne-prone skin. Whether you have teenage skin or hormonal breakouts, these are the brands that have dedicated formulations to tame problem complexions.
1. Swisse Balance Range
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Australian wellness brand Swisse developed its targeted Balance Range in collaboration with dermatologists – not just cosmetic formulators. The range includes a suite of products designed to breakdown oily build-ups, but also soothe the skin after the active ingredients have done their work. The hero product of the Balance Range? The Blemish Remedy, is a fast acting drying serum.
2. Dermalogica Clear Start and Active Clearing
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Trusted for decades (and a favourite of the RUSSH Editors), Dermalogica actually has two dedicated oily skin regimes. The first, Clear Start, is a range designed for acne-prone teenage skin. The formulations focus on drying, clearing and nourishing problem skin, whilst understanding that teenage skin can be more sensitive to intense active ingredients. Active Clearing on the other hand is a range suited to those in their mid-20s or older. It includes products designed to balance, exfoliate and also repair adult skin.
3. Murad Blemish Control
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The goal of Murad's Blemish Control system? To control oil, not eliminate it. For our skin to thrive, we need a health dose of oils and lipids to protect our skin barrier. It's when these oils are excessive or unbalanced that issues can occur. Murad's system works overtime to assist the skin in shedding excess dirt and oils, and ensuring a balanced production of skin-nourishing lipids. In particular, it's InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment is a wonder for post-breakout dark marks
4. MediK8 Blemish Prone
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Cosmeceutical-grade brand, Medik8 has some of the best clarifying and balancing products that I've tried. It's range is heavy on active ingredients but also includes options like mattifiers and clay masks for those who want alternatives to acids and retinols. It's hero product is the Press & Clear toner which is a gentle release salicylic acid which is kinder to the skin barrier than other salicylic acids.
5. Paula's Choice Clear and Resist
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Paula's Choice is one of the most trusted skincare brands when it comes to targeting specific skin concerns. It has two ranges designed for oil skin. The Resist range is for normal to oily skin – think of this as your range for skin types that suffer the odd breakout. The Clear range on the other hand is perfect for those with oilier skin who may have more persistent breakouts. And within the Clear range, there is a regular strength and also an extra strength system.
6. Alpha-H
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A brand built around the power of alpha-hydroxy acids, it makes sense that Alph-H has one of the best acne-prone skincare systems on the market. It's range of blemish controlling skincare include options for oily skin, breakouts and also peri- and menopausal skin. Try the Micro Super Scrub if you're a fan of a physical exfoliant. But note, this particular range is heavy on peeling acids, so you will need to ensure a sunscreen is part of our daily routine.
7. CeraVe Blemish Control
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At a more accessible price point, CeraVe has three products designed to assist with acne-prone skin. Identifiable by their teal-toned iteration of the CeraVe branding, there's a Blemish Control cleanser, retinol toner and spot-treating blemish gel. As a dermatologist recommended brand, these products are an easy place to start if some of the other systems are too intensive or complicated.
Featured products are selected editorially. Our opinions are our own. Occasionally, we may receive a standard affiliate partner fee if you make a purchase using the links we feature.
