The best products for spot-prone skin

From cleansers to jade rollers, here's what your stressed-out skin is craving.

Best products for spot prone skin

by Lily Anderson |
Updated on

Tired of cancelling plans and spending time avoiding the mirror because you've had a bad breakout? Tried every primer and foundation on the market? If you want to stand up to your spots once and for all, then we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite products for spot-prone skin.

Related: 11 hard-working primers for sensitive skin

Yes, having bad skin can be totally soul-destroying. Especially, if you suffer from bouts of blemishes or full-on acne. But, this shouldn't affect your confidence - EVER. We're all about loving the skin you're in, but if it's painful, irritating or makes you feel rubbish, you might want a quick fix to reduce the redness or size, or a plan to even out your skin tone.

Luckily, there are now products on the market that can make bad skin days a thing of the past.

Your skincare routine is about to get a lot more interesting...

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections

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Shop: The best products for spot prone skin

argentum plus - Silver-MSM Cream 30 ml1 of 20

argentum plus - Silver-MSM Cream 30 mlargentum plus - Silver-MSM Cream 30 ml

The antimicrobial properties of silver have been known for centuries, helping to disrupt the spread of bacteria. This Silver-MSM cream stops bad bacteria from multiplying while letting good bacteria thrive. It's gentle and chemical-free, so is suitable for all ages and skin types.

Dots for Spotsu00ae Original Acne Absorbing Patches2 of 20

Dots for Spots® Original Acne Absorbing Patches

If you struggle with the occasional spot or have some real baddies breaking out, these dots are a great way to calm them down and reduce the size. Plus, they'll stop you from squeezing or picking, which is how bacteria spreads. Leave them on for six hours, or overnight. They're suitable for all skin types, and are fragrance, sulphate, phthalate, alcohol, paraben and cruelty-free.

FOREO LUNA 33 of 20

FOREO LUNA 3

LUNA 3 is the ultimate skincare investment to add to your cleansing ritual. Featuring an upgraded design and T-Sonic pulsations at 16 different intensities, LUNA 3 blasts away dirt, oil, and makeup residue in only one minute. It also clears away dead skin cells to enhance the absorption of skincare products, perfect for that youthful glow.

age bright clearing serum4 of 20
CREDIT: Dermalogica

Age Bright Clearing Serum, 30ml

This clearing serum is a godsend for irritated skin, as it exfoliates with salicylic acid and accelerates cell turnover to help clear breakouts and reduce the signs of ageing. Phytoactives from the resurrection plant, known for its ability to survive extreme dehydration, hydrate and smooth skin. Niacinamide works together with white shiitake mushroom to promote brighter, more even skin tone.

COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid5 of 20

COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid

The COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid is a renewing, resurfacing treatment dedicated to improving skin tone and texture. It's great for large pores and uneven skin tone. Harnessing the powers of 7% glycolic acid and apple water, it removes dead skin cells and pore-clogging impurities, whilst helping to minimise the appearance of whiteheads, fine lines and roughness.

Skin Sapiens Mattify Facial Serum6 of 20

Skin Sapiens Mattify Facial Serum

A good serum will do wonders if you have blemish-prone skin, and this one from Skin Sapiens will combat your oily t-zone, too. Lightweight and made from natural ingredients, it reduces oiliness and tightens pores to leave your skin looking radiant. It contains zinc PCA and lilac extract, is certified natural and is 100 per cent vegan.

Magnitone Natural Cleansing Ultimate Gift Set with First Step Daily Cleansing Brush and 2 Wipe Out Makeup Remover Cloth Wipes7 of 20

Magnitone Natural Cleansing Ultimate Gift Set with First Step Daily Cleansing Brush and 2 Wipe Out Makeup Remover Cloth Wipes

Cleansing regularly is the first step to great skin, and a cleansing brush will make your skin feel cleaner than it ever has before. This set also comes with a microfibre cloth, which removes all traces of make-up with just water.

Kate Somerville EradiKate Blemish Treatment8 of 20

Kate Somerville EradiKate Blemish Treatment

US favourite Kate Somerville recently made its way across to the UK, and to say we're excited would be an understatement. With the highest level of sulphur allowed in skincare (10%), this potent treatment fights against blemishes, helping to minimise breakouts. Alpha hydroxy acids reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, while zinc oxide provides oil control by absorbing excess sebum.

Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid9 of 20

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Formulated with 4% betaine salicylate, COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid reduces blackheads, clears pores, and dissolves excess sebum. Betaine salicylate (BHA) is an active ingredient that chemically exfoliates the skin by penetrating deep down, resulting in clearer, brighter, smoother skin with fewer breakouts.

Botanycl SkinClear Elixir10 of 20

Botanycl SkinClear Elixir

If you are after a 100% plant-based skin supplement, Botanycl's SkinClear Elixir is known to be an effective natural alternative to Roaccutane. The 60 vegan capsules contain active botanicals that support to clear problematic hormonal and non-hormonal skin gently from within. Grounded in science, the formula helps to achieve nothing but a blemish-free complexion.

Science of Skin Cleanse No. One11 of 20

Science of Skin Cleanse No. One

This super gentle cleanser is scientifically formulated to help stressed-out skin without stripping it of its natural protective barrier. It helps to dissolve sebum build-up, reduce pore size, reduce redness and fight breakouts. You can use it as a normal face wash, or for a more active treatment, apply it with cotton pads directly to damp skin and don't rinse it off - allowing the actives to work their magic.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion12 of 20

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Made with a blend of calamine and salicylic acid, this Insta-famous Mario Badescu Drying Lotion helps to soothe and clear up blemishes and whiteheads overnight without irritating the skin. Suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.

LookLit LED Mask13 of 20

LookLit LED Mask

This fab LED mask targets fine lines, acne and hyperpigmentation. Thanks to its three different modes, you can select which treatment you want. The blue light treats spots at the source clears blemishes and reduces oil and bacteria.

Ole Henriksen Balance It Allu2122 Oil Control & Pore Refining Set14 of 20

Ole Henriksen Balance It All™ Oil Control & Pore Refining Set

This little set is brilliant for combatting oily skin and contains a cleanser, toner and moisturiser. It's a really refreshing combo of products, which helps to mattify, reduce the look of pores and balance the complexion. We particularly like the Cold Plunge Pore Remedy Moisturizer which has a gorgeous cooling effect as it melts into your skin and really tightens everything up after use.

Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin15 of 20

Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin

Rosewater has been used for hundreds of years to soothe stressed-out skin, reduce redness and puffiness. Plus, the antibacterial properties can help to reduce acne. Glycerin works to hydrate your skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. What we love about this product is that it also contains Vor-mag water (meaning that the water has been magnetised and 'vortexed') to refresh your skin, and it can be used on your hair and scalp, too.

Nano Ionic Facial Steamer16 of 20

Nano Ionic Facial Steamer

Steaming might have been something you left behind in high school (towel over the bathroom sink, anyone?), but it can still be a powerful tool to help clear your skin. Not only is it relaxing, but it opens up your pores for a deeper cleanse, softens blackheads and promotes circulation.

Jade Roller Massaging Facial Roller17 of 20

Jade Roller Massaging Facial Roller

Jade rollers seem like a bit of a gimmick, but after using one every day for a few weeks, you'll see a difference. They're not only great to help your skin absorb your expensive skincare products, but also to reduce puffiness, help to flush out toxins via lymphatic drainage and give your face an all-over glow. Top tip: keep it in the fridge for a wonderfully cooling massage.

Kallistia Acne Cleanse Capsules18 of 20

Kallistia Acne Cleanse Capsules

If you are finding your skin to need some support from within, the Kallistia Acne Cleanse Capsules are natural supplements that have been found to work miracles for many. Being a blend of traditional herbal ingredients, vitamins, and antioxidants, the product works to prevent breakouts, alleviate acne, and reduce large pores.

W7 Oh So Sensitive Foundation19 of 20

W7 Oh So Sensitive Foundation

Being hypoallergenic, this foundation is perfect for sensitive skin. It provides medium to full coverage, meaning it covers just the right amount with a soft, matte finish without having to layer it on. It has also got niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate in it, which minimises pores and hydrates the skin.

W7 Oh So Sensitive Concealer20 of 20

W7 Oh So Sensitive Concealer

In addition to the Oh So Sensitive foundation, the concealer is also an absolute keeper for spot-prone skin. The super creamy formula is hypoallergenic and gives you medium to full coverage.

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Has your skin got worse since the COVID-19 pandemic? You may be surprised to hear that 'maskne' is actually a thing. Luckily though, just making a few changes can make all the difference.

Dr Rasha Rakhshani, who has trained in dermatology and now specialises in aesthetic/cosmetic medicine, told us, "The main thing is to make sure you are using the correct cleansers, and some with salicylic acid, too."

Dr Rasha recommends salicylic acid as well as AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), such as glycolic acid, to combat maskne. Both of these act as exfoliants to remove dead skin cells, or in the case of us mask wearers, to remove the gunk that's accumulated under our masks.

"It would be best to use a chemical peel once a week, as well," added Dr Rasha, "to dry up any spots."

Dr Rasha also stressed the "all importance" of keeping skin hydrated and explained how hydrated skin "prevents friction" between our face and our masks.

So, moisturise up, eye-cream up and get some hyaluronic acid in there, too, to help your skin glow.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us