Say goodbye to maskne with our 5 top spot-busting skincare ingredients

Fortunately, this is a battle you can win if you’ve got the right skincare to help you prevent as well as blitz existing breakouts, says beauty editor and skincare expert Leigh van den Berg. 

Salicylic acid  

"If you’re struggling with blackheads, salicylic acid (also known as beta salicylic acid or BHA) will be you new best friend", says van den Berg. It penetrates deep into your pores to exfoliate them from the inside out, so you can use it to clear existing blackheads, then keep going to prevent them from coming back, she says. “Ideally, you want leave-on products that contain at least 2% salicylic acid, which is generally included on the product label when the percentage is this high. You can increase the efficacy by choosing a face wash or toner that also contains BHA as an ally to help you win the war against spots and blackheads.” 

Benzoyl peroxide  

"While salicylic acid is the go-to for blackheads, actual pus-filled or blind pimples respond better to benzoyl peroxide", says van den Berg. “Benzoyl peroxide has been an acne-slaying superstar for years, as it's proven to kill a very specific bacteria – P acnes – the main culprit behind acne.” Before reaching for a prescription retinoid, the other brilliant acne-buster, she suggests you give 0.5% benzoyl peroxide a chance. “Benzoyl peroxide also exfoliates and dries excess oil, so use it to treat just the spot – don’t slather it everywhere or you’ll end up with a very dry, flaky face.” 

Tea tree oil  

Tea tree oil has been relied upon for decades to help treat acne and now has the research to support what we all know: One study has shown that a 5% concentration of tea tree oil is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide when it comes to treating pimples. “What I love about tea tree oil is that it’s such a great multi-tasker,” says van den Berg. “It can zap bacteria as well as fungus; soothe and calm by reducing inflammation and speed up healing by increasing white blood cell activity. 

Niacinamide  

"It doesn’t get as much praise as it should, but niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, should be in every acne-fighter’s artillery", says van den Berg. Studies have proven that it has great antibacterial properties; can help reduce oiliness while improving hydration and act as a potent anti-inflammatory. “If you’re using potentially drying or irritation-causing acne treatments, applying something with a high concentration of niacinamide will calm and soothe,” she says. As an added bonus, niacinamide has pigmentation-minimising ability so it can help you fade the dark marks left behind in the wake of a particularly bad spot.  

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