Acne Awareness Month: The Pro’s Guide to Dealing with Breakouts, Blemishes & Congested Skin

 

 

Breakouts don’t magically disappear after your teenage years - and if our social media feeds are anything to go by, more adults than ever are struggling with spots, congestion and skin confusion.

In fact, research published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology suggests adult blemishes affect up to 15% of women, while dermatologists globally continue to report increases in stress-related and hormonal breakouts in adults. Add sweat, SPF layering, pollution, long workdays and overuse of actives into the mix and it’s easy to see why skin can become overwhelmed quickly.

That’s why, for Acne Awareness Month, we’re stripping things back to the fundamentals. No complex routines or aggressive “dry your skin out” advice. Just the professional approach to managing blemish-prone skin in a way that supports healthier-looking skin long-term.

 

Spots don’t mean your skin is dirty

One of the biggest misconceptions around blemishes is the idea that skin simply needs to be scrubbed harder or washed more.

In reality, over-cleansing and over-exfoliating can compromise your skin barrier, increasing dehydration, irritation and inflammation - all of which can leave skin looking angrier and less balanced over time.

Healthy-looking skin is balanced – which means it needs moisture too. And yes, we know it doesn't feel like it, but oily skin can still be dehydrated.

 

Why summer can trigger breakouts

Warmer weather creates the perfect storm for congestion:

• Increased sweat
• More oil production
• SPF and makeup layering
• Humidity
• Friction from hats, sunglasses and travel
• Dry shampoo and hair products transferring onto skin

Dermatologists often see increases in “acne mechanica” during summer months - blemishes triggered by heat, sweat and friction. This doesn’t mean you should avoid SPF or panic-cleanse your face six times a day. It simply means your routine may need additional support.

 

The Pro’s Guide to Managing Blemishes

1. Cleanse properly — but gently

When dealing with spots and congestion, cleansing matters enormously - but so does how you cleanse.

One of the most effective ingredients for blemish-prone skin remains salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its ability to penetrate oil and help clear blocked pores.

Enter: Sally Cleanse

Skingredients Sally Cleanse 2% Salicylic Acid Oil Control Cleanser is formulated with 2% salicylic acid to help deeply cleanse without leaving skin feeling tight or stripped.

It’s particularly useful for:

• Congested skin
• Oily areas
• Back and chest breakouts
• Sweat-related blemishes
• Post-workout skin

 

Importantly, the formula was designed to cleanse while still respecting the skin barrier - something many harsh spot-focused cleansers fail to do. This award-winning formula is what we describe as an active cleanser, which means it contains potent levels of active ingredients included to target a specific concern. This also means it is not suitable for daily use. Instead you should use this 2-3 evenings per week, after removing makeup, SPF and impurities with an initial cleanse. For everyday, stick to a gentle formula like PreProbiotic Cleanse Hydrating Cleanser, which cleanses and refreshes without clogging up the pores.

Don’t Forget Your Cleanse Off Mitt

Your cleansing technique matters too. Our Founder, Jennifer Rock recommends double cleansing every day to ensure all traces of SPF, makeup, dirt and daily build-up are removed before you get down to actually cleansing the skin. The Cleanse Off Mitt is ideal here, as you can use this with just water as step one and then use it again alongside your cleanser to ensure you get in all the nitty, gritty areas! 

 

2. Stop trying to “dry out” your skin

One of the oldest beauty myths still hanging around is that oily or breakout-prone skin shouldn’t use hydration.

In reality, dehydrated skin can often overcompensate by producing even more oil.

That’s why balancing hydration levels is such an important part of supporting blemish-prone skin. Skin that feels comfortable and supported is often less reactive overall.

Instead of skipping moisturiser entirely, focus on lightweight hydration and barrier-supporting ingredients. Skin Veg Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum contains low molecular hyaluronic acid to help attract and retain moisture in the skin while remaining lightweight and comfortable to wear.

 

3. Vitamin A is for more than lines and wrinkles

If there’s one ingredient category dermatologists and skin experts consistently return to for blemish-prone skin, it’s vitamin A derivatives - often referred to as retinoids.

Why? Because vitamin A helps support skin renewal and can assist in balancing oil production over time. It’s also one of the reasons vitamin A is frequently recommended for:

• Congestion
• Uneven texture
• Post-breakout marks
• Excess oil
• Early visible signs of ageing

Consistency matters here. Results don’t happen overnight, but regular use can make a noticeable difference to overall skin clarity and smoothness. For beginners, we recommend Skin Protein Anti-Ageing Retinoid Serum. This award-winner contains retinyl palmitate, a fatty, more barrier friendly derivative of vitamin A, which means it is suitable for use morning and evening. For those ready to step up their results, try 0.6 or 1% Retinol + B3 Anti-Ageing Night Serum, which contains encapsulated retinol and niacinamide to dissolve excess sebum and improve clarity.

Good to know: Contrary to popular belief, vitamin A can still be used during summer months when applied correctly - meaning paired with diligent daily SPF use. 

 

A viral issue

One of the biggest skincare conversations right now? Overcomplicated routines fuelled by social media.

Dermatologists continue to warn about “skin cycling overload” and excessive active layering, particularly among younger consumers using multiple exfoliants, acids and retinoids simultaneously.

More products doesn’t automatically equal better skin. Often, calmer, more consistent routines outperform aggressive “spot-fighting” approaches long-term.

 

Your breakout-friendly cheat sheet

Morning

• Gentle cleanse with PreProbiotic Cleanse
• Spritz & refresh with Spritz O'Clock, followed by lightweight hydration with Skin Veg
• Follow with Skin Protein to regulate oil*
• Apply SPF such as Skin Shield Moisturising + Priming SPF50 PA+++

Evening

• 2-3 x weekly cleanse using Sally Cleanse
• Remove residue properly with Cleanse Off Mitt
• Hydrate with Skin Veg
• Vitamin A serum such as Skin Protein or Retinol + B3 Anti-Ageing Night Serum
• Skin Good Fats Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturiser if you have any dry spots*

 Weekly

• Use Sally Cleanse as a micro-mask for more intensive results

 

Breakouts are incredibly common - but sophisticated formulas and an industry focus on skin longevity has meant you no longer need to choose between spots and a comfortable skin barrier.

 *Note - Due to the inclusion of vitamin A, Skin Protein and Retinol + B3 Anti-Ageing Night Serum are not suitable for use during pregnancy or breast-feeding.