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Acne, Breakouts & Problem Skin?
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Here’s a Skincare Routine That Actually Helps
If you or your child are struggling with acne, you’re not alone – and it’s not because you’re doing something wrong.
Acne affects people of all ages. While it’s commonly associated with teenagers, many adults experience breakouts well into their 30s, 40s and beyond. Some even find acne appears for the first time later in life.
No matter your age, acne can impact confidence and feel frustrating to manage.
The good news? Acne-prone skin doesn’t need harsh products or aggressive treatments. It needs the right balance of gentle cleansing, hydration, and skin barrier support.
If you’re looking for advice on acne treatment in Bristol or struggling with breakouts, this guide explains what actually helps.
Why Acne Can Be So Frustrating
Acne doesn’t look or behave the same for everyone. You might notice:
- Regular breakouts on the face, jawline, cheeks or forehead
- Congested pores and blackheads
- Oily skin that still feels tight or uncomfortable
- Sensitivity from using too many “anti-acne” products
Many clients (and parents of teens) tell me they’ve tried everything – drying cleansers, strong exfoliants and spot treatments – only to find the skin becomes more irritated or inflamed.
This often happens because
over-cleansing and stripping the skin damages the skin barrier, causing it to produce more oil and inflammation in response.
Acne Isn’t About Being “Dirty”
One of the biggest myths around acne is that it’s caused by poor hygiene.
In reality, acne-prone skin often has:
- Excess oil trapped beneath the surface
- Dead skin build-up blocking pores
- Inflammation and imbalance
Scrubbing harder or using stronger products usually makes acne worse.
What acne-prone skin really needs is
gentle but effective cleansing, without trauma to the skin.
A Simple Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin
In the video above, I demonstrate a simple, realistic skincare routine that works for both teenagers and adults, focusing on gentler products with fewer unnecessary chemicals.
You don’t need a complicated or aggressive routine to manage acne.
In fact, keeping things gentle and consistent is key.
This routine supports acne-prone skin by helping to cleanse thoroughly, protect the skin barrier, and reduce irritation — without over-stripping.
I personally use
UpCircle Beauty skincare, which is made using by-products from the food industry. This helps keep formulations gentler while being more sustainable.
Step 1: Remove Eye Makeup (PM only)
Even if the rest of your skin is acne-prone, eye makeup still needs removing properly — especially mascara and eyeliner, which can migrate and cause irritation.
How to do it properly:
1. Soak a cotton pad with eye makeup remover or micellar water
2. Press two pads together so they’re evenly damp
3. Close your eyes and gently press the pads onto your lashes
4. Hold for a moment to allow the product to dissolve mascara
5. Gently wipe away — never rub or drag
6. Repeat if needed
7. Lightly wipe underneath the eyes (this skin is thin and delicate)
Your eyes should feel clean and comfortable, never irritated or tight.
Step 2: Cleanse Your Face
Cleansing properly is one of the most important steps for acne-prone skin — but it must be done gently.
You can cleanse using pads or your fingertips, depending on the product you’re using.
Option A – Using Pads (Micellar or Cleansing Water)
1. Soak a cotton pad with cleanser
2. Start in the centre of the face and wipe outwards towards the hairline
3. Always sweep towards the temples to avoid dragging the skin
4. Don’t forget the jawline and neck
Option B – Using Your Fingers (Cream, Gel or Balm Cleanser)
1. Massage cleanser into the skin using your fingertips
2. Use gentle, upward circular motions
3. This helps dissolve makeup, SPF and excess oil
4. Rinse with lukewarm water — never hot
Your skin should feel fresh and clean, not tight or squeaky.
Step 3: Tone (Optional Step)
Toner is no longer considered an essential step in skincare — so don’t worry if you skip it.
Traditional toners were used to rebalance the skin after harsh cleansers. If you’re using gentle products, your skin’s pH is usually already balanced.
Some modern toners can offer added benefits such as:
• Light hydration
• Soothing or calming ingredients
• Gentle exfoliating acids
• Refreshing botanicals
If you enjoy using a toner, you can apply it using a cotton pad or decant it into a spray bottle for a light mist.
Step 4: Exfoliate (1–2 x per week)
Exfoliation helps prevent dead skin build-up that can block pores — but over-exfoliating is one of the most common causes of irritated, inflamed acne.
Exfoliating too often can damage the skin barrier and trigger more breakouts.
How to exfoliate safely:
1. Apply your exfoliator with your fingertips
2. Use gentle circular movements
3. Avoid harsh scrubbing or pressure
4. Rinse with lukewarm water
Your skin should feel smooth and calm afterwards — never red or sore.
Step 5: Eye Cream
Many people with acne avoid moisturiser — but skipping it can actually make breakouts worse.
When skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil to compensate.
How to apply:
1. Apply a generous amount to clean hands
2. Press into the skin using upward and outward motions
3. Patting is gentler than sweeping and avoids pulling the skin
Tip:
• Day moisturiser = lighter texture, sits well under makeup
• Night moisturiser = richer, supports skin repair while you sleep
Your skin should feel comfortable and balanced, not greasy.
Step 6: Moisturise
Choose a moisturiser that makes your skin feel comfortable and plump — not greasy.
How to apply:
1. Spread a generous amount across your hands.
2. Press into the skin in upward and outward motions.
3. If sweeping, do so very gently.
4. Patting is gentler and avoids pulling the skin.
Tip:
• Day cream = lighter, sits better under makeup.
• Night cream = richer, supports your skin’s repair overnight.
Step 7: SPF or Serum (depending on time of day)
Morning Routine – SPF Is Essential
SPF protects acne-prone skin from sun damage, pigmentation and post-breakout marks.
Apply every morning, even on cloudy days.
Evening Routine – Serum
At night, a serum can support hydration and skin repair.
Look for gentle ingredients such as:
• Hyaluronic acid
• Ceramides
• Niacinamide
How to apply:
Press into the skin gently using upward motions — never drag.
Why I Recommend the Hydra Dermabrasion Facial for Acne
The Hydra Dermabrasion Facial is one of my most recommended treatments for acne-prone skin because it works with your skin, not against it.
How it helps acne-prone skin:
- Deep-cleans pores safely (without squeezing or harsh exfoliation)
- Removes congestion, dead skin and excess oil
- Hydrates while treating acne – a step many treatments miss
- Calms inflammation and redness
- Supports the skin barrier rather than stripping it
Many clients are surprised by how
clearer, smoother and calmer their skin feels after just one session.
This treatment is suitable for:
- Mild to moderate acne
- Teen acne and adult acne
- Congestion and blackheads
- Oily or combination skin
- Skin that breaks out when over-treated
What Results Can You Expect?
With the right routine and regular treatments, many clients notice:
- Fewer breakouts
- Less congestion
- Smaller-looking pores
- Improved skin texture
- Skin that feels balanced, not tight or greasy
Acne isn’t about perfection – it’s about
control, comfort, and confidence.
Ready to Give Your Skin a Reset?
If you or your teenager are struggling with acne or skin that feels out of balance, professional support can make a real difference.
💆♀️ Hydra Dermabrasion Facials are available at my private home salon in Lyde Green, Bristol.
📅 Book online at www.jax-glam.co.uk
Your skin doesn’t need punishment – it needs the right care.
