If you want to get rid of your spots then this straightforward skincare guide will help. When it comes to breakouts, skincare is just one piece of the puzzle but it's a good place to start.

Hormones, stress and diet can all potentially play a part in causing and exacerbating acne. For example, I found that my acne was being made worse by having skimmed milk in my daily coffee, when I switched to full fat my inflamed breakouts calmed down. A study found that skimmed milk had no fat to buffer the cow hormones so when I consumed it, the hormones wreaked havoc with my complexion. But, whilst the cause of our breakouts may differ, there are some hard and fast skincare tips that work to treat acne from the outside. 

Keep scrolling to find out how to get rid of your spots here...

Cleanse Queen

Cleansing is the cornerstone of every good skincare routine. When you're dealing with breakouts you should cleanse once in the morning and then double cleanse at night. What does that mean? Essentially, you just want to wash your face twice. The first cleanse removes the makeup and any dirt from the day, while the second cleanse ensures every last trace is removed. 

Some people cleanse first with a rich balm or oil cleanser to emulsify makeup and then follow with a foaming cleanser, but you can use the same cleanser twice. Be sure to use a washcloth, this will help you cleanse thoroughly yet gently. 

Skin & Tonic Steam Clean, €30

Lixirskin Electrogel Cleanse, €29

Exfoliate Right

Exfoliating is key when it comes to preventing new spots. Exfoliators slough away the dead skin cells that can block pores leading to breakouts. Rather than using a granule-based scrub, look to using an acid exfoliator. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) nibbles away at the dead skin that can dull the complexion and block pores, while Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is oil-soluble which means it can drive down into your pores to exfoliate inside the blemish or blackhead leaving it clean and less inflamed. 

Lixirskin Night Switch BHA/AHA 10%, €24

Use Retinol

A few nights a week, follow your double cleanse with a retinol-based product. Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that does pretty much everything. It speeds up skin cell turnover, reduces sebum (oil) production and lessens the appearance of acne scars, too. 

Lixirskin Night Switch Retinol 1%, €24

Hydrate

Heavy moisturisers can block pores and exacerbate breakouts but you shouldn't skip the hydrating step. Instead, look to lightweight serums and lotions that are packed with hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated and happy. When you strip the skin of hydration, it goes into overdrive producing more oil to balance your complexion which can lead to spots in people prone to breakouts. 

Wishful Thirst Trap Juice Serum, €46

Don't Touch!

Outside of your skincare routine and makeup application, don't touch your face throughout the day. If for any reason you find yourself inadvertently touching your face, keep a hand sanitiser with you so at least you know your hands are clean.

Check out our guide to layering your skincare in the right order.