Why Am I Getting Breakouts?
Breakouts can happen to anyone, whether you have sensitive skin or you’ve had clear skin for years.
Blemishes can appear suddenly or linger stubbornly, often at the most inconvenient times. But breakouts aren’t typically random and are usually triggered by a combination of internal and external factors.
Here are the most common causes:
Excess Oil Production: When your sebaceous glands produce too much oil, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores. This creates the perfect environment for breakouts to form, especially on the T-zone or areas where you naturally get shiny.
Clogged Pores: Dead skin cells that aren’t shed effectively can build up on the surface. When they mix with oil and bacteria, pores become blocked, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and deeper blemishes.
Bacteria on the Skin: When pores become clogged, Cutibacterium acnes and other forms of bacteria can multiply inside them. This triggers inflammation, swelling, and those red, painful spots.
Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormones can increase oil production and sensitivity in the skin. This is why many people experience breakouts around their menstrual cycle, during stress, or throughout puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
Skin Barrier Imbalance: When the skin barrier is weakened (from harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation, or dryness) it becomes more prone to irritation and inflammation. A compromised barrier can make existing blemishes worse and slow down healing.
According to the NHS, acne and blemishes are linked to a combination of hormones, bacteria, and inflammation[1], meaning there’s rarely a single “quick fix.” The goal is to rebuild your skincare routine in a way that supports your skin’s natural balance.
How to Support Clarity and Balance
Once you understand what triggers blemishes and breakouts, it becomes much easier to support your skin. The key is adjusting your routine and daily habits to minimise congestion, calm inflammation, and support a clearer complexion.
Step-by-Step Routine for Blemish-Prone Skin
When your skin feels unpredictable, the best thing you can do is go back to basics. Rebuilding your routine is about supporting your skin barrier and avoiding harsh stripping. Here’s a step-by-step guide to reset:
1. Cleanse: Foaming cleansers can sometimes be overly astringent, stripping the skin’s natural oils and causing irritation, which may actually worsen breakouts. Avoid cleansers that leave your face tight or dry, as this can increase oil production. Instead, opt for a gentle, non-drying cleanser that removes excess oil, unclogs pores, and keeps skin calm and comfortable.
Try: Napiers Rowan Brightening Gel Cleanser
This lightweight gel cleanser deeply cleans without leaving skin tight or stripped, which is ideal if you experience both congestion and sensitivity. Formulated with rowan berry extract, naturally rich in Vitamin C, it helps brighten dull areas and support overall skin clarity. To learn more about the benefits of Vitamin C in skincare, read our guide.
A soothing blend of heather, sea buckthorn, and witch hazel provides antioxidant protection and helps balance oil production while calming the redness and irritation often associated with blemishes.
2. Tone: Apply a calming toner to cleanse, protect and refresh the skin.
Try: Napiers Hypochlorous Spray
This natural antibacterial and antimicrobial mist helps calm and support blemish-prone skin without irritation. Formulated with hypochlorous acid, a substance naturally produced by the body’s immune system to fight bacteria, it offers a gentle yet effective way to keep the skin clean, protected, and free from impurities
Gentle enough for all ages, it can be used morning and night after cleansing or spritzed throughout the day to refresh and keep skin balanced.
3. Serum: Apply a lightweight, daily serum that is formulated to clarify blemish-prone skin and promote a clearer, calmer-looking complexion.
Try: Napiers Anti-Blemish Serum
4. Acne Gel: Use a targeted acne gel to help soothe spots and support clearer skin.
Try: Napiers Acne Gel
This clarifying gel is ideal for oily or combination skin prone to spots, redness, and irritation.
Formulated with soothing aloe vera and calendula alongside naturally antiseptic herbs like tea tree, lavender, and rose geranium, it helps calm inflammation, reduce blotchiness, and support clearer, more balanced skin.
5. Eye Cream: Apply a lightweight eye cream to hydrate and soothe delicate and sensitive skin.
This cooling, lightweight cream is designed for the delicate eye area, helping to soothe puffiness and refresh irritated skin.
Made with eyebright, chamomile, and chickweed, it gently calms the eye area while providing light hydration and protection from environmental triggers like pollen, dust, and pollution. It's fast-absorbing and leaves the under-eye area refreshed, smooth, and comfortable.
To explore the importance of eye cream within your skincare routine, see our blog here.
6. Moisturise: Apply specially formulated moisturiser for oily, blemish prone, or redness-prone skin.
Try: Napiers Mother of All Silver Miracle Cream
Enriched with colloidal silver for its antimicrobial benefits, along with panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), jojoba oil, and argan oil to help calm visible redness while supporting a strong, healthy skin barrier.
To discover the benefits of colloidal silver, read our blog here.
7. Protect: It is important to protect blemish-prone skin from UV damage, which is a key contributor to post-blemish marks, uneven tone, and premature ageing. Daily sun protection also helps prevent inflammation and supports clearer, more even-looking skin over time.
Small Lifestyle Shifts That Make a Big Difference
Clearer skin isn’t just about what you apply – it’s also influenced by daily habits. Consider these small but powerful changes:
- Reduce daily stress: Stress hormones can increase oil production and inflammation, making blemishes more likely to appear. Building in moments of relaxation, even small ones, may make a real difference.
- Support healthy sleep habits: Poor sleep affects skin repair and can trigger breakouts.
- Manage sweat and post-workout habits: Sweat can trap bacteria and debris on the skin. Gently cleanse or rinse after exercise to prevent clogged pores and irritation.
- Be mindful of your diet: Some foods, especially high-sugar or highly processed options, may contribute to inflammation and breakouts.
- Avoid frequent face-touching: Unwashed hands transfer oil, dirt, and bacteria directly to the skin. Being conscious of this simple habit can significantly reduce the likelihood of new blemishes forming.
- Wash pillowcases frequently: Fabric can trap oil and bacteria, leading to breakouts.
It’s about being consistent and patient. A blemish skincare routine works best when it’s supportive rather than aggressive. The goal isn’t perfection – it’s progress and healthier-looking skin over time.
FAQs
Is acne genetic?
Acne can be influenced by genetics, meaning if it runs in your family, you may be more prone to breakouts.
Does niacinamide help with acne?
Yes, niacinamide can help reduce inflammation, balance oil production, and improve the appearance of blemish-prone skin.
Should you pop spots?
No, popping spots can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring or infection.
Can I use a face mask if I have blemishes?
Yes, clay or charcoal masks may help absorb excess oil, while hydrating masks with aloe or ceramides can soothe irritation. Always patch test new products.
