Skincare for Acne

Acne occurs when dead skin cells or too much sebum clog a pore. Whether it's a comedone, pustule, or nodule, acne is no fun, but everyone gets blemishes. They’re not unsightly or embarrassing, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept their presence on your face. 

Acne can be triggered by many factors, including genetics, diet, skincare products, hormones, and more. It’s good to work with a dermatologist to decipher the source of your acne, but skincare for acne and good habits are a great way to manage blemishes, too. Techniques, like proper face cleansing and choosing non-abrasive formulas, can help minimize acne breakouts in the long run. 

Rooted in time-tested Japanese ingredients and techniques, Tatcha’s skincare products for acne are packed with formulas of the highest efficacy. There are many products that are suited for blemish-prone skincare routines, here are a few of our favorites. 

A cleanser that balances the skin, limits excessive oil, and deeply cleanses without stripping the skin is vital for acne-prone skin, and The Matcha Cleanser accomplishes all of these impressive feats. Its ability to cleanse deeply, purifying and unclogging pores is ideal for acne, and it’s clinically proven to control oil both immediately and over time, making it a cleanser that works overtime to improve your skin. 

Exfoliation is important for acne, but too much can irritate the skin, and not enough can leave stubborn dead skin cells on the face, leading to more trouble in both situations. First, learn to exfoliate properly for your skin type. Then, reach for The Texture Tonic, a gentle fruit-based alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliant that minimizes excessive oil, visibly tightens pores, reduces redness, and evens skin tone. 

One aspect of acne-prone skin is post-acne marks. If you’re looking to address those spots (plus dullness, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin texture and tone), try The Brightening Serum. Post-acne marks look less noticeable and skin feels softer and more supple in just a single week,* thanks to 12-hour time-release vitamin C, Japanese plum, ferulic acid, and glutathione.

You might be tempted to counter excessive oil and blemishes with no moisturizer, but that can exacerbate acne. Instead, grab a moisturizer designed for acne-prone skin that doesn’t clog pores and feels lightweight. Tatcha’s bestselling Water Cream feels as light as water, as the name suggests, yet hydrates and balances skin. The gel cream releases a burst of hydrating nutrients and pore-refining botanicals for healthy skin, without leaving the face sticky or greasy. 

While some sunscreens can leave skin feeling oily or weighed down, the alternative of skipping them altogether is not an option. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light can trigger or worsen acne. The trick is to choose the right sunscreen for your skin type and apply it every day. Consider The Silk Sunscreen, which is silky, lightweight, invisible, and packed with skin-benefitting ingredients designed to hydrate, soothe, and reduce redness. The 50+ coverage protects with 10 percent zinc oxide (a soothing active ingredient) for a mineral, reef-safe filter. 

*Based on a clinical study of 18 panelists.