Are you experiencing breakouts that seem to never go away? Finding the right products for acne-prone skin can be quite the struggle. One person's ‘holy grail’ might actually be the thing making your acne worse - hence the importance of finding what works for your skin. This is why the foundation of our skin health philosophy is personalization.
First, Let’s Discuss What Causes Acne?
Acne occurs when excess sebum (oil) and skin cells create a blockage in the pore, allowing bacteria to grow, in turn causing an inflammatory response. This process can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations in the body, stress, poor lifestyle (diet, sleep etc.), improper skincare products and also genetics.
Where a lot of people go wrong when trying to clear their acne, is doing wayyyy too much to their skin. Exfoliating cleanser, exfoliating toner, a harsh retinol - this disrupts your skin barrier which will actually make your acne worse in the long run.
Why Does Your Skin Barrier Matter?
The skin barrier is responsible for normal functioning of ALL mechanisms of our skin.
By over-stripping the skin barrier with too harsh of products, the skin is triggered to compensate by over-producing the oil that comes from our pores.
Plus, the barrier also maintains the skin’s slightly acidic pH level to kill bacteria. If you strip your barrier, it loses its antibacterial properties — and as a result, acne bacteria is able to grow & thrive.
What Are the Best Products for Acne?
To Encourage Skin Cell Turnover
1. Osmosis Clarify Serum – Breakout-Fighting Retinoid + Exfoliant
This retinaldehyde + mandelic acid formula:
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Unclogs pores and prevents future breakouts
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Reduces redness and inflammation
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Fades acne scars over time
Best for: Oily, congested, and acne-prone skin.
To Maintain Skin Barrier Health
2. DMS High Classic Cream – Strengthens & Repairs Acne-Prone Skin
Many acne treatments dry out the skin, leading to irritation and more breakouts. This lightweight, non-comedogenic cream:
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Restores skin barrier function to prevent dehydration
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Calms irritation while balancing oil production
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Provides deep hydration without clogging pores
Best for: Acne-prone skin that’s dry, or over-exfoliated.
A Targeted Weekly Treatment
3. Environ Sebu Masque – Deep Clean Pores & Control Oil
This lactic acid + salicylic-based mask works like a mini facial at home:
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Absorbs excess oil and reduces shine
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Clears clogged pores to prevent breakouts
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Smooths skin texture for a refined, even tone
Best for: Oily, congested, or inflamed acne.
For Scarring
4. Environ Alpha-Hydroxy Toner – Cell Turnover + Anti-Acne
This glycolic acid toner gently encourages exfoliation without damaging the skin’s natural acid mantle.
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Gently exfoliates
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Smooths and refines skin texture
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Restores water in the stratum corneum
Best for: Post-Inflammatory Erythema, Acne Scarring
Building Your Routine to Treat Your Acne
Morning Routine:
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Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser like the DMS Cleansing Milk or Low Foam Cleansing Gel
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Toner: For dry skin, opt for Suusmoon Lotion N and for oily/congested skin/scarring opt for the Alpha-Hydroxy Toner
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Serum: Apply Clarify Serum to encourage skin cell turnover
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Moisturizer: Use a gentle moisturizer like DMS High Classic Cream.
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SPF: Finish with a mineral sunscreen like the Coola Tinted SPF
Night Routine:
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Cleanser: Double cleanse with DMS Cleansing Milk or Low Foam Cleansing Gel
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Toner: For dry skin, opt for Suusmoon Lotion N and for oily/congested skin/scarring opt for the Alpha-Hydroxy Toner
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Serum: Apply Clarify Serum to keep pores clear overnight
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Moisturizer: Use DMS High Classic Cream for a healthy skin barrier
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Facial Balm: If you’re particularly dry, seal everything in with An-Balm
1-2x a Week:
Sebu Masque: Apply a thin layer, leave for 10-15 minutes, and rinse off for a deep treatment.
Pro Tips for Stubborn Acne
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Consistency is key—acne takes 4-6 weeks to notice improvement with new products.
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Don’t skip your moisturizer—a damaged skin barrier leads to more breakouts.
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Avoid over-exfoliation—stick to 1-2 times per week to prevent irritation.
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Lifestyle matters—drink more water, eat your veggies and get more sleep!
Get Clearer Skin with Expert Guidance
Not sure which products are right for your skin? Book an online skin consultation with a Face Club expert for a customized acne treatment plan.