CERAMIDES
SKINCARE FOR MILD ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Blemishes occur when clogged pores develop from a buildup of sebum (skin oils), dead skin cells, and bacteria, producing blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of spots. The resulting acne can affect your self-esteem.

Many factors are believed to prompt or worsen the appearance of blemishes. Examples include stress, humid weather conditions, external aggressors, ill-advised skincare practices (like picking or squeezing spots), hormonal changes, and some oily, greasy cosmetics.

Genetics is also thought to play a role. If a family member has struggled with blemishes, you may be more likely to develop them yourself.

Acne blemishes can appear as a single spot or be widespread across a particular or several areas of the body. They often occur in areas of the body that regularly have excess oil—the most common locations for breakouts include the face, chest, forehead, shoulders, and upper back.

Blemishes can differ in appearance depending on the type. Blackheads, for example, look like small, black or brown specks.

Contrary to what some people believe, acne blemishes are not solely the preserve of teenagers going through the hormonal changes of puberty. Although most commonly occurring during this period, blemishes can occur at any age, regardless of gender or ethnicity.

An estimated 80% of people ages 11 to 30 will have at least a mild form of acne.[1]

Acne can usually be managed at home with the right skincare routine for acne-prone skin. We recommend a day- and night-time regimen that includes skincare essentials like a gentle face wash, broad-spectrum sunscreen, and a lightweight moisturiser.

However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is unique, so what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. A health care professional can help you build the right routine to suit your skin and recommend the best products to help you restore the appearance of clear, healthy-looking skin.

Consider using a blemish control cleanser containing salicylic acid. The CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser for mild acne-prone skin with 2% salicylic acid makes an ideal cleanser option for regulating excess sebum production, helping prevent future blemishes.

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that when used in skin care products gently exfoliates the skin. As a non-comedogenic ingredient, salicylic acid helps clear clogged pores, making it particularly suitable for blackheads, oily skin types and mild acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid can penetrate deeply into pores to facilitate a deep cleanse. Individuals with dry and sensitive skin types can also use salicylic acid in their skin care routine, but we advise to do so in moderation.

One of the most common myths is that individuals with blemish-prone skin should avoid using moisturiser. In fact, blemish-prone skin can also be dry skin, and benefit from using a daily moisturiser as much as any other skin type.

What's important is to choose a product that’s suitable for your skin type. We recommend using a ceramide-containing, oil-free day- and night-time moisturiser duo that’s non-comedogenic and developed with dermatologists—like the CeraVe Ceramides AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF 15 and Ceramides PM Facial Moisturising Lotion. Both featuring MVE Delivery Technology, these moisturisers can help support normal, dry or sensitive skin moisture levels all day, without clogging pores.

Remember: Every skincare routine for healthy-looking skin should include a few basics: a gentle cleanser, non-comedogenic moisturiser, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen or moisturiser with SPF. If your skin’s appearance doesn’t improve with an at-home routine, see a healthcare professional.

The main active ingredient in the CeraVe Blemish Control range is salicylic acid. This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) provides gentle chemical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells. Salicylic acid can penetrate deeply into pores, enabling a deep cleanse.

Our acne control range with 2% salicylic acid includes two core products: CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser and CeraVe Blemish Control Gel. When used together as part of a skincare routine to control acne breakouts, these products can help reduce blackheads and whiteheads, minimise visibly enlarged pores, and help prevent future breakouts. In addition to salicylic acid, they also contain the three essential ceramides common to all CeraVe products, which lock in moisture and help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.

The Foaming oil-free cleanser removes excess sebum without disrupting the protective skin moisture barrier. This effective yet non-irritating gel-based foaming face wash features ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for normal to oily skin.

The gentle CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser for face & body is ideal for dry skin, rough and bumpy skin, and skin prone to visible redness. Formulated with salicylic acid to help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells and promote skin cell turnover, it won't compromise the skin moisture barrier. This salicylic acid cleanser is also formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and retain moisture.

The evidence of blemishes can sometimes stick around long after the blemishes themselves are gone. These reminders of past breakouts can show up in the form of uneven skin tone and post-blemish marks.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is formulated with encapsulated retinol to help smooth your skin's texture, reduce the appearance of post-blemish marks, and minimise the appearance of pores. This makes it a great facial serum for anyone looking to restore an even skin tone and promote a healthy-looking complexion. This serum is suitable for all skin types, but best used on mild acne-prone, combination and oily skin types.