Adult-onset of acne? With an increasing number of adult men and women complaining of breakouts and acne, pimples beyond your teen years are quite common now. Acne in your adult years can be attributed to a number of factors including your lifestyle, hormones, and stress(thank you 2020 and 2021!).

When we are stressed, our hormones rise and trigger oil glands into producing even more sebum, which can trigger acne and breakouts. Add face masks to the mix, and you have what they call mask-ne, or pimples around the area that your mask covers.

Regardless of how you get them or where, acne, acne cysts or acne scars are not a fun look to carry. What you need is a comprehensive skincare regime to cleanse, clear and effectively keep breakouts at bay. 

Say no more, as we’ve lined up the top skincare products and brands to invest in for your oily, acne-prone skin. These brands will not only target your spots efficiently but will also bring back overall healthy skin. 

Aknederm

Invented in 1929 in Germany as a pharmaceutical brand to help dermatologists treat their patients' stubborn skin impurities, Aknederm has grown into a multi-functional skincare brand today. Aknederm uses high-quality ingredients from Europe, shale oil from the French Alps and manufactures its products in Germany to the strictest standards.

Discover their high-quality, much-appraised products, suitable for all skin types and all skincare needs. Try Aknederm’s Reinigungsschaum, an innovative micellar facial foam that keeps what all the others could never live up to a deep cleanse without any dried-out feeling whatsoever.

In need of some proper hydration? Aknederm’s Lotion F with allantoin and beautiful plant oils is super lightweight and yet thirst-quenching moisturising. The best part? There’s no greasy feeling at all with a matte finish - perfect for those with oily skin. 

The star of Aknederm though has to be their Creme H! Based on a recipe dating back to their origins nearly 100 years ago, Creme H is a tinted spot treatment that covers your skin impurities, while simultaneously working its magic.

The formula contains high-quality shale oil from the French Alps which is oxygen and nutrients rich, and inhibits the growth of microorganisms, such as bad bacteria, a common cause for skin impurities and even acne. Fragrance-free and anti-seborrheic, it reduces redness and inflammation for the get-go.

Aknederm, for healthy, happy, clear skin!

​Codex Beauty Shaant Collection

Do you need a skincare regime that reduces sebum production, encourages skin turnover all while soothing irritated skin? Codex Beauty Labs, Silicon Valley’s plant-based biotech skincare company has launched its third collection called Shaant, which addresses oily and acne-prone skin.

Shaant, meaning “peace” and “calm” in Hindi, is often paired with “connectedness” in Ayurvedic philosophy. Shaant products were formulated in partnership with Dr. Raja Sivamani, an integrative dermatologist and certified Ayurvedic practitioner, and leverage biotech-manufactured plant stem cells from Indian plants long valued by Ayurvedic healers for their calming, soothing and balancing properties.

Using the patent-pending ShaantComplexTM, a proprietary blend derived from terrestrial and marine plants it helps control oiliness, shed dead skin cells, reduce pore diameter, and help reduce redness. 

The ShaantComplexTM is supplemented by other Ayurvedic plants or fruits that are known for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and skin tone-improving properties.

Take the Shaant Balancing Foaming Cleanser for instance. This foaming, oil-free, micellar water-based formula removes impurities, refines the appearance of pores, and soothes irritated skin without stripping moisture.

The Codex Labs Shaant Balancing Refining Toner is designed for oily and acne-prone skin, and made with poly-hydroxy acid (PHA) and witch hazel to remove excess oil, unclog dirt and bacteria from pores. It also helps to reduce the appearance of redness and erythema - the superficial reddening of the skin.

Non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic the Codex Labs Shaant Balancing Clay Mask is a multi-tasking clay mask that reduces oiliness and the appearance of redness while smoothing skin’s overall texture. Perfect for some weekly TLC!

The Codex Beauty Shaant Collection available on CodexBeauty.sg and Robinsons.com.sg

​Caudalie Vinopure Range

Caudalie’s Vinopure range contains the best blend of anti-acne ingredients that visibly improve acne-prone skin, without being too harsh. The range is formulated without synthetic fragrance and PEGS, and is a gentle, natural and effective solution for all types of acne.

An effective daily routine to tackle blemishes, the range comes with four products that are applied morning and evening, and are must-haves for acne-prone skin.

The Purifying Gel Cleanser is the first essential step of anti-blemish beauty and gently cleanses and purifies the skin without drying it out. The Purifying Toner purifies and tightens pores to gently eliminate blemishes leaving your skin toned and fresh.

Caudalie’s Blemish Control Salicylic Serum tackles dilated pores and blackheads and refines the skin texture without drying it out. The serum contains natural Salicylic Acid, from a wintergreen leaf extract. This special Vinopure acid unblocks pores and refines skin texture. Also present is acne warrior Niacinamide, which tightens pores and enables the reduction of dilated pores. You will also find Polyphenols, an exclusive Caudalie ingredient, which acts as the best antioxidant shield. 

Say “goodbye acne, hello clear skin” with Caudalie’s Vinopure Range. Available at Sephora.sg

SkinB5 on Glovida.com

Have you checked out Glovida yet? Singapore’s online store for health and beauty bestsellers, at prices you love, shopping at Glovida is truly a hassle-free experience. Amongst their collection of skin, bath and hair care products, Glovida also sells SkinB5, an easy everyday skincare treatment for healthy skin and acne control. 

Start an easy acne skincare routine with the ​​SkinB5 Acne Control Cleansing Mousse, which deeply cleanses and unclogs pores with a gentle, non-drying scientific formula made for all skin types. Featuring Vitamin B5, green tea and aloe vera, it also comes with <0.5% Salicylic Acid to gently remove excess skin oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. 

Next up, SkinB5’s Skin Purifying Mask is a fast-acting clay mask that detoxes, purifies and soothes acne-prone skin. Specifically formulated with French green clay, Great Barrier Reef mineral salt, vitamin B5 and 13 other powerful natural extracts, it will deeply cleanse while it detoxifies. Designed for easy use, this 5-minute application instantly refines enlarged pores on oily skin through a fast-acting formula.

For some moisturising goodness, try the SkinB5 Acne Control Moisturiser, specially formulated for blemish-prone skin featuring Vitamin B5, jojoba, aloe vera and vitamin E.

Light and non-greasy, this is the perfect moisturiser for oily skin in Singapore, as it deeply moisturises while healing and restoring a healthy skin barrier. 

If you want the goodness SkinB5 from inside, get the Extra Strength Acne Control Tablets that are scientifically formulated to actively clear acne, pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.

This patented advanced formula features Vitamin B5, vitamin A, zinc, folic acid and biotin Next Generation Extra Strength Vitamins to target acne right at the source.

Dermalogica Clear Start

A brand created by professional skin experts at Dermalogica, Clear Start specialises in targetting breakouts, blackheads and shine to help deliver the healthiest skin. 

The Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash is a gentle yet effective wash for acne-prone skin. Your breakout-clearing skincare routine would not be complete without this hardworking multitasker!

Zap zits out with Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Booster, a dual-purpose formula that can be used as a spot treatment or all over serum for breakout prevention. It kills breakout-causing bacteria within 15 minutes and delivers Salicylic Acid straight to the source of your spot. Fast-absorbing and invisible, it can be applied during the day or before bed to calm breakouts while you sleep.

Keep your eyes peeled for Dermalogica Clear Start Cooling Aqua Jelly a cooling moisturiser with a water-like texture that leaves skin feeling fresh and lightly hydrated. This weightless formula contains a retinol-like bioflavonoid complex that helps reduce excess oil and refine skin. And finally for a sunscreen that doesn’t feel sticky get the Dermalogica Clear Start Clearing Defense SPF, an oil-control moisturiser that protects acne-prone skin from environmental pollutants. This broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen is like a tiny, invisible umbrella for your skin that protects and helps keep skin smooth and shine-free!

Dermalogica Clear Start is available at SEPHORA.SG, Lazada and Shopee.

Dr. Jart+ Ctrl-A Teatreement™

The Dr. Jart+ Teatreatmemt™ Collection targets blemishes with 3 different Tea Tree extracts that soothe and prevent blemishes. This powerful treatment targets spots and breakouts without drying out areas that are not irritated. 

The Ctrl-A Teatreement™ Cleansing Foam is a mild foam cleanser with pH-balancing Teatreement™and Spot-Targeting Technology to remove impurities without stripping moisture or irritating unconcerned areas. This cleanser is infused with salicylic acid to exfoliate and fight breakouts, plus Australian tea tree and coconut extracts to soothe and rehydrate skin. 

The Dr.Jart Ctrl-A Teatreement™ Moisturizer on the other hand is a lightweight moisturizer with an innovative Teatreement™ Solution that targets new and existing spots while balancing skin's pH and moisture levels. This smart moisturizer works on blemishes with powerful and rapid results with a healthy balance of oil and moisture that won't clog pores. 

Also, need a toner that targets your acne and oily skin? The Dr.Jart Ctrl-A Teatreement™Toner is a purifying toner that removes excess dirt and oil, then rebalances oily and combination skin while adding quick hydration after cleansing. Use all three together and you’ll find your skin cleaner, clearer and with pores that can breathe!

Drunk Elephant

When a brand focuses on pH levels and effective ingredients to support the skin’s acid mantle you know they’ve got something for everyone! Never formulated with the Suspicious 6™ (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, SLS) who the brand believe are the root of almost every skin issue, Drunk Elephant hopes to reset your skin to its most balanced, healthiest state. The Protini™Powerpeptide Resurf Serum, for instance, is a mega-strength a.m./p.m. serum that combines skin-fortifying signal peptides, plant-derived growth factors, and supportive amino acids with 10% exfoliating lactic acid for a dramatic improvement. Think better skin texture, tone and radiance! The appearance of fine lines, sun damage, and enlarged pores are also improved and glow is restored, while powerful water-boosting ingredients (such as snow mushroom extract, sodium hyaluronate, and sodium PCA) replenish hydration levels. 

For a high-tech AHA/BHA combination try the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™️ Glycolic Skincare Night Serum that resurfaces dull, congested skin by gently lifting away dead skin cells, dramatically improving the appearance of skin’s tone and texture, fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. Made up of the big league, i.e, glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids, the serum controls oily skin while giving clarity and radiance to your complexion. It also enhances the performance of other products by clearing the way for maximum absorption. You might feel a slight tingling during the first few days of application, so we’d recommend applying it every other night till the skin gets used to it. Psst, this also works incredibly well as a spot treatment for pesky acne!

IDS Skincare

IDS Innovative Dermatological Solutions is the answer to your most pressing complexion issues. Created by Dr SK Tan, IDS is a skincare line made to deliver highly visible results that surpass those achieved by most prescription products. The best part? These come without the side effects that prescription products cause!

With over 20 years of experience in the aesthetics industry, Dr Tan has designed and formulated a line of products to address the most prevalent problems in skincare. This includes acne, breakouts and oily skin!

Their Recovery Serum is an enriched serum to help reduce redness and irritation, stabilize skin immunity and capillary integrity, as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles. A product meant for all skin types, especially for those with irritated and sensitive skin, it soothes and reduces inflammation while building the skin’s immunity.

Acne warriors will also like Blemish Clear, an effective clearer of active and inflamed pimples. Containing Bakuchiol, also known as the plant-derived alternative to Retinol, Niacinamide and other potent acne combating ingredients, it provides a focused approach to treating, controlling and preventing acne. 

What’s more, this product quickly clears acne and prevents new breakouts from occurring, as well as stimulating cellular activity and cell regeneration. A perfect recipe for those with oily skin that has fresh and active breakouts!

Derma Lab Sebumclar Cica Acne Treatment

A strong skin barrier is the key to having healthy skin and Derma Lab recognizes that. The brand works by repairing damaged skin and helps fortify it to become less sensitive to external irritants. Combining the expertise of more than 200 research scientists and dermatologists, it has created a revolutionary dermatology science, the Derma Mimic Complex - a formulation for Asian skin.

Amongst their lineup for products is the Cica Acne Treatment, a fast-acting, acne relief product that contains Salicylic Acid to encourage exfoliation of the skin. It sloughs off problematic dead skin cells inside the pore and the surface of the skin and is especially effective for reducing acne breakouts. Not just acids, this product also contains the power of Centella Asiatica Extract or CICA, which is known for its soothing properties. It visibly reduced any redness of skin or inflammation and encourages the skin repair process for a healthy, strong complexion.

COSRX

If you’ve suffered from acne or oily skin, you probably own a few COSRX products. The Korean brand has a reputation for creating targetted and no-nonsense products that work with scientifically-proven ingredients. 

Take the  COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser for example. A gel formula, that is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, it allows for deep cleansing without stripping off all your natural oils. Containing BHA and purifying botanical ingredients, this low pH formula works to soothe, refresh, and soften the skin.

Mildly acidic pH 5.0 ~ 6.0, it is similar to the skin’s natural pH level and helps remove any pore-clogging elements effectively. 

We are also serious fans of the COSRX Acne Patches. The Acne Pimple Master Patch protects wounded or any troubled areas from getting worse and maintains humidity of skin to prevent further breakouts. The top-selling acne treatment patch from Korea encourages healing of pimples overnight via a thin hydrocolloid patch that sticks to the skin firmly absorbing any pus or oil from pimples. It also soothes the inflamed area and encourages the blemish to disappear faster.

With 3 different sized patches in a pack, you can even choose the one based on the size of your breakout!