Acne doesn’t care if you’re 16 or 36, and it has a way of showing up at the worst possible time. And while there’s no shortage of skincare products promising quick fixes, anyone who’s struggled with acne knows it’s rarely that simple.
Most of us have the occasional breakout or something more persistent. At The Hampton Clinic, we see a range of acne concerns. Some are inflamed and hormonal, others are stubborn and slow to respond. Most have one thing in common: clients who feel like they’ve tried everything.
Here are some of the most effective ingredients we look to when building a skincare plan to support clearer skin. These are not *trending* or *influencer recommmendations*, just ingredients backed by evidence, real results and years of clinical use.
Azelaic Acid, The Quiet Hero
It’s not the flashiest ingredient, but azelaic acid is one we keep coming back to. It’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and helps to regulate keratin production (which can clog pores). It also works beautifully for clients with post-acne pigmentation, redness, or rosacea alongside breakouts. It’s gentle enough for most skin types but powerful enough to make a difference especially when other actives have caused irritation.
Retinoids, Not Just for Ageing
Retinoids get a lot of fame for their anti-ageing benefits, but they’re also a fantastic treatment for acne. They help to speed up cell turnover, reduce inflammation, and prevent pores from becoming blocked, all of which help to reduce breakouts and smooth skin over time. But here’s the catch: they need to be introduced properly. Too much too soon, and you’ll get flaking and irritation. In-clinic, we often start clients on a low percentage and gradually build up, monitoring skin response.
Salicylic Acid, The Pore-Clearing Pro
If you’ve ever used a serum for acne, chances are it had salicylic acid in it. It’s oil-soluble, meaning it gets deep into the pores to dissolve blockages and reduce inflammation. It also has mild exfoliating properties, which helps smooth the surface of the skin. We often recommend it in cleanser form for oilier skin types or as a targeted spot treatment for the occasional breakout.
Niacinamide, The Balancer
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) doesn’t get as much attention as the others, but it’s incredibly useful especially for clients who are using stronger actives. It helps regulate oil production, strengthen the skin barrier, reduce redness, and improve the overall tone and texture of the skin. Think of it as the calming, balancing ingredient that works behind the scenes to support everything else.
Benzoyl Peroxide, Reliable and Effective
Once the go-to for every teenager with acne, benzoyl peroxide still has its place, particularly in more inflamed or pustular breakouts. It’s antibacterial and acts fast, but it can be drying and cause irritation if overused. We often recommend it in small amounts or in specific formulations that are balanced with calming ingredients. It’s not the first line for everyone, but when used wisely, it can be highly effective.
What About ‘Natural’ Ingredients?
We’re often asked about tea tree oil, witch hazel, charcoal masks, and all the latest trending product on TikTok. Some may offer benefits, but very few have the clinical backing or stability to treat acne effectively. Our advice? If it hasn’t been tested, studied or properly formulated, don’t use it.
Treating acne isn’t just about throwing every active ingredient at your face and hoping something works. It’s about understanding your skin, your triggers, your history, your lifestyle, and creating a plan that supports long-term skin health.
At The Hampton Clinic, we don’t hand out generic routines. Every plan starts with a proper consultation. We might combine topical actives with in-clinic treatments like laser or peels, or support you alongside a GP or dermatologist if your case is more complex. The goal is always the same: clearer, calmer, stronger skin that you can feel confident in.
Book a consultation and let’s find what really works for *your* skin.