BEAUTY & SKINCARE

If you suffer from acne, try these products under £20

3 August, 2023 / words by IALH Editorial Team

Written by Alicia Lartey

Image via Pinterest

Dealing with persistent breakouts can not only be a pain, but also be super tight on your bank account, but it does not have to be that way anymore! As an aesthetician one of the most popular questions I get asked is, ‘please can you recommend me an affordable acne product’. In the early stages of my career this question was often met with silence or the follow up ‘Of course, I can work on some recommendations under £40’.

With the expansion of the skincare industry brings new and exciting products. Skincare brands have heavily focused on bringing what is often thought of as “luxury” ingredients to everyday consumers. Lucky for us, some of those will be under £20 gems that you can find in your local store to help us manage our acne and breakouts. 

Dermatica 20% Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid remains one of my favourite ingredients of all time for dealing with breakouts and the repercussions of those breakouts occuring. Unlike other salicylic acid or glycolic acid, azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that lightly exfoliates the skin, kills bacteria and also acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor. In my experience, azelaic acid at 20% works in the most timely manner at dealing with persistent acne and hyperpigmentation. If you do pick up the Dermatica azelaic acid or any 20% azelaic acid, you may experience some tingling which can be alleviated by using a moisturiser beforehand.

Dermatica

Azelaic Acid 20% cream

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Weleda Arnica Gel

This is quite a rogue suggestion, but for those that have ever had a painful breakout this might be the most life changing addition to your breakout routine. Arnica is a naturally occuring herb that is traditionally used to calm irritated or bruised skin which makes arnica gel a great alternative spot treatment. For large painful breakouts, arnica gel provides relief without further irritating the breakout whilst actually calming down some of the inflammation.

Weleda

Arnica Cooling Gel

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Naturium 2% BHA Solution

Salicylic acid is by far one of the most widely used ingredients for treating breakouts. I tend to favour salicylic acid for blackheads and whiteheads. It’s actually a lot harder than it looks to find a good salicylic acid product that does not break you out like crazy without breaking the bank. The Naturium BHA solution is one of the best things I’ve used under £20 to help keep my blackheads at bay.

Naturium

BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%

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Purifide Power Patches

Now spot patches can either be a pain to use or a prevention method to stop you from picking at your skin. The most important part of spot patches for myself and my clients is that the patch stays on, is invisible and helps to calm down the breakout itself. My current favourite spot patches are the Purifide Power Patches.

Purifide

3 in 1 Power Patches

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Whatever you choose to help manage your acne, just know it does not have to break the bank.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

IALH Editorial Team

@AUTHOR HANDLE

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