You stand in front of the mirror in the morning, check your face, and zap – another pimple. Or worse: several of them. What to do about acne? If you're asking yourself that very question, you've come to the right place. We'll show you how to regain control – with the right know-how, sensitive care, and a plan that truly suits you. Because acne is not a drama; it's a skin condition. And you can influence it. Let's do this – for your best skin feeling!
Acne - what to do when your skin screams "Help!"
Not all acne is the same. While many equate the term with "a few pimples," it often involves a complex skin condition that can take different forms. From harmless blackheads to inflamed pustules to painful nodules under the skin – the range is broad. And depending on the severity, you'll be dealing with very different types. If you want to know where you stand, it's worth looking at typical characteristics:
| Form | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Comedones (blackheads/whiteheads) | Black or white dots, not inflamed |
| Papules & Pustules | Red, inflamed pimples with/without pus |
| Nodules & Cysts | Deep, painful lumps under the skin |
| Acne Scars | Skin indentations or discolorations |
Unlike occasional pimples that appear and disappear, acne often persists for months or even years. It usually occurs in flares, affects multiple skin areas simultaneously, and reacts sensitively to care, stress, and hormones – which repeatedly leads many sufferers to ask: What to do about acne when nothing seems to help permanently?
The face is particularly often affected, especially the forehead, nose, and chin – the classic T-zone. But the back, shoulders, or even the décolletage can also become a hotspot, especially with hormonally triggered symptoms. The important thing is: Each skin area is a little different – and therefore requires tailored care.
And yes: acne is not just a teenage issue. Many experience their first breakouts during puberty, but it can also suddenly strike in their twenties or thirties – especially when hormones are running wild. The good news: With the right knowledge and a sensitive routine, you can make a real difference.
If you're unsure and asking yourself: what to do about acne? Then you probably want to learn how to best deal with pimples or how to prevent them. Our article "Getting rid of pimples" will help you with that – or do you need a quick SOS solution for your everyday look right now? Then check out "Covering pimples" for practical makeup hacks.
Causes of acne – what to do and what's behind it?
If you want to find out what you can do about acne, you first need to understand where it comes from. Because pimples aren't just random – they're a sign that something in or on your skin is out of balance. There isn't just one culprit, but usually a combination of several factors. Some you can influence – others are simply part of you. The important thing is: the more you know about your skin, the better you can support it.
Reasons: Diet, stress, predisposition & care mistakes
Many underestimate how many small daily habits are connected to skin health. From what's on your plate to what ends up on your skin – every factor counts when it comes to: what to do about acne? Below is an overview of the most common causes beyond hormones:
| Cause | What happens? | What can you do? |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Sugar, dairy & fast food can trigger inflammation | Focus on fresh, unprocessed foods, plenty of water, Omega-3 |
| Stress | Cortisol affects sebum production and weakens the skin barrier | Schedule breaks, sleep & self-care regularly |
| Genetics | Skin type, sebaceous gland activity & inflammatory tendency are often inherited | Understand your skin better & care for it individually |
| Care Mistakes | Aggressive products or too frequent cleansing disrupt the skin microbiome | Use gentle, fragrance-free cosmetics |
| External Influences | Dirt, sweat, sun exposure or friction e.g. from masks or clothing | Cleanse skin thoroughly in the evening, wear breathable clothing |
Sometimes it's an "aha" moment when you realize: "Ah, that's probably where the pimples come from!" And that's exactly where you can start – step by step. No pressure, no perfectionism. Your skin needs time, love, and the right impulses.
Read on here if you want to find out what skin type you have!
Hormonal acne – what to do when your cycle becomes visible on your skin
Particularly tricky: hormonal acne. It affects many people – often quite suddenly, even long after their teenage years. The cause? An imbalance in hormone levels.
Classic signs are:
- Pimples primarily on the chin, neck, or jawline
- Worsening before menstruation
- Deep-seated, painful inflammations
- Often occurs only from mid-20s or after stopping the pill
Hormonal acne often arises when the body experiences a hormonal imbalance – and this affects not only women with a cycle but also men:
- In women, estrogen typically drops and progesterone and androgens (e.g., testosterone) rise in the second half of the cycle, boosting sebum production.
- In men, on the other hand, persistently high androgen levels can have the same effect: clogged pores, excess sebum, inflammation.
These hormonal shifts cause the skin to become unbalanced – not only on the face but often on the back, neck, or chest area. The skin appears oilier, reacts more sensitively, and tends to inflammatory breakouts – especially where there are many sebaceous glands. And that's when the question arises: Acne – what to do?
What you can do:
- Care from the outside: with products that have a calming effect and are non-comedogenic. This means: prefer minimalist formulations with ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, zinc or azelaic acid instead of over-perfumed super-mix creams.
- Support from within: Especially with hormonal acne, a cycle-friendly diet can help – meaning less sugar, white flour and dairy products, and more fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Micronutrients such as zinc, vitamin B6, chasteberry or omega-3 capsules can also be useful as a supplement – best after consulting a professional.
- Seek medical advice: Gynecologists or dermatologists can help with severe hormonal acne – for example, through hormone status check-ups, targeted blood tests, treatment with antiandrogens (e.g., cyproterone acetate) or certain contraceptive preparations. Retinoids, topical benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics (short-term!) can also be part of a medical treatment plan and can be used depending on the severity.
What does "non-comedogenic" actually mean? Products with this label do not clog your pores – they contain no ingredients that promote blackheads or impurities. Perfect if you are already prone to pimples!
It's important not to get stressed out. Hormonal acne is not a weakness – it's a sign that your body wants to communicate something. What to do about acne? In the case of hormonal acne, the answer is often: Listen, support, persevere.
Skincare for acne – what to do, what to avoid?
Okay, let’s get real: If you think you can simply “cream away” acne, you’ll quickly be disappointed. But the right care can make a difference – if you know what your skin needs and what it doesn't.
First, the most important thing: Acne-prone skin is sensitive. It reacts quickly to irritation if you overdo it or use the wrong products. At the same time, it needs help to regulate excess sebum, calm inflammation, and clear clogged pores. Sounds like a balancing act? Not with the right routine!
Dos for acne care
Cleansing comes first – twice a day, morning and evening, with a mild gel or foam that is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Don't forget: clean hands, clean towel – hygiene is key. You should only use peels once or twice a week – opt for variants with BHA or PHA that gently exfoliate without irritating your skin.
Acne, what to do? Mix your own soothing peel!
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp healing clay
- 1 tsp aloe vera gel
- 1 drop tea tree oil
- 1 tsp cold chamomile tea
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients well
- Apply gently to the skin (avoid eye area)
- Leave on for 10 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water
In addition to cleansing and exfoliating, targeted active ingredient care is super important. You should pay attention to these ingredients:
| Active Ingredient | Effect |
|---|---|
| Salicylic acid | cleans pores, has antibacterial effect |
| Niacinamide | regulates sebum, strengthens skin barrier |
| Zinc | soothes & mattifies |
| Azelaic acid | reduces redness & post-acne marks |
| Panthenol | cares for stressed skin |
And yes, even if it sounds paradoxical: Moisture is a must. Even oily or blemished skin needs care, otherwise it will get even more out of balance. A light gel cream or a fluid with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera can help to stabilize the skin barrier and soothe inflammation – without being heavy.
What to do about acne if you're doing everything "right" – but the sun spoils it again? Use sunscreen! UV radiation promotes inflammation, worsens post-acne marks, and hinders the healing of acne scars. So, every day – even when it's raining – apply a non-comedogenic SPF 30+. This not only protects your skin but also supports the overall effect of your skincare routine.
Don’ts for Acne Care
What you should definitely remember: There are a few absolute no-gos that can really stress acne-prone skin. Even if it sounds tempting – please keep your hands off:
| Don't | Why? |
|---|---|
| Aggressive face washes & exfoliants | They irritate the skin, destroy the skin barrier and promote inflammation. |
| Alcohol-based toners | Drying & irritating – this leads to even more sebum production. |
| Products with fragrances/perfume | Can promote irritation and blemishes. |
| Picking pimples | Risk of inflammation, scars and hyperpigmentation. |
| Too many skincare products at once | Over-caring = chaos for your skin (keyword: product layering) |
| Oily/greasy sunscreen | Clogs pores – opt for a light, non-comedogenic option instead. |
As you can see: Many things that call themselves "clean" or "deep cleansing" may sound effective – but for your skin, they are often exactly the opposite. Less irritation, more support. Keep it simple, keep it calm.
Discover suitable facial care products for sensitive skin here!
Back Acne & Special Zones – what to do when it burns back there?
Acne isn't limited to the face – the back, shoulders, chest, and buttocks are real hotspots. Why? Because these areas have a lot of sebaceous glands that can easily become overwhelmed by sweat, friction, or improper care. And just like that: inflammation, underlying blemishes, nasty impurities.
These external factors play a major role:
| Trigger | What happens? |
| Sweat & sportswear | Clogged pores due to bacteria & friction |
| Too tight clothing | Skin can't breathe, traps heat & sebum |
| Hair care products | Residues run down back – can promote pimples |
| Insufficient or incorrect cleansing | Skin remains stressed & reacts with blemishes |
Tips:
- Use clear, fragrance-free shower gels (e.g., with salicylic acid) and pay attention to breathable materials when exercising. After training: shower immediately, wash your hair after your body – so no residues run onto your skin.
- Especially when showering, the back is often difficult to reach – but thorough cleaning is particularly important here. A soft back brush with a long handle helps you to gently clean all areas without scrubbing. Important: Let it dry well after washing and clean it regularly!
If you want to delve deeper: In our article on oily facial skin, you'll find many tips that can be applied 1:1 to other body parts.
For particularly stubborn areas, take a look at our Spot Treatment category. These targeted helpers work selectively against inflamed areas – even on the back. Simply dab on with a clean cotton pad or finger – if necessary, don't hesitate to ask for help.
Now we'll address what often remains after the inflammation has subsided: post-acne marks and scars. Many affected individuals find them bothersome – but good news: something can be done about them!
Post-Acne Marks - What to Do?
Post-acne marks, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, are darker or reddish spots that remain after healed inflammation. They are not permanent and can often be completely resolved with proper care and some time.
Acne scars, on the other hand, develop when the skin structure has been damaged by deeper inflammation. They can appear as small depressions (ice pick scars, rolling scars) or as thickened areas (hypertrophic scars). This usually requires a bit more effort – but even here: don't lose hope!
What to do about acne after-effects? Let’s break it down:
| Problem | What really helps? |
|---|---|
| Post-acne marks | Products with niacinamide, azelaic acid, vitamin C, chemical peels (BHA/PHA), sunscreen! |
| Fresh scars | Gentle care, panthenol, aloe vera, spot treatments |
| Old scars | Professional treatments (e.g., microneedling, fruit acid, laser) |
Important: Without consistent sun protection, it will be difficult. UV rays intensify pigmentation and slow down skin repair significantly. So: apply SPF 30+ every day!
For home use, you can regularly use gentle chemical peels (e.g., with BHA or AHA) and products with brightening, regenerating active ingredients. These include niacinamide, azelaic acid, retinol (in low doses), or even soothing Centella Asiatica. Once or twice a week is perfectly sufficient – more can quickly overwhelm the skin, especially if you're also using other active ingredients. Anyone wondering what to do about acne is on the right track with these active ingredients.
If you're hoping for quick results, a visit to a dermatologist or cosmetic studio is worthwhile. Methods like microneedling or fruit acid treatments can work wonders – but only if your skin isn't acutely inflamed right now.
As you can see: Even if it's annoying, acne scars and marks are not an insurmountable obstacle. With a little patience, smart care, and professional help if necessary, you can often get them under control.
Conclusion – what to do about acne?
If you've made it this far: You got it, girl! Acne is not a cosmetic flaw and no reason to hide – it's a complex skin condition that you can get under control with knowledge, patience, and the right routine.
So, what to do about acne?
- Understand what's behind your blemishes – hormonal, lifestyle-related, or due to skincare errors.
- Reduce care instead of escalating – cleanse gently, treat specifically, don't forget moisture and sun protection.
- Be patient. Skin needs time. And it needs you – not against it, but for it.
Whether it's classic T-zone, hormonally induced breakouts, or back acne – there's no miracle cure. But many small steps that together can achieve great things.
Would you like to delve deeper into the topic of skincare? Then feel free to take a look at our articles:
Further links:
