The Complete Guide to Treating Acne-Prone Skin in Australia

Acne is the most common skin condition in Australia. It commonly affects adults, adolescents and preadolescents aged 9 years and older, and it is far from just a teenage problem [1]. Many adults, particularly women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, experience persistent or late-onset breakouts, and the emotional toll is significant.

The good news is that acne is one of the best-studied skin conditions there is. This guide covers what causes it, which ingredients have the strongest evidence, and how to build a routine that works.

What causes acne

Acne develops when four factors converge inside the hair follicle:

1. Excess sebum production. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil than the skin needs.
2. Abnormal shedding of skin cells. Dead cells lining the pore clump together instead of shedding, mixing with sebum to form a plug.
3. Bacterial overgrowth. The blocked, oil-rich pore is an ideal environment for Cutibacterium acnes.
4. Inflammation. The immune response produces the redness, swelling and pain of pimples, pustules and cysts.

Treatment works best when it targets more than one of these at once, which is why the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology guidelines recommend multimodal therapy combining products with different mechanisms of action [1].

The ingredients with the strongest evidence

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide reduces C. acnes on the skin. It carries a strong recommendation in the 2024 AAD guidelines, the highest evidence grade the guideline awards, and it is used alongside topical or oral antibiotics specifically to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance [1]. The Propaira 4% Benzoyl Peroxide Cream provides an effective concentration without the dryness of higher strengths.

Topical retinoids

Retinoids normalise the shedding of cells inside the pore, preventing the plugs that start every breakout. They also carry a strong recommendation in the 2024 guidelines [1], and support collagen and skin renewal more broadly [5]. The Propaira Retinol Plus Cream (0.25%) is a sensible starting strength.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it penetrates sebum to clear the dead-cell buildup behind blackheads and whiteheads. The 2024 guidelines give it a conditional recommendation, meaning it is a useful supporting treatment rather than first-line [1]. The Propaira Acne Exfoliating Serum combines 5% salicylic acid with lactic acid.

Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid helps with inflammation and post-acne pigmentation, and also carries a conditional recommendation in the 2024 guidelines [1]. It is often chosen for sensitive skin.

Alpha hydroxy acids

Glycolic and lactic acid work on the skin surface, speeding turnover and helping fade post-inflammatory marks, and also stimulate collagen synthesis by activating fibroblasts [2]. The Dermaceutic Foamer 15 (15% glycolic acid) is a good exfoliating cleanser for congested skin.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide supports the skin barrier and helps skin tolerate stronger actives, which matters when you are using benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid [3]. The Propaira Skin Defence Serum delivers 10% niacinamide.

Does diet matter?

Somewhat, and less than the internet suggests. A 2022 systematic review in JAAD International found that high glycaemic index and glycaemic load have a modest but significant effect on acne, with 11 of 13 interventional studies showing significant improvement on a low glycaemic diet. Evidence for dairy was less clear and appeared limited to populations with a Western dietary pattern [4]. Diet is a supporting factor, not a substitute for topical treatment.

Your routine

Morning

Cleanse with a gentle cleanser such as the Propaira Prebiotic Facial Cleanser. Treat with a niacinamide serum. Moisturise with a lightweight non-comedogenic formula, because oily skin still needs hydration. Protect with broad-spectrum SPF 50+, which matters more when using retinoids or acids [5]. The Propaira SPF 50+ Dry Touch Sunscreen suits oily skin.

Evening

Cleanse with an active cleanser such as the Dermaceutic Foamer 15. Treat on alternating nights with either retinol or benzoyl peroxide on active breakouts. Repair with a barrier-supporting moisturiser.

Common mistakes

Over-cleansing and over-exfoliating. Washing more than twice a day or stacking too many actives damages the barrier and can make acne worse.

Skipping moisturiser. Dehydrated skin is not calmer skin.

Picking and squeezing. This drives inflammation and raises the risk of permanent scarring.

Expecting overnight results. Topical treatments need consistent use over months before the benefit is clear. Consistency matters more than intensity.

When to see a professional

If your acne is severe with deep painful cysts, is causing scarring or psychosocial distress, or has not responded to consistent treatment, see a GP or dermatologist. The 2024 guidelines strongly recommend oral isotretinoin for acne that is severe, scarring, causing psychosocial burden, or failing standard oral and topical therapy [1]. Early treatment is the best way to prevent scarring.

Explore our range of acne treatment products, or book a consultation and we will build a routine around your skin.

References

1. Reynolds, R. V., Yeung, H., Cheng, C. E., Cook-Bolden, F., Desai, S. R., Druby, K. M., Freeman, E. E., Keri, J. E., Stein Gold, L. F., Tan, J. K., Tollefson, M. M., Weiss, J. S., Wu, P. A., Zaenglein, A. L., Han, J. M., & Barbieri, J. S. (2024). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 90(5), 1006.e1–1006.e30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017
2. Karwal, K., & Mukovozov, I. (2023). Topical AHA in dermatology: Formulations, mechanisms of action, efficacy, and future perspectives. Cosmetics, 10(5), 131. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10050131
3. Crespi, O., Rosset, F., Pala, V., Sarda, C., Accorinti, M., Quaglino, P., & Ribero, S. (2025). Cosmeceuticals for anti-aging: Mechanisms, clinical evidence, and regulatory insights—A comprehensive review. Cosmetics, 12(5), 209. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12050209
4. Meixiong, J., Ricco, C., Vasavda, C., & Ho, B. K. (2022). Diet and acne: A systematic review. JAAD International, 7, 95–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdin.2022.02.012
5. Quan, T. (2023). Human skin aging and the anti-aging properties of retinol. Biomolecules, 13(11), 1614. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13111614

This article is general information about skincare and is not personal medical advice. If you have a specific skin concern, please speak with your GP, dermatologist or one of our therapists.