It starts with a pore that’s clogged by excess oil, trapped in by dead skin flakes. Makeup left on overnight. Sweat, dirt, even the hand you rest your chin on. Each clogged pore is home to acne-causing agents. The longer a pore is clogged, the more these agents multiply. The result? Pimples.

Yes—and knowing which one you have can help you find the right treatment faster.
Blackheads: Pores are clogged near the skin’s surface, and air causes the pore contents to darken.
Whiteheads: Pores are clogged below the skin’s surface and appear as white bumps.
Blemishes: These red, irritated and sometimes painful bumps occur when blemish-causing agents become trapped in pores.
Cysts: This inflammation in or near the oil gland is quite painful and can take a long time to surface. You may want to consult a dermatologist.

The hormonal surges that cause acne in teens can also be the culprit later in life. First, when female hormones peak between the ages of 25 to 30. During menopause oil glands become active again. Blemishes often result.

Sure. The hormones associated with stress can cause an increase in oil production, which then leads to more breakouts. So make time to relax and do things you enjoy every day.

There’s no proven link between foods that are commonly believed to be the culprits behind acne, like chocolate and fried food. However, hormones most directly influence oil-production levels.

Absolutely. Ditto the wrong makeup. Using the wrong products for your skin type can clog pores, which can lead to breakouts. Since all skins need daily essential hydration (yes, even oily, acne-prone skins), we suggest a lightweight, oil-free hydrator like Acne Solutions All-Over Clearing Treatment. Or, for a non-acne hydrator, try Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. It should help keep skin comfortably hydrated.

This is the easy part. You start with gentle exfoliation to open clogged pores. Oxygen evicts acne-causing agents. Medicated ingredients rush in to accelerate treatment. Voilà!—clearer skin. The idea is to get immediate breakouts under control, then stop problems before they erupt—with a consistent, daily regimen that’s non-irritating.

First, it uses two proven acne medications—salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide—to deliver a one-two punch. Another benefit: These formulas are fragrance free—eliminating one of skin’s most common irritants—and allergy tested. They help keep skin out of trouble. And they are formulated to work as a team.

It depends. You’ll see a 37% improvement in 3 days on active blemishes, and then it just keeps getting better. Continue to use it as long as you see improvement. If you love your results—and your skin—you may be ready to change your skin care routine. Chat with a Clinique Expert now to find out what’s right for you.

Generally, lukewarm water and a medicated cleanser twice a day are all you need for acne-prone skin. We also suggest using a makeup remover first if you’re wearing foundation. Makeup left on skin could clog pores and prevent treatments from working optimally. Some incorrect ways: using anything harsh, like a loofah, that could further irritate skin. Plus, if you’ve been using a loofah on your body, you risk spreading bacteria to your face. And excessive washing and scrubbing will only aggravate skin.

Not to worry. Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar For Face and Body helps clear and prevent breakouts on your back, arms and chest.

We’re all too familiar with the pimple that comes at the worst possible time. Don’t panic. After daily care, dab on Acne Solutions Emergency Gel-Lotion or Spot Healing Gel. Follow with Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup. For touch-ups during the day, keep Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer handy.

Pure myth. In fact, sun may actually trigger breakouts. Plus, some acne treatments make you more sensitive to sunlight. The other common myth that sunscreen makes you break out? Also untrue. UVA/UVB protection is essential. Just be sure to choose a lightweight, oil-free formula.

Inflammation—like we see with acne—can cause skin to darken or leave post-acne marks. (This is one of the biggest reasons not to pop your pimples!) With Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, you’ll see a visible reduction in dark spots, including acne scars in just 4 weeks. See a 58% improvement at 12 weeks.

Keep hands, hair and other potential irritants away from your face. The strap on a bike helmet, holding the telephone receiver against your cheek, even cupping your chin in your hand can transmit bacteria and oil, irritating skin and leading to breakouts.

Be mindful when applying hair styling products since they can migrate to your face, potentially clogging pores around your hairline. And be sure to include the hairline in your skin care routine.

Makeup only looks as good as the skin underneath. Cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate to sweep away pesky flakes and oil that cause makeup to “cake up.”

Then use a primer to prep for makeup application and wear. A primer with a green base can reduce redness caused by breakouts. Deeper skin tones may breakout in the form of dark spots. In this case, use a bronze tinted primer.

Different concealers have different benefits. Just like foundation, you should look for a concealer that is formulated to treat and cover breakouts.

To help cover blemishes or redness, select a concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin. Using a concealer brush or cotton tip, lightly pat and blend concealer on and around the concern area.

A foundation customized for acne-prone skin can help treat while you’re covering up. Seek makeups that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid and help control oil like Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup.

Apply foundation or concealer to concern areas first, keeping the application as light as possible to ensure a natural look. Gently pat on with a foundation brush or fingertips versus applying with long strokes. This will lessen the chance of irritation and help build coverage.

Powder sets and perfects makeup, and can help make pores seem to disappear.

If you’ve already applied foundation to provide coverage, keep powder application light. For a sheer, natural finish, use a loose powder or pressed powder with a brush. Lightly tap powder over entire face and blend to hairline to soften the edges. Sweep away all excess powder with the same brush.

If you’re worried about the texture of acne scars or enlarged pores Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector is a must-have. Pores appear more than 50% smaller—instantly. Apply using a clean fingertip, or concealer brush.

If a breakout is distracting you, highlight your features with dramatic eyes, neutral-toned cheeks and a natural lip.

A cool mist of hydration can set makeup in a flash—try Moisture Surge Extra Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief. Hold 10-15 inches from face and spray.

Keep brushes clean, daily or weekly using a brush cleanser or facial cleanser. Clinique brushes are treated with a patented antimicrobial technology that helps protect against growth of mold, mildew and bacteria to ensure a high level of hygiene.