Sweat, sunscreen, humidity, pollution, stress — Bangkok gives breakouts plenty of reasons. The good news: a calm, consistent routine helps most mild-to-moderate breakouts more than any harsh 'miracle' product.
Acne starts in the pore: oil, dead skin cells and bacteria get trapped, and inflammation follows. Humidity and heat mean more sweat and oil on the skin, and heavy products, unwashed sunscreen or a damp face mask can all add to clogging.
What helps is cleaning thoroughly but gently, using one or two proven ingredients consistently, and protecting the skin barrier so it heals well. And because Thailand's sun can darken post-acne marks, daily sunscreen matters just as much as spot care.
The routine
A routine for acne-prone skin
Morning
1
Cleanse
A gentle cleanser — salicylic acid versions are great for oily skin.
2
Calm
A centella or niacinamide serum.
3
Moisturise
A light, non-comedogenic gel-cream.
4
Protect
An oil-free sunscreen. Sun makes post-acne marks darker.
Evening
1
Double cleanse
Remove sunscreen thoroughly with an oil cleanser that rinses clean, then a gentle foam.
2
Treat
BHA on alternate nights, or a dermatologist-recommended treatment.
It increases the chance of marks and scarring. Patches help you leave spots alone.
Using every active at once
Acids, retinoids and spot treatments together often cause irritation — and more breakouts.
Scrubbing hard
Gritty scrubs inflame acne. Chemical exfoliants are gentler.
Dirty pillowcases and puffs
Change pillowcases often and wash makeup puffs weekly in the heat.
When to see a dermatologist. If you have painful, deep or cystic breakouts, acne that leaves scars, or breakouts that haven't improved after two to three months of a consistent routine, please see a dermatologist. Prescription treatments can make a real difference, and we'd always rather you got the right help.
From the edit
Product types for acne-prone skin
Message us to check what's on the shelf this weekend.
One of the most versatile ingredients in skincare — and one of the easiest to use. What it's good for, which percentage to pick, and what to pair it with.
Read the guide
FAQ
Acne-prone skin: questions
A good oil cleanser that emulsifies and rinses away completely is usually fine for acne-prone skin — and helps remove sunscreen thoroughly. If one seems to break you out, switch to a different formula or a cleansing balm.
For surface spots that have come to a head, hydrocolloid patches absorb fluid, protect the spot and stop you picking. They won't do much for deep, under-the-skin bumps.
Give it six to eight weeks of consistent use. Skin can take a while to respond, and changing products every week makes it hard to tell what's working.
Daily sunscreen first, then brightening ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C. Marks fade slowly — usually over months.
This guide is general skincare information, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition that worries you, please see a doctor or dermatologist.
Not sure where to start? Just ask.
Message us with your skin type and what you're looking for. We'll tell you what's on the shelf this weekend and help you choose — then pick up at Chatuchak Weekend Market.
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