Get to the Root of Your Breakouts
Acne can be frustrating, especially when you’ve tried product after product without understanding what’s actually causing the problem.
At Icky Fix, we break down the different types of breakouts, what can contribute to them, the ingredients worth knowing, and the products worth researching — so you can make a more informed decision about your skin.
What Are You Dealing With?
Blackheads
Small dark-looking spots that form when a pore becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells and remains open at the surface.
Whiteheads
Small, flesh-colored or white bumps that form when a clogged pore stays closed at the surface.
Pimples & Blemishes
Red, swollen bumps that can develop when clogged pores become irritated or inflamed.
Deeper Breakouts
Larger, deeper, and often more painful bumps that form beneath the surface of the skin.
What Can Contribute to Breakouts?
Acne can have more than one contributing factor. Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface can help you make better choices about the products and ingredients you use.
Excess Oil
Too much oil can mix with dead skin cells and contribute to clogged pores.
Clogged Pores
Oil, dead skin cells, and other buildup can block pores and create an environment where breakouts develop.
Hormonal Changes
Changes in hormones can increase oil production and contribute to breakouts, especially during certain stages of life.
Bacteria & Inflammation
Bacteria and inflammation can play a role in some types of acne and can make existing breakouts more irritated.
Skin Irritation
Overusing harsh products or constantly stripping the skin can irritate the skin barrier and potentially make breakouts harder to manage.
Key Ingredients to Know
Different types of acne can respond differently to skincare ingredients. Learning what an ingredient is designed to do can help you make more informed product choices.
- Salicylic Acid
- Often used to help unclog pores and remove excess buildup from the skin’s surface.
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Commonly used in acne products to address acne-causing bacteria and inflammatory breakouts.
- Niacinamide
- An ingredient often used to support the skin barrier and help improve the appearance of oiliness and redness.
- Adapalene
- A topical retinoid commonly used to help prevent clogged pores and treat acne over time.
- Azelaic Acid
- Often used for acne-prone skin and may also help improve the appearance of post-acne marks and uneven tone.
Want to understand these ingredients in more detail?
Explore Key Ingredients for Acne & Breakouts
Product Research for Acne & Breakouts
Once you understand what you’re dealing with and which ingredients matter, the next step is looking at products that may fit your needs.
We research products by looking at their ingredients, purpose, value, and who they may be best suited for. The goal isn’t to recommend the most products — it’s to help you understand the options and make a more informed decision.
What We Look For
Ingredients
What’s actually in the product and what are those ingredients intended to do?
Purpose
What type of breakout or skin concern is the product designed to address?
Value
Does the product offer reasonable value for what you’re getting?
Fit
Who may benefit from the product, and who may want to consider another option?
Don’t Guess. Understand What You’re Buying.
Your skin is unique, and finding the right approach can take some research.
Start with understanding your skin concern, learn which ingredients matter, and then explore products that may fit your needs.
Explore Product Research