Ingredients

Acne: how to treat it with natural ingredients

Acne is often thought of as a problem that only affects teenagers, but in reality, it can be an issue for people at any age. It’s not just about lingering teenage skin issues—it’s a complex condition that can affect us well into adulthood.

Acne occurs when the skin’s sebaceous glands, which produce oil, become inflamed, often due to hormonal changes. This is why breakouts can still happen during significant life stages like pregnancy, menopause, or when undergoing cancer treatment. Understanding that acne can be linked to these hormonal shifts can help us address it with more compassion and insight.

No matter your age, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that there are effective ways to manage it.

Know the triggers for your acne-prone skin

Even the slightest hormonal imbalance can disrupt the levels of sebum production. For others, a high-sugar diet, too much alcohol, stress and not cleansing the face properly can kick off an acne breakout. To identify your personal triggers, we recommend keeping a diary of your skincare journey and experiences. Over time, you should be able to notice a pattern forming with lifestyle or environmental factors.

Avoid acne products that aggravate skin

You may think the best line of attack is to load up on an arsenal of hard-hitting blemish-blitzers, but acne products containing benzoyl peroxide can actually worsen the problem. These can strip away your skin's important protective barrier allowing water out and irritants in.

The effect? A dry, tight and sensitised complexion. Soaps and foaming face washes are a no-no, too, since they can make the skin more alkaline, allowing bacteria to thrive.

"This is my most favourite facial oil that I’ve ever tried! It’s so balancing and comforting and has made me fully transition to just facial oils, no creams. If you have sensitive, combination, break out/acne prone skin, like I do, you will love this oil!" - Rachael E., customer review

Choose plant-based acne products

When it comes to acne treatment, the gentle giants rule. Choose a daily cleanser that has exfoliating properties and an antimicrobial effect to prevent blemish-causing bacteria from multiplying. Opt for our soothing Balancer Cream Cleanser, formulated with mango butter and black oats to soothe and moisturise your skin, whilst niacinamide and prebiotic inulin work to balance and restore your skin barrier function.

And for a natural alternative to harsh acids and peels? Choose the innovative By Sarah Ally Recovery Facial Oil that's lightweight and easily-absorbed. Bursting with linoleic acid and natural CBD, our upcycled hemp seed oil helps calm inflammation while strengthening and rebuilding the skin barrier, reducing bacterial infection and bringing your skin's microbiome back into balance. See? It really is a superstar.

The Ally is also blended with papaya fruit enzymes that gently whisk away dead skin cells that contribute to the build-up of bacteria and sebum. Think skin that's clearer, healthier and infinitely more radiant.

As one of our lovely customers, Iulia, put it: "This is the best product I have ever used for acne. It reduces redness overnight - I love it!" - 5 star Feefo review.

"The oil significantly reduces my break outs and when I do break out, I find that my skin clears up much faster than usual. It’s lovely because the oil doesn’t strip away anything from my skin and it leaves it looking so glowy and dewey, it’s a must have product." - Feefo customer review

Help fade acne scars

Aside from active acne, lingering post-blemish marks can be a bugbear, too. That's why keeping skin nourished with reparative natural oils is such an essential part of dealing with acne-prone skin.

To tackle persistent acne, we recommend applying a few drops of By Sarah Ally Recovery Facial Oil onto clean damp skin both morning and night. Take the time to pat and press the oil into your face and neck, rather than applying to a single zit or cluster of spots.

For those occasional big blighters or hormonal breakouts? Use By Sarah Ally Recovery Facial Oil as a hard-working targeted evening treatment and enjoy our original By Sarah Hero Facial Oil in the morning. Once your skin has improved, you can return to using the latter each morning and night as normal.

Boosted skincare

Knowing the unbelievable skin benefits Vitamin C can deliver, we've been determined to bring you a formula that lets sensitive skin in on the action, too.

And we didn't stop there.

We spent many months working hard behind-the-scenes to bring you an alternative to retinol. A plant-powered blend – suitable for even the most sensitive of skin – that offers retinol-like properties without the irritation.

Both our Vitamin C+E Booster and Bakuchiol Booster have been designed with the most sensitive skin in mind, and slot seamlessly into your morning and evening skincare routine as the final "boosted" step. The result? A visible skin transformation without redness, irritation or sensitivity – for day and night.

Remember, acne is a common struggle that can affect anyone, no matter their age. If you have any questions, or would like some personalised skincare advice, reach out to us at care@bysarahlondon.com, or on Instagram, @bysarahlondon. We love to hear from you.

By Sarah