Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that works in a similar way to AHAs, increasing the turnover rate of skin calls and potentially smoothing out both wrinkles and acne. In the UK, you need a prescription for high-strength retinol medications such as Differin, but you can buy lower-dose retinol treatments over the counter. Despite having dry acne-prone skin, I’ve never really been a fan of spot treatments. I just thought they were a waste of time especially since I always have a Salicylic Acid product at hand. Having one extra product isn’t going to prevent my acne anyway. If I’m gonna break out, there’s no stopping it. It doesn’t help that I’m currently using the Geek & Gorgeous Retinal and 20% Azelaic Acid and I’ve been purging quite a bit.

The “very high concentration of free acids” does sound scary, but it works to battle breakouts. Most people shouldn’t suffer any ill effects, but as with all acne treatments, it’s worth testing the product on a small area of your skin before you get carried away. In addition, be absolutely sure to wear sunscreen for a week after your peel, because AHAs make your skin much more susceptible to sunburn. CAN THIS BE USED LONG TERM?The product is designed to be used if and when needed to target breakouts and can be used long term. Don't use with: According to Petrillo, there are no ingredients known to have a negative interaction with succinic acid. What Is Succinic Acid? Succinic Acid is great for those who are prone to breakouts due to oily skin because it helps to reduce the excess oil on our skin and decrease the size of our pores,’ agrees Dr Fab. ‘If you have acne that has formed nodules or cysts or is leaving behind hyperpigmentation, then it might be worth speaking to your GP for prescription strength medication that can be used alongside the succinic acid.' For instance, you can use succinic acid in the morning and a prescription strength retinol at night, she continues.The green coloured formula (obtained from natural chlorophyll derived from plant pigment) acts as a colour corrector to neutralise the red colour from blemishes. SHOULD I USE THIS BEFORE OR AFTER MY OTHER SKINCARE PRODUCTS?You can apply Succinic Acid directly to areas of concern up to 3x a day both over and under make-up. Allow 5 minutes to dry before following with the rest of your routine/make up.

No, not exactly. While both are considered to be effective anti-acne ingredients, succinic acid is a lot milder than salicylic acid. Think of it less as an exfoliating acid, and more in the same ‘acid’ camp as hyaluronic acid, says Dr Kemi Fabusiwa. In short, it's the kind of acid that cleans your pores, soothes skin and adds hydration, making it an excellent choice if you have oily skin.

Are there any unwanted side effects?

When adding new products to your skincare routine, we always recommend patch testing. Learn more here. Other than finding the right spot treatment for you, Dr Perry has a few other dos and don'ts when it comes to preventing acne: If you struggle with acne, Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics, advises against using harsh traditional spot creams that contain a lot of alcohol. 'Yes, they can dissolve grime and make your skin feel squeaky clean, but they can also be exceptionally harsh on your skin, causing irritation and in turn more oil production that may in fact worsen your acne,' he says. Instead of using Sudocrem as a spot treatment, there are plenty of other great (and affordable treatments) that are as easy to get your hands on. Dr. Laftah recommends using leave-on spot treatments containing a high concentration of benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid, both of which are effective at reducing acute inflammation in acne, she explained. Alternatively, you can also use pimple patches to dry out spots (please never use toothpaste to dry out your spots!) Spot patches are essentially "hydrocolloid dressings that draw out pus from lesions and assist with healing," Dr. Laftah explained. This treatment from skincare superstar Paula Begoun manages to blur and clear pores at the same time. The light, hydrating gel-like formula has the instant softening effects of a pore-minimising serum, but behind the scenes, its combination of azelaic and salicylic acid exfoliates both the top and deeper layers of your skin, clearing out the gunk that causes spots.

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties to help calm acne and reduce redness. It’s natural, but no weakling: 5% tea tree oil has results comparable to 5% benzoyl peroxide. Like benzoyl peroxide, prolonged use may not suit sensitive skin. Do eat a healthy diet consisting of leafy greens, fish and probiotics, such as yoghurt, kefir and kimchi, which contain 'friendly bacteria' that can help reduce inflammation. Succinic acid is the perfect choice for anyone who experiences acne and breakouts, as its antimicrobial properties can help to target the underlying causes of these conditions. It's also a good idea to incorporate the ingredient into your regime if you are exposed to pollution, smoke or any other sources of oxidative stress. How do you use succinic acid? Described as being easily-absorbed, and non-greasy, which is suitable for all skin types, but particularly great for those with blemish-prone skin. Working by gently exfoliating dead skin cells, whilst also reducing excess oils without stripping the skin.

Succinic acid is a relative newcomer, beloved by skincare experts for its ability to clear pores without causing irritation. Succinic acid has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, too, and won’t dry out skin. Dr Shotter also advises using it in the serum stage of your routine (after your cleanser) as it’s a small molecule and won’t penetrate through heavy creams. It's also available as a dietary supplement, with advocates claiming it can help with symptoms of menopause. While it's generally considered to be safe to take in this form, there is no good evidence that supports these supposed benefits. What are the skincare benefits?

Was that acne-fighting and sensitive skin-friendly all in the one sentence? Correct. This naturally occurring acid will effectively work to minimise and manage breakouts, without triggering irritation or drying out your skin.My skin is sensitive, and very dry as a whole. However, I do get hormonal breakouts on my chin. My skin used to be a lot worse a few years ago, but it has improved dramatically after cutting out dairy from my diet. Salicylic acid based blemish treatments work well for me, and I tend to gravitate towards them as I know they’re effective for me, however The Inkey List Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment has been disappointing. It also helps to restore the skin's natural PH so skin is left neither too dry or too oily. Another benefit is that succinic acid has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, so it's a great all-rounder to add to your beauty routine. Are there any unwanted side effects? Our tried and tested spot treatments typically contain a powerful combination of the above to target blemishes at the source (often, before they have the chance to surface). There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and Dr Perry warns that most skincare products require time and patience to be effective. As mentioned, it’s also suitable for those with sensitive skin. ‘This is a great ingredient for those with more sensitive skin types as it is a kind-to-skin ingredient yet still effective,' explains Dr Fab. Are there any ingredients to avoid with succinic acid?