Kendall Jenner on Acne: What Helps Oily, Breakout-Prone Skin, and What to Avoid
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- Celebrity Files
Kendall Jenner has been unusually open about acne. In a 2019 Allure cover interview she described it as an ongoing battle and “a constant thing for me,” and said hurtful comments online had left her in tears for days. A year earlier, when people criticized breakouts visible on the Golden Globes red carpet, she told fans online not to let acne stop them. She later partnered with an acne-care brand.
If you have oily, breakout-prone skin, that “constant” part will sound familiar. The good news is that acne is one of the most treatable skin problems there is, as long as you give the right products enough time and stop doing the things that quietly make it worse.
Why oily skin breaks out
Acne starts when oil and dead skin clog a pore. Bacteria that live on everyone’s skin then feed on that oil, which leads to inflammation: red bumps, pustules and, in deeper cases, painful cysts. Hormones, genetics, stress and some products all play a part. Acne is not caused by being dirty, and scrubbing harder does not fix it.
What you can do at home
- Wash twice a day, gently. Use a mild cleanser and lukewarm water, morning and night, plus after you sweat. Washing more often than that can strip the skin and make it produce more oil.
- Pick one proven acne ingredient to start. Benzoyl peroxide (2.5% to 5% is usually enough) targets acne bacteria. Adapalene gel 0.1%, sold over the counter, keeps pores from clogging. Salicylic acid can help with blackheads. Start one, a few nights a week, then build up.
- Moisturize anyway. A light, oil-free moisturizer labeled non-comedogenic keeps acne treatments from drying you out, which makes you more likely to stick with them.
- Wear sunscreen every day. Choose an oil-free or gel SPF 30. Many acne ingredients make skin more sensitive to the sun, and sun makes the dark marks acne leaves behind last longer.
- Be patient and consistent. Most acne treatments take 4 to 8 weeks to start working and about 3 months to show their full effect. Switching products every week resets the clock.
- Mind what touches your face. Clean your phone screen, change pillowcases often, and wash makeup brushes weekly.
What to avoid
- Picking and popping. It pushes inflammation deeper and is the fastest way to end up with marks or scars.
- Harsh scrubs and over-washing. Rough scrubbing irritates skin and can trigger more breakouts.
- DIY “spot fixes.” Toothpaste, lemon juice, baking soda and rubbing alcohol irritate skin without treating acne.
- Heavy oils and thick creams on your face, and hair products that drip onto your forehead. Look for “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”
- Layering every acne product at once. Benzoyl peroxide, a retinoid and an acid on the same night is a recipe for a red, peeling face.
When to see a pro, and what they may suggest
See a Manhattan dermatologist if you have deep or painful breakouts, if acne is leaving dark marks or scars, or if 3 months of steady at-home care has not helped. Treating acne early is the best way to prevent scarring.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription creams | Most types of acne | Stronger retinoids, topical antibiotics combined with benzoyl peroxide, or clascoterone |
| Prescription pills | Moderate to severe or hormonal acne | Options include antibiotics, spironolactone for some women, and isotretinoin for severe acne, all with doctor monitoring |
| HydraFacial or a clarifying facial | Clogged pores and congestion | Feels good and clears pores, but works best alongside a home routine |
| Chemical peels | Breakouts, oiliness and leftover marks | Usually salicylic or glycolic acid, in a series |
| LED light therapy | Mild inflammatory acne | Little downtime. An add-on, not a stand-alone cure |
If your breakouts have already left marks, our guide to dark spots after acne, and marks vs. scars covers what fades them.
A Manhattan note
Summer humidity, packed subway cars and wool scarves in winter all add sweat and friction, which can set off breakouts along the jaw and chin. Cleanse after workouts and long commutes, and keep a gentle cleanser at the office if you head straight from the gym.
Take the free Skin Match quiz. It takes a minute, then shows you the treatments and Manhattan providers that fit your skin.
Read the Skin Match guide to oily and acne-prone skin
Dealing with scars? See the acne scars guide
Sources
- Kendall Jenner on acne, Allure cover interview, 2019 (via W Magazine)
- Kendall Jenner responds to acne criticism, January 2018 (Fox News)
- American Academy of Dermatology: How to fade dark spots
This guide is general information, not medical advice. A board-certified dermatologist can confirm what you have and what is safe for you, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or on prescription skin care. Celebrity comments are quoted from the published interviews linked below.
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Questions to ask at your consultation
- Which device is it, and how many of these treatments do you do each month?
- How many sessions will I need, and what is the package price?
- What does the downtime really look like, day by day?
- Are the settings adjusted for my skin tone?
- What should I stop using on my skin before and after?
Screenshot this list and bring it with you. A good provider will answer every one without pressure.
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