8 Celebrities Who’ve Helped Normalize Acne

Flawless skin isn’t a birthright. Despite the seemingly unattainable beauty standards they set, even celebrities who rise to stardom aren’t immune to acne. But in recent years many stars have stepped into the spotlight with a powerful message: acne is nothing to hide. These eight celebrities have faced skin challenges and used their platforms to normalize breakouts while sharing their acne journeys. We took a closer look at these celebrity acne journeys and the steps they took to achieve a clearer complexion.

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Paris Jackson

The pop royalty has embraced her skin’s natural state and shared her acne journey with her followers. The singer recently posted an unfiltered close-up of her acne on Instagram, alongside a video detailing the skin-care routine that helped her. In the clip, Jackson highlights the Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel ($125), a combination of glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids, which she uses along with a neutralizing clay mask. Although she admits the process “does hurt a lot,” she praises the results. Jackson also emphasizes the benefits of using an oil-free moisturizer and filtered tap water. “Here we are, ready to go to work,” she said as she showcased her glowing skin post-routine.

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Paige DeSorbo

The reality star has been candid about her acne journey, revealing her past struggles with concealing breakouts and her eventual decision to embrace her natural skin. “I used to just pound on makeup and be like, ‘Oh my God, nobody can see,’“ she shared with PEOPLE, explaining her attempts to hide her acne behind hairstyles and heavy makeup. Embracing her bare skin, DeSorbo now posts unfiltered selfies to inspire others, saying, “I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is helping so many other girls, me just showing a couple of pimples.’” Her breakthrough came with Face Reality’s tailored skin-care routine. “In two weeks, I already felt a difference,” she shared.

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Cardi B

In January 2021, Cardi B took to Twitter to share her struggles with adult acne. She posted a photo of her breakouts on her cheek, describing them as “uncomfortable.” She specifically asked her followers: “What are some good products for little blackheads, break-outs and dry skin on your face?” She mentioned that her face was extremely dry and that she didn’t think the products she used were working. She also speculated that the water in her area might be contributing to her skin issues. While Cardi B hasn’t specifically mentioned what has improved her acne journey, her makeup artist, Erika La’ Pearl, has shared some of the skin-care steps used to prep Cardi’s skin. She counts cleansing with a gentle cleanser and dermaplaning to remove dead skin cells as two big factors in keeping her skin smooth.

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Shawn Mendes

Mendes has been honest about his acne journey and how it has affected his confidence. He’s mentioned using topical treatments and a consistent routine to manage his skin, but ultimately the singer thinks stress was the biggest factor in his persistent acne. “I think skin is very based off of how you’re feeling…. You could rub dirt on your face but if you’re happy, you won’t break out. If you’re unhappy or sad or stressed, that’s when you break out the most. Just do everything that will make you happy,” he told fans during a Q&A. “So, honestly, do everything that will make you happier, I think.”

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Alix Earle

TikTok’s It girl has been very candid about her acne journey. The Hot Mess podcast host says she’s dealt with acne on and off for nine years, describing it as “a journey of ups and downs.” Earle has shared with followers that she’s used Accutane three times, stating, “I’ve tried every prescription, every skin-care product and the only thing I could get to clear skin was Accutane.” Earle often talks about the impact of acne on mental health, sharing that she would “cry three times a day and did not leave the house because her acne was painful.”

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Keke Palmer

The always candid Keke Palmer has been open about her struggles with acne related to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. She shared on Instagram: “My skin has made me sad many nights, but I do not give up on myself. I know this is not me and my body has been looking for help.” When speaking with US Weekly earlier this year, the comedic actress said it was motherhood that helped to bring her hormonal acne in check. “[When] I was pregnant with my son, my skin was never better,” Palmer said. Unfortunately, the glow didn’t last that long as she’s had to deal with breakouts again. “Now, [my skin] is back to its old ways,” the star said.

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Lili Reinhart

The Riverdale star has been candid about her long-term battle with cystic acne. She shared on Instagram: “I’ve had cystic acne since I was 12. And it has caused major self esteem issues ever since.” Reinhart emphasizes that breakouts don’t define a person’s worth. In an interview with Refinery29, the actress stated her acne flare-ups slowed down when she cut out two things. “As I got older, I started seeing facialists who were able to look at my skin and give me more information on how to care for my acne. Then I went on a little splurge where I was using every face mask under the sun, which was just making my skin worse. I started paying attention to ingredients and stopped using things that had added perfumes and alcohol.”

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Kendall Jenner

Jenner has been vocal about her struggles on her acne journey, even attending high-profile events like the Golden Globes with visible breakouts. She doesn’t want acne to affect anyone’s self-esteem, stating “never let that shit stop you.” In a 2020 video for Vogue, the model shared one lifestyle choice she had to cut. ““I was trying to figure out for so long why my skin was breaking out,” she said. “Was it hormones? Was it what I’m eating? Am I allergic to something? Am I using the wrong products?” The 28-year-old then considered her diet might be the culprit. Jenner said she “decided to cut out dairy,” but not entirely. ”I love cheese so it’s hard for me to cut out cheese,” she admitted.