If, like us, you often find yourself scrolling through skincare TikTok, you will have no doubt come across Cassandra Bankson before. With more than 230,000 followers on the app (not forgetting her casual million-plus subscribers on YouTube), she’s become our go-to for expert acne advice.

This isn’t just because Cassandra has over 10 years’ experience as a medical aesthetician—it’s also because she struggles with acne herself and knows exactly what it’s like to grow up being called “pizza face.”

“Like so many teens, I lived the majority of my adolescent life judging myself in the mirror. I struggled so much with my appearance, self-love and self-worth,” says Cassandra.

“Since becoming a medical aesthetician, I like to think of myself as a big sister to the online community. I’ve come to understand and embrace my skin and hope to educate others in the same way. I consider myself an ‘acne warrior’ because I’ve been there.”

Which is exactly why we asked her to share her top tips with us.

1. Don’t be afraid to get professional help

“Sometimes skincare can’t treat acne,” Cassandra warns. “It’s a medical condition and there are different stages and grades to it. If your acne is severe, I would recommend seeing a dermatologist. If your acne is mild to moderate, getting a skincare routine together that protects and fights against breakouts is a great place to start.”

2. Make sure you’re using the right ingredients

Rather than just looking for overpriced “miracle” products that don’t actually deliver on their promises, Cassandra recommends looking for key ingredients that have been scientifically proven to reduce acne—with her top recommendation being salicylic acid.

“The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser is one of my absolute favorites. It really helps to dissolve oil, while gently exfoliating the skin,” she says.

If it’s good enough for Cassandra, it’s going straight in our basket.

Another of her must-haves is The INKEY List’s Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment. “It’s one the best spot treatments I’ve ever used,” she tells us. “It’s non-drying and non-irritating. It contains succinic acid, salicylic acid and sulfur, so it’s excellent at fighting breakouts.”

Succinic acid, if you're not already familiar, acts as a gentle exfoliator, helping to peel away any dead skin cells from pores. Teamed with bacteria-inhibiting properties, it's great at helping to control sebum and reduce any excess shine and oil.

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