You’ve done everything right—cut out fragrance, stopped using pore-clogging ingredients, and simplified your routine with clean, non-comedogenic products. And yet you are still breaking out stubborn when you thought your skin was finally under control.

Here’s the real reason: it’s not always about what’s on your skin. Sometimes, it’s what’s happening within it. Acne isn’t just about clogged pores or greasy skin—it’s often the result of chronic inflammation and anaerobic bacteria (the kind that thrives in environments that lack oxygen).

Anaerobic bacteria, particularly Cutibacterium acnes, flourish in oxygen-poor environments like clogged pores. When this bacteria multiplies, it triggers an inflammatory response—leading to redness, swelling, and pimples. This is why many traditional acne treatments aim to reduce oil and clear pores. But if your products are stripping the skin barrier or not addressing bacterial overgrowth, the cycle continues.

Most acne treatments focus on drying out the skin or chemically exfoliating it into submission. While ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be effective short-term, they often irritate sensitive skin and exacerbate inflammation—especially if overused. Healthline outlines the potential side effects of benzoyl peroxide here.

AO2 Clear takes a completely different approach. It skips the harsh actives and focuses on restoring balance—delivering billions of microscopic oxygen nanobubbles deep into your pores. These oxygen molecules naturally fight anaerobic bacteria, soothe inflamed skin, and help speed up healing. Oxygen also supports skin regeneration, helping repair post-acne marks over time.

Unlike spot treatments or acid-based solutions, AO2 Clear is designed to be used all over the face—morning and night—making it a powerful prevention tool as well as a treatment. When used consistently, many users report that their breakouts not only fade faster, but they also stop forming altogether.

Bonus Tip: Use AO2 Clear as your first step after cleansing to allow the oxygen to penetrate deeply. Follow it with your moisturizer or sunscreen to seal everything in. Think of it like breathing new life into your skin—literally.

If you’re someone who’s been stuck in the cycle of “clean skincare” but still dealing with breakouts, it’s time to look deeper. It’s not just about what you use—it’s about whether your routine is targeting the right causes.

• Learn more about anaerobic bacteria and acne on DermNet

• Read why oxygen is essential for healthy skin on PubMed Central

Try AO2 CLEAR for yourself—with our money-back policy, there’s nothing to lose (except the breakouts).