Skincare routine for acne prone skin

A simple morning and evening routine

1. 1Wash gently once or twice a day with a mild, non drying cleanser, including after exercise.
2. 2At night, remove makeup before washing and do not leave it on overnight.
3. 3If you use an over the counter acne treatment, follow its directions carefully and apply it sparingly.
4. 4Use a gentle moisturizer with acne products. Many acne products can dry skin, so pair them with gentle cleansers and moisturizers before and after use.

Choose noncomedogenic products for skin and makeup, a rare beauty label that explains its assignment before giving itself a personality. Water based formulas are another option for cosmetics and skin creams; avoid greasy creams and cosmetics. If your hair is oily, shampoo it daily and keep it away from your face.36

Habits that can make acne worse

• Do not scrub or repeatedly wash your skin; both can irritate it.
• Avoid squeezing, scratching, picking, or rubbing pimples, which can slow healing and cause scars or infection.

Do not use tanning to clear acne. Tanning mostly hides acne, and too much sunlight or ultraviolet exposure is not recommended because it raises the risk of wrinkles and skin cancer.3

Which acne treatment can you use?

Common over the counter acne products contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Retinoids, which are vitamin A based products, are another option; topical retinoids such as adapalene help prevent blocked pores. Adapalene availability varies by country, with both over the counter and prescription options.247

• Benzoyl peroxide targets bacteria that can aggravate acne. Lower concentrations and wash formulations are less irritating; benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and clothing.
• Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells so follicles are less likely to clog, and it can ease inflammation.
• Adapalene can break up blackheads and whiteheads and help prevent clogged pores. Retinoids are not spot treatments: apply them over the area affected by acne, following the product directions.

Acne treatments can cause redness, dryness, or peeling. Keeping the rest of the routine gentle can help limit irritation. If irritation is severe or persistent, ask a pharmacist or clinician to review the product and routine.234

How long does an acne routine take to work?

Acne treatment can take 6 to 8 weeks to show a response. Retinoids often take several months to produce positive results, and acne can flare from time to time.37

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor or dermatologist if acne is deep or painful, causing scars, getting worse, affecting your mental health, or not improving after several months of self care and over the counter treatment. Hot, swollen skin can be a sign of infection. A clinician can assess the type and severity of acne and discuss prescription treatments, which may include topical medicines or tablets.246

Pregnancy can bring hormonal changes that contribute to acne. Do not take isotretinoin during pregnancy: it can cause severe birth defects.23