Acne-prone skin can be extremely challenging to care for. Not only do those with acneic skin need to worry about the basic skin health factors that others worry about (skin cell turnover, collagen and elastin production, sun protection, etc.), but they also have to take the potential risk for breakouts into consideration every time they use a product to treat or prevent one of these other skin health concerns. In this blog, our board-certified dermatologists will help take some of the guesswork out of skincare for those with acneic skin by walking through the best skincare routine for acne-prone skin as well as detailing some of the many products recommended for those with acneic skin.

The Ideal Acne Skincare Routine

Any dermatologist will tell you it’s much more difficult to get acne breakouts under control than it is to take steps to develop a skincare routine to manage and prevent acne blemishes. That all starts with the right morning and evening skincare routine. While everyone has unique skincare needs, we’ve outlined a good, basic skincare routine for individuals with acne-prone skin below:

• • Clean the skin – Using a gentle, oil-free cleanser, clean the skin in the morning and evening. It can be tempting to scrub at acne, but this can often lead to further irritation. Instead, apply lukewarm water to the skin. Then, gently apply cleanser before using lukewarm water to thoroughly rinse away the soap. If you wear cosmetics, use a makeup remover before cleansing to avoid scrubbing the skin. You may also want to use an exfoliating cleanser a few times each week to remove dead skin cells.
• • Toner – After washing, apply a toner to the skin. Toners are formulated to remove excess oil from the skin and improve pH balance. Toners also help to ensure pores are open, so the skin is better able to absorb medications and serums.
• • Apply medications and serums – Acne medications and other serums or spot treatments should be applied after toner when pores are clear and able to thoroughly absorb these ingredients. Allow these products to sit on the skin for a minute or longer before completing the skincare routine.
• • Moisturize – Applying a good moisturizer twice a day is essential. Without adequate hydration, the skin is actually prompted to produce more natural sebum (oil), which can increase the risk of breakouts. In most cases, lighter-weight gel or lotion moisturizers are better for acneic skin.
• • Sunscreen – Before going out in the sun, it’s important to apply sunscreen to protect against UV damage. This is especially true for people using acne medications, which can increase the risk of sunburns and other forms of sun damage. Again, finding a sunblock that is lightweight and oil-free is essential to avoid causing breakouts.

The Most Recommended Skincare Products for Acne-Prone Skin

There are many great over-the-counter and prescription-strength skincare products available for individuals with acne-prone skin. When selecting the right products for your unique skin care needs to manage acne flare-ups, you may want to consult with a dermatologist. To get you started, we’re including some of the top-recommended skincare products for acne-prone skin from the trusted dermatologists who curated our list of products on DermSkincare.

Epionce Acne Kit – Purifying Wash and Purifying Spot Gel

When it comes to acne skin care, our Epionce Acne Kit is a must-have. This skincare kit for acneic skin includes two of the most popular acne skin care products, the Purifying Wash and Purifying Spot Gel. The Purifying Wash is a gentle gel formula cleanser that contains salicylic acid, which penetrates deep into pores to clear up current acne breakouts and helps to prevent future flare-ups in acne. The Purifying Spot Gel is powerful enough to quickly target and clear up current blemishes, but it’s also gentle enough for daily use on areas of the skin where breakouts occur to prevent new pimples from forming.

Revision Retinol Complete

Retinols are an important addition to acne skincare routines. They help to increase cell turnover, avoid clogged pores, and smooth and brighten skin. Revision Retinol Complete is one of the best available over-the-counter retinol options. This product is formulated to provide the antioxidant, oil-reducing, and antiaging benefits of retinol without stripping the skin of necessary hydration.

EltaMD Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Non-Tinted

It can be a challenge to find a good sunscreen that will protect the skin from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays without contributing to acne flare-ups. Many sunscreens contain chemicals that irritate or inflame the skin, making acne breakouts more severe or longer-lasting. Sunscreen can be thick and sit on the surface of the skin increasing the risk of clogged pores. Enter EltaMD Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Non-Tinted. This product was specifically formulated for individuals with acneic or rosacea-prone skin. This sunscreen combines effective sun protection ingredients that protect against UVA and UVB rays as well as ingredients that are great for the skin like vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid. It has a lightweight formula that is easily absorbed and less likely to cause irritation or contribute to
the development of blemishes.

Talk to a Trusted Dermatologist About Acne Skincare

If you want a little extra help with creating a personalized acne skincare routine, it may be time to consult with a dermatologist. The knowledgeable professionals at U.S. Dermatology Partners put together the list of recommended products in this blog as well as curating the full list of products available on DermSkincare. Whether you’re dealing with acne, eczema, chronic skin conditions, or you just want to boost your skincare routine, working with a dermatologist can help you look and feel your very best. If you’re interested in getting started working with a local U.S. Dermatology Partners practice, take a few moments to complete the online scheduling request form. A team member will be in touch soon to answer any questions and finalize the details of your appointment.