Putting together a skin care routine for acne is no easy feat. Throw temperamental breakouts and acne scars into the mix and things can get downright overwhelming.
Finding the right balance of acne-fighting ingredients that treat congestion without being overly harsh can often feel like solving a cryptic puzzle. But fear not, because we’ve tried and tested some foolproof combinations to start you off on the right foot.
With the help of some supermarket skin care superstars and oily skin-friendly sunscreens, here is a guideline for an effective AM and PM skin care routine for acne skin…
Morning routine for acne-prone skin
Step one: Cleanse
Regardless of whether the acne is hormonal, cystic or fungal, it’s important to choose a cleanser that can go beyond just a gentle wash. Seeking out a formula that targets whiteheads, minimises excess sebum production and gently exfoliates (without exacerbating already irritated patches) will set the rest of your skin care routine up for success. Salicylic acid is a great ingredient to look for and will work wonders in a skin care routine for acne scars, too.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
“I have this cleanser on rotation and tend to use it when I develop pimples- the salicylic acid works wonders at easing congestion, shrinking the appearance of pores and keeping my face in tip top condition. I was using a Neutrogena Foaming SA cleanser but I much prefer this. Always a bonus that it’s fragrance-free!” – Lucy16
Want to know more? Read CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser reviews here…
$17.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Step two: Tone
It’s often debated whether or not we even need to use a toner, so you’ll be forgiven if you forgo this step entirely. However, if you can spare 10 seconds each morning, the MECCA MAX CLEAN SWEEP Gentle Exfoliating & Brightening Toner will prove it’s much more than just a pretty fragranced water. Formulated with salicylic and glycolic acid, this gentle acne-fighter works to clean out clogged pores by removing a buildup of dead skin cells and excess sebum. Plus, the inclusion of panthenol means your skin will be left hydrated and glowing.
$15 at MECCA
Step three: Serums
The thing about AM routines is that they generally need to cater for a face that will be seen in public, which means, pimple patches and spot treatments are normally reserved for the nighttime. However, with the right corrective serum, your skin care can still double as a long-lasting acne treatment, even when it’s sitting underneath your makeup. Our favourite is the Ultraceuticals Ultra Clear Lotion ($101, Ultraceuticals). Its creamy texture will sit comfortably under your foundation while its potent congestion-fighting ingredient list includes mandelic acid, salicylic acid and soothing vitamin E.
Vitamin C
This is more of a PSA than a recommendation. If you’re using a vitamin C in your routine and you have active acne or you’re just acne-prone, not all vitamin C serums are going to be your friend. A superhero ingredient when it comes to brightening the skin, vitamin C serums work wonders when it comes to banishing hyperpigmentation or scarring left behind from deep pimples. However, it’s important to consider the concentration of vitamin C and if you find that it’s irritating your skin, seek out a more gentle formula. One that we recommend? Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream ($98, MECCA).
Speaking of the cream’s unique composition, Sunday Riley dermatologist Lian Mack said,”If vitamin C is found in an oil-based vehicle instead of a water-based vehicle, it may be the oil clogging your pores and contributing to breakouts.”
Step four: SPF
Anyone with acne understands that it’s easy to fall into the trap of avoiding wearing a sunscreen out of fear it’ll aggravate your breakouts. However, that can’t be an excuse to skip wearing sun protection altogether. With the right formulations, an SPF can provide protection without causing irritation.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+
“It doesn’t irritate the skin, or make my makeup do strange things. It also worked well when I wasn’t wearing makeup, and seemed to keep my skin fairly hydrated all day. Even when I was out and about all day, I felt like this sunscreen provided me with protection without needing to continuously reapply it.” – Jessica715
Want to know more? Read SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+ reviews here…
$55 at Adore Beauty
Night routine for acne-prone skin…
Step one: Remove makeup
A regular double cleanse would typically kick off with an oil cleanser to breakdown stubborn makeup. But for acne-prone complexions, we recommend beginning with a gentle micellar water. Better yet? A micellar water like the BIODERMA Sébium H2O Purifying Micellar Water Cleanser that’s been specifically formulated to fight breakouts.
“This product in particular is with the presence of zinc, suitable for those with an acne-prone combination skin. I use this micellar water every other time, sometimes replacing it with a pink cap Sensibio Bioderma.” – Katie08
Want to know more? Read BIODERMA Sébium H2O Purifying Micellar Water Cleanser reviews here…
$24.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Step two: Cleanse
You don’t need us to tell you the importance of washing your face and ensuring every last skerrick of makeup has been removed, do you? So we won’t explain the why, however, we will point you in the right direction of a gentle yet congestion-blasting cleanser.
Cetaphil Pro Acne Prone Foam Wash
“There is a very mild scent – hardly noticeable. It does exactly what it says it does. Suited for acne prone skin which I’ve dealt with for many years until now. My skin is clear and if a pimple does show its face it’s small and quickly diminishes away.” – Thesmith.girls
Want to know more? Read Cetaphil Pro Acne Prone Foam Wash reviews here…
$18.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Step three: Serum
Hydrating serum
Acne-fighting products will work to slow down oil production and in turn, dry out your skin. So it’s important to ensure you are keeping your skin hydrated and nourished by using ingredients like hyaluronic acid, even more so if you’re incorporating a retinol.
BOOST LAB 2D Hyaluronic Acid Hydro Boost Serum
“My skins feels nice and soft and smooth after using this serum once or twice a day for a few weeks. I’m not sure if my skin feels more moisturised. My wrinkles and pores are the same. The results haven’t been dramatic but I think it has made my skin look better. It isn’t my Holy Grail serum but I would definitely buy it again.” – Lindylou
Want to know more? Read BOOST LAB 2D Hyaluronic Acid Hydro Boost Serum reviews here…
$29.95 at Adore Beauty
Retinol
Among it’s many other skin care benefits, retinol (otherwise known as vitamin A) works to regulate our sebum production, which is why it’s a hero when it comes to building a skin care routine for acne-prone oily skin.. Whether you’re trying to prevent a future breakout, tackle scarring or reduce the inflammation of deep pimples, retinol will likely make an impact in solving your skin qualms. Our advice? Start small and introduce it every other night until your skin builds up a tolerance. We recommend a formula like La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum which has been enriched with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide to add moisture while the vitamin A works its skin-perfecting magic.
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum
Look familiar? This serum took out a Best In Beauty award in 2021, that might be why.
“It’s the only retinol product I’ve used (and I’ve tried a few!) that actually respects my skin and I think it’s the B3 that’s the game changer. The B3 is enough of a buffer to compensate for any irritation the retinol may cause. I’ve noticed a reduction in the smile lines around my eyes and my skin has a plumpness that defies my now 43 year old face.” – Lucrecia629
Want to know more? Read La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum reviews here…
$71.95 at Adore Beauty
Step four: Moisturise
If you haven’t already gathered, acne-prone skin needs hydration. Why? Because when the skin is too dry, it can begin producing excess oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. What does an over supply of oil result in? Breakouts. Which is why applying a soothing moisturiser like the Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser, will work wonders in your battle against acne. This light niacinamide and ceramide-rich cream works to calm redness, soothe dry patches and restore moisture into the skin without adding oil. The perfect last step in your acne skin care routine.
$39 at Paula’s Choice
Main image credit: @zoesaldana
Have you ever had acne? What products worked for you?
Retinol has been great for my acne! I also love salicylic acid and glycolic acid
It’s fantastic to hear that you’ve found success with retinol, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid for managing your acne! Each of these ingredients plays a unique role in addressing acne and promoting overall skin health.
Great article for those who have acne problems.
Yes there are some nice products here to help these days
Past the acne stage yay
Diet change only worked for me.
I like salicylic acid and mandelic acid.
Serums are a big deal these days.
Using a toner has actually really helped my skin.
I have never had this problem but nice to see this article with so much information for this common problem
I need to get some of these products for my teen son
Hormonal acne is so difficult to treat and everyone reacts to products differently.
Theres a lot of acid in this routine . Wouldn’t you be better just using one or two not every product
Retinol works for my sister who has acne prone skin.
Wow! Looks great! I will be looking into this! My skin randomly gives way to scabs. Any tips? X
The Paula’s Choice CLEAR range is really good at fighting acne. I’m using it on my son currently.
This is a pretty solid routine!
No acne these days just dry skin
A helpful range of products
Should you use more than one type of serum?
Retinol is great
Thanks for sharing. I was looking for these products for my son.
Some really great Products for acne fortunately I don’t get many pimples these days.
Great article thanks for the info
I really like the la Roche Posay serums! They are the best.
I currently have a red pimple in my t zone. I think it’s caused by thick moisturiser.
I keep forgetting to use toner! but loving my retinol serums.
Luckily I no longer have much trouble with acne, but my teen and pre-teens are just moving into that stage.
No step 5 for slugging?
On a personal note, this article could not have come out at a better time.
Have been using many products for my acne but I can tell you that Dermal MD anti acne serum is the one that is always on top of my list. The reason being, it’s fast reactive towards the pimple and it’s price is quite decent too. If you are looking for something which works faster than other products out there, then this is something which will fit your needs perfectly. MUST BUY FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN!!
Fingers crossed, this is no longer a problem for me
OH yes I’ve had acne, I really feel sorry for anyone who id suffering with acne. I felt like nothing worked for me, nothing was helping in decreasing my acne. I ended up taking medication for it, and I only now get the odd 1 pimple every few months.
I know I need a toner for my blemish-prone skin, & I love cleansers with salicylic acid. Still, I’ve always got Clearasil on hand.
Not a problem for me.