The Ultimate 2024 Skincare Routine for Acne, According to Dermatologists

Acne is one of the most prevalent and annoying skin problems that affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. This occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and debris, leading to inflammation, infection, and breakouts.

Acne can manifest in different forms, such as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts, depending on the severity and location of the clogging¹.

Acne can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, hormones, stress, diet, medications, or environmental triggers. Acne can also have a significant impact on one’s self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life.

Therefore, finding an effective and consistent skincare routine for acne is crucial for preventing and treating acne, as well as improving one’s skin health and appearance¹.

In this article, we will answer all these questions and more, as we reveal the ultimate 2024 skincare routine for acne, according to dermatologists.

Morning Routine

The morning routine for acne, which consists of five steps: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. By following this routine every morning, you can help prevent and treat acne, as well as improve your skin health and appearance.

But what is the best skincare routine for acne? How do you choose the right products, ingredients, and steps for your skin type and concerns?

How do you incorporate acne treatments, such as over-the-counter or prescription medications, into your regimen? And what are the dos and don’ts of acne skincare?

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• The first step in the morning routine for acne is to cleanse the skin with a gentle and effective cleanser that can remove dirt, oil, makeup, and bacteria without stripping or irritating the skin
• The best cleansers for acne are those that contain acne-fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur, which can exfoliate, unclog, and disinfect the pores, as well as reduce inflammation and redness

Our Top Picks

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

• This cleanser is suitable for all skin types. It contains salicylic acid, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to exfoliate, hydrate, and strengthen the skin barrier.

Delighted Customer Feedback

This cleanser is one of the best cleansers out there. It is very light, scentless, and effective which is good for those who are sensitive to certain types of cleansers. I use this cleanser as a part of my double-cleansing routine because it gets its job done by cleansing and removing dirt and oils from my face. It feels really nice on the face as there are no strong scents or particles in the cleanser.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

This gel cleanser face wash for oily skin tested on acne-prone skin. Gently cleanses impurities while respecting skin's pH balance. Oil-free, soap free, formula with Zinc Pidolate to purify skin. Packaging may vary., which work together to kill bacteria, moisturize, and regulate oil production. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for moderate to severe acne.

Delighted Customer Feedback

I wanted something that help me with my oily skin and I found this cleanser. This product is just amazing, my skin or my t zone is not oily anymore, my skin feels so soft and smooth. It doesn’t have a strong smell which I love it and I use it everyday during the morning and night and I haven’t have any problem. I always get the big size and it last more than 6 months. I love love love this product.

Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser

Kate’s gentle gel face cleanser is expertly formulated with 1% Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide and a Prebiotic Complex to treat persistent acne, clear and cleanse skin, and improve tone and texture for replenished, balanced skin. Clinically proven ingredients remove oil, dirt and makeup, clear clogged pores, help minimize and tighten the appearance of pores, and improve uneven skin tone - all without stripping or compromising the skin’s microbiome.

Delighted Customer Feedback

The gel is a normal consistency if not slightly on the thick side, which means you can use less. With a little water, the soap lathers up a lot. This cleanses all the oil from my face really well and leaves my face feeling smooth and ready for moisturizer.

• The second step in the morning routine for acne is to tone the skin with a gentle and hydrating toner that can balance the skin’s pH, remove any residue, and prepare the skin for the next steps
• The best toners for acne are those that contain soothing and brightening ingredients, such as aloe vera, green tea, or vitamin C, which can calm, nourish, and protect the skin, as well as fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation

Our Top Picks

Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner

This toner contains witch hazel, aloe vera, and rose water, which work together to tighten, hydrate, and refresh the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for dry and sensitive acne. Made with 98 Percent Natural Origin Ingredients: (aloe vera).

Delighted Customer Feedback

I like that it gives my face a refreshing feel and doesn’t feel sticky. It doesn’t irritate my skin. It’s very mild fragrance and great to put on any time of the day

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner

This toner contains salicylic acid, green tea, and cucumber, which work together to exfoliate, soothe, and cool the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for oily and stressed acne.

Delighted Customer Feedback

I once randomly saw this suggested by a youtuber who raved about it so I decided to give it a try. Every other face wash I tried irritated my rosacea and dried out my skin. I was thrilled with this from the first time I tried it. It's gentle, smells nice and doesn't irritate or dry out my skin at all. I haven't used any other face wash since I started using it roughly 12 years ago, and since my kids have been old enough to use face wash, they've also used only this. It's a keeper!

Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner

This toner contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, and vitamin C, which work together to exfoliate, brighten, and smooth the skin.Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner is supercharged with high-potency AHAs (glycolic and lactic acids), to reduce the look of dark spots in as little as seven days. These potent ingredients even texture, help reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. The natural distillate of the witch hazel tree, is known to be a natural astringent to help brighten and refine skin. This product also contains lemon, sugar cane, licorice root, chamomile, and sandalwood extracts to help soothe and condition skin. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for dull and uneven acne.

Delighted Customer Feedback

This does exactly what it says it does. The bottle lasts months too. Lightened up my dark spots to almost nothing.

• The third step in the morning routine for acne is to apply a serum that can target specific skin concerns, such as acne, scars, or aging, and deliver concentrated doses of active ingredients into the skin
• The best serums for acne are those that contain anti-inflammatory and anti-aging ingredients, such as niacinamide, retinol, or hyaluronic acid, which can reduce breakouts, smooth wrinkles, and plump the skin

Our Top Picks

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

This serum contains niacinamide and zinc, which work together to regulate oil production, minimize pores, and improve skin texture. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for oily and congested acne.

Delighted Customer Feedback

An excellent product

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%

This serum contains adapalene, a prescription-strength retinoid that can treat and prevent acne, as well as improve skin tone and texture. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for inflammatory and cystic acne.

Delighted Customer Feedback

Highly recommend Great quality. Great product.

• Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum:

This serum contains hyaluronic acid and Vichy volcanic water, which work together to hydrate, plump, and fortify the skin barrier. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for dry and dehydrated acne.

Delighted Customer Feedback

I just got this so I have yet to comment whether it really and truly works, but I have very sensitive skin and it feels great and doesn’t dry sticky or anything

• The fourth step in the morning routine for acne is to moisturize the skin with a lightweight and non-comedogenic moisturizer that can lock in moisture, prevent transepidermal water loss, and protect the skin from environmental damage
• The best moisturizers for acne are those that contain oil-free and hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin, squalane, or ceramides, which can moisturize, balance, and repair the skin, without clogging the pores or causing breakouts

Our Top Picks

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

This moisturizer contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone, which work together to moisturize, plump, and smooth the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for oily and combination acne.

Delighted Customer Feedback

 I finally tried it for myself and I have to say I love it! Does not leave my already oily skin feeling oily at all. Goes on great and soaks into skin. Also love that it includes spf 25, I switched from Clinique moisturizer surge that didn’t have spf

Cetaphil PRO Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

This moisturizer contains glycerin, silica, and SPF 30, which work together to moisturize, mattify, and protect the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for oily and shiny acne.

Delighted Customer Feedback

Got it well ahead of time...my son had severe breakouts on his face

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer:

This moisturizer contains glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide, which work together to moisturize, strengthen, and soothe the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for dry and sensitive acne.

Delighted Customer Feedback

It's a lightweight gel, no greasy sensation at all, in fact you don't feel anything a few minutes after application. The matte effect is nice, it's not too much but still noticeable.

• The fifth and final step in the morning routine for acne is to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that can shield the skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer
• The best sunscreens for acne are those that contain mineral or physical filters, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which can reflect and scatter UV rays, without irritating or clogging the skin

Our Top Picks

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

This sunscreen contains zinc oxide, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to protect, calm, and hydrate the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for acne-prone and rosacea-prone skin.

Delighted Customer Feedback

The best sunscreen to protect against sun damage. Elta MD is lightweight, moisturizing and leaves no greasy white overcast which is great under makeup. It is a bit on the pricier side however it is completely worth it.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: This sunscreen contains avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene, which are chemical filters that absorb UV rays, without leaving a white cast or greasy residue. It also contains red algae, frankincense, and meadowfoam seed oil, which help protect, soothe, and moisturize the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for oily and combination acne.

Delighted Customer Feedback

I’ve used it for years and it is the best!!

IUNIK Centella Calming Vegan Moisture SPF 50+

This sunscreen is formulated with Beta-Glucan, Centella Asiatica, Adenosine, & Niacinamide, Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen helps Moisturize, Soothe, Hydrate, & Glow up your skin while protecting it from UV damage! Provides strong SPF 50+ protection against the UV rays, while also helping to keep skin moisturized instead of stripping it away.

Delighted Customer Feedback

It’s light weight, doesn’t make u look pale and it moisturizes your face. I have sensitive skin and I didn’t have a single problem with it. I need to buy another bottle it lasted for over a month. Still have some juice left but I can tell it’s very low.

This concludes the morning routine for acne, which consists of five steps: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. By following this routine every morning, you can help prevent and treat acne, as well as improve your skin health and appearance. However, this routine is not enough to keep your skin clear and smooth throughout the day and night. You also need to follow a proper evening routine for acne, which we will discuss in the next section.

Evening Routine

The evening routine for acne, which consists of five steps: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and spot treatment. By following this routine every evening, you can help treat and heal acne, as well as improve your skin health and appearance.

Cleanser

• The first step in the evening routine for acne is also to cleanse the skin with the same cleanser that you used in the morning, or a different one that suits your skin type and concerns

Toner

• The second step in the evening routine for acne is to tone the skin with the same toner that you used in the morning, or a different one that suits your skin type and concerns

Serum

• The third step in the evening routine for acne is to apply the same serum that can target specific skin concerns, such as acne, scars, or aging, and deliver concentrated doses of active ingredients into the skin

• The fourth step in the evening routine for acne is to use night cream to lock in moisture, prevent transepidermal water loss, and repair the skin from any damage that may have occurred during the day

Our Top Picks

• The fifth and final step in the evening routine for acne is to apply a spot treatment that can target specific pimples or blemishes, and deliver a high dose of active ingredients to heal them faster and prevent scarring
• The best spot treatments for acne are those that contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil, which can kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and dry out the pimples

Our Top Picks

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel

This spot treatment contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, which can kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and dry out the pimples. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for stubborn and severe acne.

Delighted Customer Feedback

Highly recommend for minimizing pores and decreasing black heads... The only drawback is that it doesn’t smell great.

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment

Clean & Clear spot treatment contains 2% salicylic acid, which can exfoliate, unclog, and disinfect the pores, as well as reduce inflammation and redness. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for mild and moderate acne.

Delighted Customer Feedback

Works overnight. Slightly Drying

BREYLEE Tea Tree Oil

BREYLEE's spot treatment contains tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent that can kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and dry out the pimples. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for natural and organic acne. However, it should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, before applying to the skin, as it can be too harsh and irritating in its pure form.

Delighted Customer Feedback

Great smell, love the way my skin looks after a few weeks of using most days.

By following this routine every evening, you can help treat and heal acne, as well as improve your skin health and appearance. However, this routine is not the only thing you need to do to keep your skin clear and smooth. You also need to follow some general tips and advice for acne, which we will discuss in the next section.

Besides following a proper skincare routine for acne, there are some other things you can do to prevent and manage acne, such as:

• Eating a healthy and balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and avoiding foods that may trigger or worsen acne, such as dairy, sugar, refined carbs, or processed foods .
• Drinking plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day, to keep your skin hydrated, flush out toxins, and regulate oil production .
• Getting enough sleep, at least seven to eight hours a night, to allow your skin to repair and regenerate, and to reduce stress and inflammation levels .
• Managing stress, as stress can increase the production of hormones, such as cortisol and androgen, that can stimulate oil production and inflammation, leading to acne breakouts . You can manage stress by practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or hobbies, or by seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, if needed.
• Changing your pillowcases, towels, and sheets regularly, at least once a week, to prevent the accumulation of dirt, oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells that can clog your pores and cause acne .
• Washing your face twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, with a gentle and effective cleanser, and avoiding over-washing, scrubbing, or picking at your skin, as this can irritate, damage, or infect your skin, and worsen acne .
• Avoiding touching your face, as your hands can transfer dirt, oil, bacteria, and germs to your skin, and cause acne . If you need to touch your face, make sure to wash your hands first, or use a clean tissue or cotton pad.
• Wearing sunscreen every day, even on cloudy or rainy days, as the sun’s UV rays can damage your skin, cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer, and also darken your acne scars and make them harder to fade . Choose a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30, broad-spectrum, and non-comedogenic, and reapply it every two hours, or more often if you sweat or swim.
• Wearing makeup that is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic, and avoiding makeup that is heavy, greasy, or expired, as this can clog your pores and cause acne . Also, make sure to remove your makeup thoroughly before going to bed, and to clean your makeup brushes and tools regularly, to prevent the buildup of dirt, oil, bacteria, and makeup residue.
• Seeing a dermatologist, if your acne is severe, persistent, or affecting your self-esteem, confidence, or quality of life, as you may need prescription medications, such as antibiotics, retinoids, or isotretinoin, or other treatments, such as chemical peels, laser therapy, or light therapy, to treat your acne effectively and safely . A dermatologist can also help you diagnose the type and cause of your acne, and recommend the best skincare products and routine for your skin.

Takeaways

We hope you have enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about acne and skincare. If you are interested in trying the ultimate 2024 skincare routine for acne or learning more about it, please visit the links below for more information and resources. 😄

More reads about acne:

1. What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It can result in pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads, and is often found on the face, forehead, chest, and back.

2. How can a skincare routine help prevent and manage acne?

Skincare routines play a crucial role in managing and preventing acne. Following a consistent routine for acne-prone skin, according to dermatologists, may help in reducing breakouts and improving overall skin health.

3. What are the best skincare products for acne-prone skin?

When choosing skincare products for acne-prone skin, it's essential to opt for dermatologist-approved options. Look for products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as these can help in treating and preventing acne breakouts.

4. How can I determine the best skincare routine for my skin type?

Understanding your skin type is crucial in developing the best skincare routine. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, or sensitive skin, it is important to choose products and ingredients that cater to your specific skin needs.

5. What are the most effective acne treatments?

The most effective acne treatment often includes a combination of moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated, salicylic acid to unclog pores, and a targeted spot treatment for individual blemishes. It is advisable to seek advice from a dermatologist to determine the best course of action.