Why Skincare Routine Matters More Than Products

Most people think acne is caused by dirty skin or eating chocolate. Wrong.

Acne is a complex skin condition caused by excess oil (sebum), dead skin, clogged pores, hormones, and bacteria. And while good products help, without a structured routine, even the best creams fail.

A well-designed morning and night skincare routine for acne balances your skin’s oil, reduces inflammation, repairs the skin barrier, and prevents future breakouts.

This guide will walk you through an expert-level, skin-type-specific, evidence-based routine for acne-prone skin.

Step 1: Gentle, pH-Balanced Cleanser (NOT harsh foaming ones)

Why? In the morning, your skin doesn’t need a deep cleanse—it needs balance.

Use a pH 5.5–6 cleanser that removes excess oil without disrupting your skin barrier.

Best Ingredients to Look For:

Salicylic acid (BHA) – unclogs pores, reduces blackheads

Tea Tree Oil – antibacterial

Green Tea Extract – anti-inflammatory

Product Examples:

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser (oily skin)

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel (sensitive skin)

Suganda Centella Green Tea Face Wash (acne + irritation)

Avoid:

Soap-based cleansers

Scrubs

Fragranced face washes

                                                                                          Step 2: Hydrating Toner or Essence (Optional but Powerful)

Why? Acne-prone skin often lacks hydration, leading to more oil production.

A hydrating toner preps your skin for better absorption and reduces flakiness.

Ingredients to look for:

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – reduces acne & redness

Centella Asiatica – soothes inflammation

Hyaluronic Acid – retains moisture

Step 3: Targeted Serum or Treatment (Customized)

This step depends on your acne type:

Note: Don’t use too many actives in one routine.

                                                                                            Step 4: Oil-Free Moisturizer (Compulsory – Yes, even for oily skin!)

                                                                                     Skipping moisturizer triggers more oil production.

Look for:

Gel-based, non-comedogenic

Ceramides, Panthenol, Glycerin

Top Picks:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Minimalist Sepicalm Moisturizer                              Dr. Sheth’s Cica & Ceramide Cream

                                                                                             Step 5: Sunscreen – Your Acne Scar Protection Shield

Fact: 80% of acne marks get darker due to sun exposure.

Use daily, even indoors.                                                                                                                                              Choose:

SPF 30+

Broad-spectrum  

Oil-free, no white cast

Recommended:

La Shield Fisico

Fixderma Shadow SPF 50+

Re’equil Oxybenzone-Free Sunscreen                                                      

Step 1: Double Cleanse (Only if you wear sunscreen/makeup)

First Cleanse (Oil-based): Removes sunscreen/oil/dirt

Second Cleanse (Acne Face Wash): Deep cleans pores

Example:

Innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Oil + Salicylic Face Was                                                                                      

Step 2: Active Treatment (2–3x a week)

Choose only one per night to avoid irritation.

Options:

Adapalene (Retinoid): Clears clogged pores & reduces acne (e.g., Differin Gel)

AHA/BHA Chemical Peels: Gently exfoliate (e.g., The Ordinary Peeling Solution)

Azelaic Acid: Safe for sensitive skin + scars

Rules:

Use at night only

Always use sunscreen next morning

Don’t combine strong acids/retinoids unless dermatologist recommends

Step 3: Recovery Moisturizer / Skin Barrier Cream

At night, skin needs repair + deep hydration.

Ingredients to include:

Ceramides – rebuild skin barrier

Panthenol – soothes irritation

Allantoin – heals micro-damage

Top Picks:

CeraVe PM Moisturizing Lotion

Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Cream

Step 4: Spot Treatment (ONLY on Active Acne)

Use targeted treatments like:                                Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5–5%

Sulfur-based spot gels

Salicylic acid dots/patche

Face mapping: Breakouts around jawline = hormonal; forehead = stress/diet

Sleep on a clean pillowcase every 2–3 days

Avoid dairy + high glycemic foods for 4 weeks – Track your response

Manage stress: Meditation, walking, journaling all lower cortisol (a pimple-triggering hormone)

Q1: Should I exfoliate daily if I have acne?

No! 2–3 times/week with chemical exfoliants is enough. Over-exfoliation damages your skin.

Q2: Can I use salicylic acid and retinol together?

Use on alternate nights or as per your dermatologist's advice. Combining both daily can irritate.

Q3: How soon will I see results?

Real changes take 4–8 weeks. Acne is a chronic condition, not a one-time fix.

This guide is for educational purposes. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist for moderate to severe acne.