When dealing with acne, your skincare routine matters more than you think. The right combination of cleansing, hydration, and targeted treatments can make all the difference in preventing breakouts, healing existing ones, and keeping your skin balanced.
But with so many products out there, how do you know what to use—and when? Let’s break it down step by step, so you can build the perfect AM & PM routine for acne-prone skin.
Morning Routine: Protect & Prepare Your Skin
Your morning routine should focus on gentle cleansing, hydration, and sun protection to keep your skin balanced throughout the day.
1. Gentle Cleanser 🧼
Washing your face in the morning removes excess oil and bacteria that may have built up overnight. But using a harsh cleanser can strip your skin and cause even more breakouts.
✅ Best choice: A gentle, sulfate-free cleanser with salicylic acid (to unclog pores) or niacinamide (to calm redness).
🚫 Avoid: Foaming cleansers with alcohol or sulfates, which dry out your skin and trigger more oil production.
2. Hydrating Toner (Optional, But Effective) 💦
A hydrating toner can restore your skin’s pH balance and prep it for the next steps. Look for ingredients like green tea, aloe vera, or witch hazel to soothe and refresh.
✅ Best choice: Alcohol-free toner with anti-inflammatory properties.
🚫 Avoid: Anything with fragrance or high alcohol content—these can irritate sensitive, acne-prone skin.
3. Acne Treatment or Serum 🎯
This is where you target acne at its source. If you’re using an acne treatment, apply it before your moisturizer so it can penetrate the skin effectively.
✅ Best choice:
- Salicylic acid (unclogs pores & reduces oil)
- Benzoyl peroxide (kills acne-causing bacteria)
- Niacinamide (controls oil & soothes inflammation)
🚫 Avoid: Using multiple harsh treatments at once—this can cause dryness and irritation.
4. Lightweight Moisturizer 🌿
Even oily skin needs moisture! A hydrating, non-comedogenic moisturizer will help keep your skin barrier healthy and prevent excess oil production.
✅ Best choice: Oil-free gel moisturizers with hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
🚫 Avoid: Thick creams with coconut oil or mineral oil, which can clog pores.
5. Sunscreen (SPF 30+) ☀️
If you do nothing else, wear sunscreen. UV exposure worsens acne scars, triggers inflammation, and accelerates aging.
✅ Best choice: Oil-free, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen designed for acne-prone skin.
🚫 Avoid: Sunscreens with fragrance, oxybenzone, or greasy formulas that clog pores.
Night Routine: Repair & Heal Your Skin
Your nighttime routine is all about deep cleansing, targeted treatments, and hydration to help your skin recover while you sleep.
1. Double Cleanse (If Needed) 🛁
If you wear makeup or sunscreen, start with an oil-based cleanser to remove buildup before using your acne cleanser.
✅ Best choice: Micellar water or an oil-free cleansing balm, followed by a gentle acne cleanser.
🚫 Avoid: Over-scrubbing—gentle is key!
2. Exfoliate (2-3 Times a Week) ✨
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and helps unclog pores. But doing it too often can damage your skin barrier.
✅ Best choice: Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid.
🚫 Avoid: Harsh physical scrubs (like walnut or apricot scrubs) that can cause micro-tears in your skin.
3. Acne Treatment or Retinol 🩹
At night, your skin works hard to repair itself. This is the best time to use acne treatments like retinol or stronger spot treatments.
✅ Best choice:
- Retinol (boosts cell turnover & prevents clogged pores)
- Benzoyl peroxide (kills acne bacteria overnight)
- Azelaic acid (brightens dark spots & reduces inflammation)
🚫 Avoid: Using retinol and benzoyl peroxide together—they can be too harsh when combined.
4. Nighttime Moisturizer 🌙
Acne treatments can dry out your skin, so moisturizing at night is essential. Look for ingredients that repair and hydrate.
✅ Best choice: Oil-free night cream with ceramides, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid.
🚫 Avoid: Thick, heavy creams with occlusive ingredients that can clog pores.
Final Tips for Clearer Skin
✅ Be consistent – Stick to your routine for at least 4-6 weeks before expecting results.
✅ Change your pillowcase weekly – It collects bacteria and oil that can trigger breakouts.
✅ Stay hydrated & eat well – Diet affects your skin more than you think!
✅ Don’t pick your pimples – Let your treatments do the work.
Final Thoughts: Build a Routine That Works for You
Creating the right morning and night skincare routine for acne-prone skin doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to be gentle, stay consistent, and choose the right ingredients for your skin type.
If you’re looking for dermatologist-approved skincare that treats acne without irritation, check out Levitas Labs’s acne-fighting products—designed to cleanse, heal, and protect your skin the right way.