If you're dealing with breakouts, you've probably been told a hundred
different things by a hundred different sources. As a licensed
esthetician who works with acne-prone skin every single day, I want
to cut through the noise and share the actual routine I build for my
clients: simple, gentle, and effective.
The truth about clearing acne is that it's not about one miracle
product. It's about a consistent routine where each step does its
job. Here's how I structure it.
STEP 1: CLEANSE (MORNING & NIGHT)
Everything starts with a good cleanser but not a harsh one. A lot
of people with acne scrub their skin raw thinking it'll help, and it
actually makes things worse by damaging the skin barrier. You want
clean, not stripped.
I recommend a gentle gel cleanser used morning and night. At night,
if you wear makeup or sunscreen, double cleanse: one pass to remove
the day, a second to actually clean your skin. This is where most
breakouts quietly begin.
STEP 2: TREAT (THE ACTIVES)
This is where the real work happens. The two ingredients I reach for
most with acne-prone clients are salicylic acid and mandelic acid.
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that gets down into the pore to
dissolve the oil and debris that cause breakouts. It's ideal for
active blemishes and blackheads.
Mandelic acid is my favorite for anyone also dealing with dark spots
or post-breakout marks. Its larger molecule makes it gentler — which
makes it especially good for sensitive and melanin-rich skin that's
prone to discoloration.
A tip: don't use every active every night when you're starting.
Alternate them, and build up slowly as your skin adjusts.
STEP 3: HYDRATE
Here's the mistake I see constantly — people with oily, acne-prone
skin skip moisturizer because they're scared of breaking out. But
skipping moisturizer actually signals your skin to produce MORE oil.
The fix is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates without
clogging pores.
STEP 4: PROTECT (MORNING)
This is the step nobody wants to hear, but it's the most important:
wear sunscreen every single day. Sun exposure darkens acne marks and
makes scarring worse and the active ingredients above make your
skin more sensitive to the sun. Daily SPF is what protects all the
progress you're making.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Clearing acne isn't about doing more; it's about doing the right
things, consistently. Cleanse gently, treat with intention, hydrate
without fear, and protect every day. Give a routine like this 6 to 8
weeks of consistency before you judge it. Skin takes time.
If you'd like help building a routine for your specific skin, I offer
personalized acne consultations and treatments here in Culver City ;
and I'm always happy to help you choose the right products for your
skin.