Get started with the Anti-Acne Routine
An active routine to help treat and prevent acne
Who is the Anti-Acne Routine for?
Our Anti-Acne Routine is for anyone looking to treat and prevent mild to moderately-severe acne with a topical skin care routine. This routine is suitable for keeping skin clean, healthy, and protected to provide a solid foundation for acne treatment.
The Anti-Acne Routine is focused solely on topical skin care. This is a good starting point prior to more intense acne interventions such as oral accutane or antibiotics.
It’s helpful to know your skin type when starting a routine. Here’s how to determine yours if you’re not sure:
Start Here: The Anti-Acne Routine Shopping List
As acne sufferers ourselves, we have tried dozens of products and routines geared at treating and preventing breakouts. The shopping list below contains our absolute favorites that have worked time and time again, selected by the For Skin team, skin care experts, dermatologists, and clinicians. Don’t worry, we’ll also include some alternatives that we love to suit various budgets and needs. In the next step, we’ll show you how to organize everything into a routine.
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
A combination vitamin c antioxidant and melanin-disrupting compound that encourages cell turnover and heals discoloration. Show me alternatives.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer
An oil-control moisturizer that hydrates skin with a matte finish. We know it’s on the expensive side but a little bit goes a really long way. Show me alternatives.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch SPF 60
An oil-free sunscreen for acne prone skin helps absorb excess oil, reduce shine and won't cause breakouts. Show me alternatives.
Double Cleanse Step 1: A gentle oil-based cleanser that's fantastic for removing waterproof SPF, makeup, and grime. Show me alternatives.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Facial Cleanser
Double Cleanse Step 2: This foaming salicylic acid face wash is formulated with 2% salicylic acid and LHA to remove all residue. Show me alternatives.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
A gentle serum that naturally decreases sebum production. Show me alternatives.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2%
A beta hydroxy acid that deep cleans pores and encourages exfoliation. Show me alternatives.
Acne Free Terminator Benzoyl Peroxide Spot Treatment
A natural topical antiseptic that kills off acne-causing bacteria. IMPORTANT: this is a bleaching agent so get yourself a throwaway pillow case and and sleep shirt and don't wear it with nice clothes. Show me alternatives.
A prescription topical retinoid that encourages cell turnover and fights acne. Show me alternatives.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
An occlusive buffer used around the eyes and nostrils to prevent tretinoin irritation while rejuvenating the skin. Show me alternatives.
Get Prescription Tretinoin Delivered
The core element of the Anti-Acne Routine is prescription topical tretinoin. Don’t worry if you can’t get in with a dermatologist though, we’ve got you covered! With prescriptions powered by Medzino, Inc, simply fill out a questionnaire to be reviewed by a clinician and get tretinoin delivered to your door!
If tretinoin isn’t right for you, we’ve also got you covered! Check out our OTC alternatives.
The Anti-Acne Routine
This routine utilizes a few active ingredients to target and fight acne. Because these ingredients can be irritating when overused, we have divided this routine. While every morning will be the same, you will have three different evening routines: Tretinoin nights, chemical exfoliant nights, and rest nights. This is a practice called “Skin Cycling” that prevents your skin from getting overwhelmed while still actively treating your acne. We have provided recommended days of the week to simplify the process.
Morning Routine
Rinse your face with lukewarm water and massage with a microfiber cloth then pat dry with a towel
Apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
Apply La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer
Apply La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF
Evening Routine: Tretinoin Nights
Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: Massage La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Facial Cleanser into skin and let it sit for 3 minutes before rinsing completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
Apply La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 buffer around the eyes and nostrils
Apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to the skin
Apply La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer
Evening Routine: Exfoliation Nights
Mondays, Wednesdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: Massage La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Facial Cleanser into skin and let it sit for 3 minutes before rinsing completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
Apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Niacinamide
Apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Salicylic Acid
Apply La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer
Evening Routine: Rest Nights
Fridays, Saturdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: Massage La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Facial Cleanser into skin and let it sit for 3 minutes before rinsing completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
Apply La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer
If you have blemishes or active pimples, you can spot treat using your Benzoyl Peroxide Spot Treatment on these nights.
The Anti-Acne Routine Extra Mile
In addition to the core anti-acne routine, here are a few items to help you go the extra mile in your treatment and prevention journey.
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COSRX Acne Pimple Patches
Pimple patches are the absolute go-to spot treatment. Whether you feel the pressure of a pimple forming under the surface of your skin or wakeup to a massive breakout, stick a pimple patch on to speed up healing and prevent scarring.
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Ebanel Exfoliating Peeling Gel
When using tretinoin and chemical exfoliants, it’s not uncommon to have some peeling and flaking of the skin. This gentle cellulose peel can be used as needed in the morning to sweep up any dead skin for a smooth finish.
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Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
A satin pillowcase has many benefits for hair and skin. Plus, it’s helpful to have dedicated bedding that you’re ok exposing to active skin care ingredients that have the possibility of bleaching, such as benzoyl peroxide.
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Microfiber Cloths
These gentle cloths help in the cleansing process. They’re great for removing makeup without aggravating the skin. We recommend using a fresh one daily and laundering frequently with gentle detergent.
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Sweatbands
Sweatbands aren’t just for the gym. They’re actually our favorite way to keep water from running down our arms when cleansing and to keep product out of our hair when applying. Get a matching headband and wrist band set and launder weekly.
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Continuous Spray Bottle
Sometimes you just need a little splash of water. Giving your moisturizer a little hydration boost with a fine mist of filtered water is a great way to get the most out of your routine. A gentle continuous sprayer makes it easy.
Shop Our Alternate Picks
Sometimes the stuff we love goes out of stock. Or perhaps you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, or maybe you want to splurge! Whatever the case, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our alternate products for the ones recommended in the Anti-Acne Routine. These can be subbed into the schedule easily, just be sure to read the directions prior to use.
