What is a Good Skin Care Routine for Acne?

People who suffer from frequent acne breakouts know that skin care is more than a daily habit—it’s an essential routine that requires vigilance and optimal products beyond a simple cleanser and moisturizer. Breakout-prone skin is best managed with a combination of high-quality products to remove excess oil and keep pores clear, and consistency is key; it only takes one forgotten night with a face full of makeup to clog pores and reverse weeks of progress.

The best skin care routine for people with acne should include:

Deep but gentle cleanser

The first line of defense in any skin care routine is a deep cleanser to wash away all the dirt, dust, oils, and other facial pollutants you acquire throughout the day. If you wear makeup, it’s important to remove every last trace. The ideal cleanser for acne-prone skin will be formulated with mild ingredients or natural enzymes to avoid further skin irritation, but it should be strong enough to thoroughly clean out pores and leave your skin clean and fresh for the next steps in your routine.

Toner or astringent

Once your skin is clean, you’ll need a toner or astringent to remove any last traces of oil, loosen dead skin cells, tighten pores, and help fight off blemishes. Many toners and astringents contain alcohol, which tends to cause dryness and irritation, so it’s better to use alcohol-free products. To use a toner or astringent, apply to a cotton ball and gently smooth it over your face.

Acne medication

If you have severe acne that requires a medicated cream, apply it after using toner or astringent. However, if your acne is mild to moderate, following a twice-daily skin care routine should eliminate the need for additional acne products, both prescription and over the counter.

Oil-free moisturizer

Whether your skin is naturally dry or oily, moisturizer is a must. Moisturizer keeps skin hydrated, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve the overall firmness and elasticity of your skin. Oil-free or non comedogenic moisturizers will hydrate while keeping pores clear to reduce breakouts. 

Plant-based skin care

It’s important to note that many skin care products are made with animal products and chemicals, which can clog pores and result in a dull, unhealthy complexion. Skin care products made from plant-based ingredients, like Décel, not only keep your skin fresh and bright, but they also feature naturally occurring antioxidants that improve skin discoloration issues and promote a smoother, more youthful complexion.

Your skin also happens to be your largest organ in your body - so whatever you’re putting onto it, eventually gets absorbed into your system, making natural ingredients, over chemical names that you can’t pronounce, all the more important. 

Five steps to beautiful skin

Décel’s Maintenance Kit features products that clean, tone, and moisturize your acne-prone skin, while offering the added benefits of addressing skin discoloration, fading age spots, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, improving elasticity, and encouraging collagen production to give your face a smoother, younger appearance. Décel’s kit works for all skin types, colors, and age groups, treating acne and pigmentation issues without the need for a prescription. For detailed information, check out the science behind Décel to understand how our skin care routine can address your skin care needs.