Skincare Routines For Different Acne Types

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Struggling with breakouts but not sure how to treat them? Acne isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the right skincare routine depends on the type of acne you’re dealing with.

Whether it’s hormonal, cystic, or the occasional breakout, this guide breaks down the best skincare routines for every acne type—so you can clear your skin with confidence!

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1. For Mild Acne (Few pimples or occasional breakouts)

Morning Routine:

• Cleanser: A gentle, non-stripping cleanser (can also be something soothing like tea tree or chamomile).
• Toner: Hydrating toner to balance the skin (avoid alcohol-based toners).
• Serum: A light serum with niacinamide or salicylic acid for mild exfoliation and oil control.
• Moisturizer: Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
• Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+.

Evening Routine:

• Cleanser: Same gentle cleanser.
• Spot Treatment: Apply a targeted spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to active breakouts.
• Moisturizer: Hydrating but non-comedogenic moisturizer, possibly with calming ingredients like aloe vera.

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2. For Moderate Acne (More frequent breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads)

Morning Routine:

• Cleanser: A gel cleanser with salicylic acid to clear pores and reduce oil.
• Toner: Toner with exfoliating ingredients (like glycolic or lactic acid) to help prevent clogged pores.
• Serum: Niacinamide serum to reduce inflammation and control oil production.
• Moisturizer: Oil-free, hydrating moisturizer.
• Sunscreen: Non-comedogenic SPF 30+.

Evening Routine:

• Cleanser: Gel cleanser with salicylic acid.
• Exfoliant: Weekly exfoliation (try a chemical exfoliant with AHA or BHA to target clogged pores).
• Treatment: A treatment serum or spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide, retinol, or adapalene.
• Moisturizer: Oil-free but hydrating moisturizer.

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3. For Severe Acne (Cystic, painful breakouts, deep under-the-skin pimples)

Morning Routine:

• Cleanser: A gentle, non-foaming cleanser to avoid irritation (look for sulfur or tea tree oil-based products).
• Toner: Alcohol-free toner with soothing ingredients like witch hazel or rose water.
• Serum: Niacinamide for inflammation and a calming serum with ingredients like calendula or chamomile.
• Moisturizer: Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
• Sunscreen: SPF 30+, mineral-based sunscreen for sensitive skin.

Evening Routine:

• Cleanser: Gentle, soothing cleanser.
• Treatment: Apply a topical treatment with adapalene (a form of retinoid) or benzoyl peroxide for acne control.
• Spot Treatment: For active cystic pimples, use a targeted treatment with benzoyl peroxide or sulfur.
• Moisturizer: Calming moisturizer with ceramides or hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated without clogging pores.

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4. For Hormonal Acne (Around chin, jawline, and lower face, often linked to menstrual cycle)

Morning Routine:

• Cleanser: A gentle salicylic acid-based cleanser to keep pores clear.
• Toner: Hormonal acne-targeted toner with ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil.
• Serum: A serum with niacinamide or a gentle retinol to control oil production.
• Moisturizer: Hydrating, oil-free moisturizer.
• Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+.

Evening Routine:

• Cleanser: A salicylic acid or gentle exfoliating cleanser.
• Treatment: Apply a topical treatment with retinol or adapalene.
• Spot Treatment: Use a benzoyl peroxide or sulfur spot treatment.
• Moisturizer: Lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to prevent congestion.

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5. For Blackheads and Whiteheads (Comedonal acne)

Morning Routine:

• Cleanser: A mild, exfoliating cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to penetrate pores.
• Toner: Exfoliating toner (with glycolic or salicylic acid) to refine texture.
• Serum: Retinol or retinoid serum to help speed up cell turnover.
• Moisturizer: Non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer.
• Sunscreen: SPF 30+, non-comedogenic sunscreen.

Evening Routine:

• Cleanser: Exfoliating cleanser with salicylic acid.
• Exfoliant: Chemical exfoliation (try an AHA/BHA exfoliant) a few times a week to help keep pores clear.
• Treatment: Retinol or salicylic acid serum for deeper pore cleaning.
• Moisturizer: Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

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General Tips for All Acne Types:

• Avoid over-exfoliating: Too much scrubbing can irritate your skin and worsen acne.
• Use products consistently: Acne treatments take time to show results.
• Be patient: Results can take weeks or even months, depending on severity.
• Don’t pop pimples: This can lead to scarring or more breakouts.