Cleanse without scrubbing
Use a mild, non-abrasive cleanser with lukewarm water up to twice daily and after heavy sweating. Pat dry instead of rubbing.
Current shelf
Less friction. More consistency.
A calmer starting point for breakout-prone skin.
Keep care simple and consistent: cleanse gently, introduce one treatment at a time, moisturize, and protect exposed skin every day. Scrubbing, picking, and stacking several strong products can make irritation harder to read.
What matters most
A considered approach.
Introduce one treatment
Choose one acne treatment, follow its label, and add it gradually. Using several actives at once can increase dryness and make reactions difficult to trace.
Moisturize and protect
A non-comedogenic moisturizer can improve comfort. During the day, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher.
A simple starting point
Three essentials. Kept clear.
Cleanse
A gentle wash with fingertips—no brush or grainy scrub.
Treat
Use one targeted product exactly as directed on its label.
Support
Moisturizer for comfort; SPF 30+ on exposed skin each morning.
Guidance, not diagnosis.
Do not pick or squeeze spots. Deep or painful acne, scarring, a sudden severe change, or acne that is not improving deserves medical advice. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, ask a clinician before using acne actives; topical or oral retinoids should not be used unless specifically directed by your clinician.
Guidance informed by American Academy of Dermatology · AAD pregnancy and acne guidance · Reviewed August 2026