A Dermatologist-Approved Morning Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

Don't pop that pimple yet! Leading skincare experts share the exact beauty routine and products to use if you are battling acne.

23 December, 2020

A Dermatologist-Approved Morning Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

Don't pop that pimple yet! Leading skincare experts share the *exact* beauty routine and products to use if you are battling acne.

"Acne breakouts are a common problem encountered by many people nowadays due to factors such as diet, hormones, pollution, stress or using the wrong products etc. The good news is that now there’s a variety of cosmeceutical and dermaceutical products available OTC. However, a little knowledge of the basic acne-fighting ingredients will be of great help to zero it down to a few products. One should look out for salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, alpha-hydroxy acids mostly," says Dr Simal Soin, founder and chief dermatologist, Aayna Clinic.

1What causes"Acne breakouts are a common problem encountered by many people nowadays due to factors such as diet, hormones, pollution, stress or using the wrong products etc. The good news is that now there’s a variety of cosmeceutical and dermaceutical products available OTC. However, a little knowledge of the basic acne-fighting ingredients will be of great help to zero it down to a few products. One should look out for salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, alpha-hydroxy acids mostly," says Dr Simal Soin, founder and chief dermatologist, Aayna Clinic.

"I recommend using a face wash that is gel or foam and contains salicylic or glycolic acid with panthenol or glucoside to cleanse your skin without drying it. Avoid the use of oil or alcohol-based face washes," says Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder and medical director, Yavana Aesthetics Clinic.

2Choose the correct face"I recommend using a face wash that is gel or foam and contains salicylic or glycolic acid with panthenol or glucoside to cleanse your skin without drying it. Avoid the use of oil or alcohol-based face washes," says Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder and medical director, Yavana Aesthetics Clinic.

"If you have oily skin opt for a cleanser with salicylic acid and glycolic acid. For dry skin, a milk-based cleanser or one with lactic acid does wonders. And, if you are suffering from active acne, you can use a benzoyl peroxide face wash, " Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, chief dermatologist and director, Alive Wellness Clinics.

3Facewash for your skin"If you have oily skin opt for a cleanser with salicylic acid and glycolic acid. For dry skin, a milk-based cleanser or one with lactic acid does wonders. And, if you are suffering from active acne, you can use a benzoyl peroxide face wash, " Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, chief dermatologist and director, Alive Wellness Clinics.

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Face Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, Rs 2,799

4For activeNeutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Face Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, Rs 2,799

Aziclear Anti-Acne Facial Cleanser, Rs 800

5For dryAziclear Anti-Acne Facial Cleanser, Rs 800

Glycolite Max Foaming Facewash, Rs 270

6For oilyGlycolite Max Foaming Facewash, Rs 270

Saslic Face Wash Foam, Rs 292

7saslic.jpgSaslic Face Wash Foam, Rs 292

"If you are used to using a toner, then use a gentle one that has no alcohol content as it can dry out the skin and trigger more oil production. The toner should be applied only on the oily area of the face. I do not recommend toner in the night unless the skin is extremely oily," says Dr Madhuri Agarwal.

8Use alcohol-free toner, if"If you are used to using a toner, then use a gentle one that has no alcohol content as it can dry out the skin and trigger more oil production. The toner should be applied only on the oily area of the face. I do not recommend toner in the night unless the skin is extremely oily," says Dr Madhuri Agarwal.

To combat the dryness from your acne-fighting products, it is important to moisturise your skin. So, opt for one that contains hydrating ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin or aloe vera, suggests Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra.

9Moisturising is aTo combat the dryness from your acne-fighting products, it is important to moisturise your skin. So, opt for one that contains hydrating ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin or aloe vera, suggests Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, Rs 1,090

10cetaphil_moisturizing_lotion2028129.jpgCetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, Rs 1,090

The Derma Co Ceramide + HA Intense Moisturizer, Rs 349

11ceramide-_-ha-intense-moisturizer.jpgThe Derma Co Ceramide + HA Intense Moisturizer, Rs 349

It is wise to wear sunscreen even if you are indoors to avoid your acne scars from darkening. The experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 and above for protection against both UVA rays and UVB rays. Your sunscreen should be non-comedogenic, which means the formula has been tested to not clog your pores and cause acne. You can also opt for a Vitamin C serum to amp up the sun defence.

12Amp up sunIt is wise to wear sunscreen even if you are indoors to avoid your acne scars from darkening. The experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 and above for protection against both UVA rays and UVB rays. Your sunscreen should be non-comedogenic, which means the formula has been tested to not clog your pores and cause acne. You can also opt for a Vitamin C serum to amp up the sun defence.