Attaining clear, healthy skin is a common aspiration, particularly among individuals with acne-prone skin. Managing acne, from inflammation to oiliness and discomfort during breakouts, poses significant challenges.
While plenty of cleansers and other acne-fighting products exist in today’s market, establishing the best routine for acne-prone skin isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The right skincare routine for acne-prone skin can make a significant difference in managing and reducing the frequency of your acne breakouts.
In this post, we will explore La Roche-Posay's recommended skincare regimen for acne-prone skin.
Each step of this routine is designed to target different aspects of acne-prone skin, from cleansing and toning the skin to treating and protecting users against future acne breakouts. By following these steps and incorporating these trusted products into your daily routine, you can take a proactive approach toward achieving a clearer, more radiant complexion from the comfort of your own home.
Step 1: Cleanse
Product: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Key Ingredient: Salicylic Acid
Benefits: This cleanser helps remove excess oil, unclog pores, and exfoliate dead skin cells, which can reduce the formation of new blemishes. Using a gentle cleanser reduces the appearance, severity, and frequency of acne breakouts, and helps keep skin feeling smooth, clean, and clear.
Our best acne cleanser removes excess oil and helps clear acne breakouts. This salicylic acid face wash is formulated with 2% salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid to remove impurities. This is accomplished without the need for harsh scrub particles that may irritate the skin. We recommend this product for red, raised pimples, whiteheads, clogged pores, oily skin, uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, and sensitive skin.
Many of my patients further irritate their skin when using too many acne products. This cleanser with salicylic acid helps reduce acne and excess oil but is still gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Instructions:
- Step 1: Use this product daily. Wet your face with lukewarm water and gently massage with the cleanser to form a rich lather.
- Step 2: After washing, rinse your face thoroughly to remove any excess product from your skin.
- Step 3: Pat your face with a clean, dry washcloth.
The cleansing step can be used as a standalone acne prevention and treatment method, or it can serve as Step 1 of the Effaclar Daily Acne Essentials Kit.
Step 2: Tone
Product: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution
Key Ingredient: Salicylic Acid
Benefits: This exfoliating acne toner with salicylic acid and glycolic acid helps remove pore-clogging debris and creates a smooth skin texture. It removes excess dirt and dead skin cells to leave the skin feeling refreshed and even.
For those with oily skin or acne, a facial toner can help absorb excess dirt, oil, makeup, and any other debris that may clog skin pores which can lead to acne breakouts.
Instructions:
- Step 1: Dampen a cotton facial pad with a liberal amount of toner, then gently wipe the toner and pad over your skin.
- Step 2: Use this product after cleansing your face thoroughly. Toner can be applied 1-3 times daily.
For this product, there’s no rinsing necessary. However, it’s important to avoid applying it too close to the eyes, as it can be irritating. For a full list of instructions, refer to the Drug Facts section printed on the packaging. Using more than one medicated product can potentially cause irritation.
Step 3: Treat
Product: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum
Key Ingredient: Salicylic Acid
Benefits: This lightweight salicylic acid acne treatment serum clears acne blemishes and helps prevent new breakouts, while also visibly reducing pores, fine lines, and post-acne marks.
This serum includes Triple Acid Complex, a blend of 1.5% salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid for optimal efficacy. This formula also includes Niacinamide and La Roche-Posay Thermal Water to help soothe skin and minimize skin irritation.
Instructions:
- Step 1: Shake well for even application.
- Step 2: After cleansing face, apply affected area with a thin layer. Do not rinse off. Start with one application daily, then gradually increase to 2 or 3 times daily if needed. Fill the dropper with serum and apply 3-4 drops in the morning and evening on the face, neck, & hands.
- Step 3: Do not use on peeling or compromised skin. Avoid eye contour and contact with eyes.
*This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.
Step 4: Moisturize
Product: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Mattifying Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Benefits: This moisturizer helps to control shine, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, and visibly tightens the look of the skin.
For my patients with oily skin, I recommend looking for a moisturizer that is labeled as "non-comedogenic," meaning it won't clog pores.
Instructions:
- Step 1: Use this moisturizing product after cleansing the skin thoroughly.
- Step 2: Apply morning and/or evening to the face.
Step 5: Treat (Nighttime)
Product: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid for Acne
Key Ingredient: Adapalene
Benefits: This topical retinoid helps clear and prevent blackheads, whiteheads, acne blemishes, and clogged pores. Fight acne while you sleep with this nighttime segment of your daily skincare routine.
Instructions:
- Step 1: To open the product, remove the cap and insert the opposite side of the cap (the segment with the pointed tip) into the foil. Push down on the cap and twist until the foil is punctured.
- Step 2: After using a gentle cleanser, apply a pea-sized amount all over the face once daily in the evening.
- Step 3: Apply a moisturizer after applying this product.
- Step 4: Always use a sunscreen as directed.
Step 6: Sun Protection (Daytime)
Product: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Clear Skin Sunscreen SPF 50
Key Ingredient: Azelaic Acid
Benefits: This sunscreen, developed for acne-prone and rosacea-prone skin, helps protect against 98% of UVB rays with Cell-Ox Shield® Technology. This non-comedogenic sunscreen with Azelaic Acid and a barely-there texture that blends invisibly into all skin tones and types provides hydrated skin with a natural finish. It immediately soothes skin while providing SPF 50 sun protection without causing breakouts. It helps decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun*.
*if used directly with other sun protection measures.
Instructions:
- Step 1: Apply a generous amount to exposed skin 15 minutes before sun exposure.
- Step 2: Reapply Anthelios UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 50 at least every 2 hours. Use water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
- Step 3: If used with other skincare products, use as a last step in the regimen.
This product can be used as a standalone sun protection product or under a layer of makeup.
Lock Down Your Skincare Routine with La Roche-Posay
Taking care of acne-prone skin requires patience, consistency, and the use of the right high-quality, dermatologist-recommended skincare products. La Roche-Posay offers a range of effective skincare solutions that are specifically formulated to address acne-related concerns. Though these solutions are effective in treating acne, their ingredients are also gentle on the skin.
By following this skincare routine with La Roche-Posay products, you can help effectively address acne-prone skin concerns and maintain a healthy, clear complexion. Remember, some of these products can be used as a standalone skincare product or as part of a multi-step skincare system, depending on your skin and how it responds to treatment. Whichever routine you choose, we’re confident that you’ll see promising results when using these skincare solutions as directed.
RELATED PRODUCTS
Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid For Acne
Prescription-Strength Topical Retinoid for Acne
Anthelios UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 50
Invisible SPF 50 sun protection with Azaleic Acid for Acne-Prone and Rosacea-Prone skin.
