- I've been a beauty editor for a decade, but have also dealt with acne my entire life.
- After years of testing thousands of products, I've found a routine that keeps breakouts at bay.
- These are the products I use, but make sure to talk to your doctor before changing your routine.
For years, I was convinced I was failing at my job because I had acne. That may seem a little dramatic, but as a beauty editor, I'm tasked with sharing the best information on skincare I can. I have almost unlimited products to test, access to the most cutting-edge research, and an army of dermatologists and aestheticians I can call as resources for the stories I produce. But every time a zit would show itself on my face, I'd think that I wasn't qualified to do the work I loved.
About two years ago, I got to work on really figuring out what was going on with my skin. I spoke to dermatologists, I tested a lot of products (RIP my medicine cabinet), and I eventually found a routine that kept my skin mostly clear. I still get the occasional breakout around my period, but that's to be expected.
Ahead, I round up the products that keep my acne at bay — both my morning routine and my evening routine. And while this list may work for you, it's really important to speak to a dermatologist or a doctor before making drastic changes to your skincare regimen. I may be a beauty editor, but I'm no replacement for a true medical expert.
My morning routine
Step 1: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
I've found that my acne is at its most calm when I use a gentle, bare-bones cleanser, like Cetaphil. It removes dirt and oil without making my skin feel stripped of natural oil, making it the perfect first step in my routine.
Step 2: NuFace Mini Toning Device
Now that I'm in my 30s, I've been using NuFace's toning device to help keep my face looking contoured. The microcurrents it delivers have also improved the uneven tone of my skin, especially when I use the device with the brand's newest Silk Crème Activator.
Step 3: Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum
I used to believe that dry skin equaled clear skin, but I've since learned that the key is to get the right kind of hydration. Cocokind's serum has a lightweight formula that melts into my face, leaving it feeling moisturized and protected all day long.
Step 4: Murad Environmental Shield Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Years of acne have left me with a solar system of scars across my chin and cheeks. This potent serum from Murad not only helps to reduce the visibility of dark spots, but it also brightens and tightens my skin, helping me look glowing all day.
Step 5: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Sensitive
While I loved the original, cult-favorite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, it was a little too heavy for my zit-prone skin. But the brand's newest Lait-Crème Sensitive is more lightweight, without skimping on hydration.
Step 5: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
My former belief that the sun heals acne is actually false — allowing the sun to "dry out" your acne can lead to an overproduction of oil. That's why I always end my routine with Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen. It's a lightweight protector that applies completely clear.
My evening routine
Step 2: Protocol Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum
After using the same Cetaphil cleanser as my morning routine, I move on to my treatments. This is the product that has single-handedly changed my skin. Made in an oxygen- and UV-free environment, Protocol's retinol is one of the most potent retinol products on the market without being overly drying. I use it most nights and have never suffered a flake — only clear skin.
Step 2: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
If I'm around the time of my period, or I have a few active breakouts on my face, I'll skip retinol and use La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo instead. It utilizes 5.5% benzoyl peroxide to help clear your breakouts. Just be careful with this one — if your skin is sensitive, you may experience dryness.
Step 3: AmorePacific Time Response Eye Reserve Cream
This eye cream is incredibly expensive and was a very generous gift, so I can't promise that I will use it forever. But while I have it, I appreciate how well it's helped to lessen the appearance of my dark circles, thanks to hydrating shea butter.
Step 4: Protocol Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide Hydration Cream
Protocol's moisturizer is incredibly simple and relies just on hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate your skin and help protect it. Since there are so many intense active ingredients in my regimen, I like to keep my moisturizer basic — all it should do is hydrate.
Step 5: Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil
As a final step, I smooth on Pai's Rosehip Bioregenerate oil over my moisturizer. It helps seal in moisture, and whenever I use it, I always wake up with a healthy glow the next morning.
Step 6: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch The Original
Finally, if I have a whitehead already in progress, I'll slap a Mighty Patch on it before bed. These hydrocolloid patches pull all the gunk out of your zit, helping it to heal faster. Every time I use a patch, I wake up with acne that is majorly flattened and almost healed.
