Derm Says Stop Making This Skincare Mistake, It’ll Lead to Summer Acne

What Should Be in a Balanced Acne-Fighting Skincare Routine? 

The key to a balanced skincare routine for acne-prone skin is to keep it simple and consistent. Dr. Baum recommended the morning and night routines to include only a cleanser, a treatment, a lightweight moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Cleanse with a gentle cleanser that has salicylic acid and some gentle exfoliation. Follow that up with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that supports the skin’s moisture barrier. “Many people think moisturizer causes breakouts, but hydrated skin actually tolerates acne treatments much better,” Dr. Baum told E!. 

End the morning routine with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. “This is one step I never want patients to skip because acne often leaves behind dark marks, especially on Latinos and skin of color, and sun exposure can make those marks last much longer,” she explained. 

Have an active breakout? Hydrocolloid patches or spot treatments are recommended. “They help protect blemishes from picking, which is one of the biggest causes of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and acne scars that I see in my office.”