How to Manage Acne: A Dermatologist’s Daily Skincare Guide

Treating acne is only half the picture. The habits you build around your skin day to day make a real difference to how well breakouts settle and how often new ones appear.

 For Acne Awareness Month, Consultant Dermatologist and co-founder of the Institute of Dermatologists, Professor Nicola Ralph, shares the daily routine that supports clearer skin.

"Cleanse gently twice a day, use non-comedogenic products, never scrub or pick, and protect your skin with SPF every day. Consistency matters more than any single product."
-- Professor Nicola Ralph, Institute of Dermatologists

How Should I Cleanse Acne-Prone Skin?

Wash your face twice a day and after sweating, using a gentle, oil-free cleanser. Apply it with your fingertips for up to 60 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

The most common mistake is being too harsh. Scrubbing, hot water and abrasive exfoliants irritate the skin and can stimulate the oil glands to produce more sebum, making acne worse. Gentle is always the goal.

For day-to-day cleansing, the EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser uses enzymes and amino acids to lift away the oil, make-up and SPF that build up over the day, leaving skin clean without stripping it.

What Kind of Moisturiser Should I Use?

Even oily and acne-prone skin needs hydration. Skipping moisturiser can leave the barrier compromised and prompt the skin to produce more oil. The key is choosing something non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores.

The EltaMD AM Restore Moisturiser is a lightweight, oil-free option suitable for daily use, hydrating the skin without adding to congestion.

Do I Really Need Sunscreen If I Have Acne?

Yes, every day, without exception. Sun protection matters for everyone, but it is especially important if you are using acne treatments, many of which make the skin more sensitive to UV.

Choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic SPF of 30 or higher with broad-spectrum protection. The EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is a lightweight, silky sunscreen formulated for acne and rosacea-prone skin, containing niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid to support clear, healthy skin. It wears well alone or under make-up.

What Are the Daily Dos and Don'ts?

The habits that make the biggest difference:

• Be gentle. Use alcohol-free, non-irritating products. Dry, red, irritated skin makes acne look worse.

• Wash after sweating. Perspiration, especially under a hat or helmet, can aggravate acne.

• Don't scrub. It worsens breakouts rather than clearing them.

• Keep your hands off your face. Fingers transfer dirt, bacteria and oil throughout the day.

• Never pick or pop. It increases inflammation and is one of the main causes of scarring.

• Mind your hair. Oily hair and heavy hair products can trigger breakouts along the forehead and hairline. Keep hair clean and off the face.

• Choose make-up carefully. Water-based, oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas only. Heavy or greasy products with mineral oil or cold cream can aggravate acne.

• Change your pillowcase weekly. Oil and bacteria collect where you rest your face.

Can Working Out Cause Breakouts?

It can, but you do not have to stop exercising to keep your skin clear. A few adjustments make the difference.

Before: remove make-up with a gentle cleanser rather than alcohol-based wipes, and apply an oil-free, water-resistant SPF if you are heading outdoors.

During: pat sweat away with a clean towel rather than rubbing, and wipe down shared equipment before use to avoid transferring bacteria to your skin. Cotton clothing draws sweat away from the skin better than synthetic activewear.

After: shower as soon as you can to rinse away sweat and bacteria, using a mild, oil-free cleanser. If you cannot shower straight away, change out of workout clothes and use a salicylic acid pad on breakout-prone areas. For body or back acne, a salicylic acid body wash can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash my face if I have acne?

Twice a day, and again after sweating. Washing more than that can irritate the skin and backfire.

Is it bad to moisturise oily skin?

No. Skipping moisturiser can make oiliness worse. Use a non-comedogenic, oil-free formula.

Why shouldn't I pick my spots?

Picking increases inflammation and is a leading cause of acne scarring. Let spots heal on their own.

Can make-up cause acne?

Heavy, oil-based make-up can. Look for water-based, oil-free, non-comedogenic products.

Does exercise make acne worse?

It can if sweat is left on the skin. Cleanse gently after exercise and change out of workout clothes promptly to reduce the risk of breakouts.

Image reproduced with permission from Dermnet