Crafting a skincare routine for acne-prone skin can be a challenge – but your daily routine doesn’t need to be complex to be effective. We’ve made it easy by breaking down the 4 main tips for developing a great regimen!

You’ll need just a few minutes twice a day – and don’t forget to include The Aesthetic Center’s line of clinical grade skincare products as part of your daily routine, which are beneficial for acne prevention.

1. Gentle Cleanse

Using your fingertips or a soft washcloth, thoroughly cleanse your face, including your jawline, neck, and in front of and behind the ears. Do not use rough pads or scrub aggressively; this won’t get your skin any cleaner.

Make sure you’re using the right cleanser for your skin. An over-the-counter acne treatment wash is a good choice if you have mild breakouts. It is recommended that you choose a cleanser that contains either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. The Aesthetic Center’s Clarity Cleanse, for example, is formulated with benzoyl peroxide and alpha hydroxy acid. Together they help eliminate acne causing bacteria.

If you’re currently using prescription acne medication, you’ll need a gentle, non-medicated cleanser instead. Unscented Dove, Cetaphil, or the old school amber Neutrogena bar are all good options.

If you wear face makeup, or if your skin gets extra dirty or sweaty during the day (i.e. after working out), do a double cleanse at night: cleanse, rinse well, and repeat. This ensures you eliminate all traces of makeup, debris, and excess oil.

2. Use a Toner or Astringent

Depending on the ingredients they contain, astringents, or toners, can help remove excess oil, even skin tone, hydrate the skin, and help fight blackheads and blemishes. To use, apply toner to a cotton ball or pad and gently smooth over the face and neck.

Toners are designed to remove excess oil from the skin. Therefore, they are best for oily skin types. If your skin tends to be more dry, either naturally or because you’re using drying acne treatments, a hydrating toner is a better choice for you.

When selecting a toner, pay attention to the alcohol content in the product because alcohol can be drying and irritating, especially for sensitive skin types. Alcohol-free products are the best choices if your skin is dry or irritated by acne treatments. However, even if your skin isn’t incredibly dry or sensitive, alcohol-based toners can sting open pimples.

At The Aesthetic Center, we offer two alcohol-free toning products formulated specifically for acne sufferers. Our Beta Hydroxy Pads infused with salicylic acid and nourishing botanicals help penetrate deep into clogged pores to reduce acne and eliminate trapped debris.

Our Clarity Prep Solution helps to clear and re-balance the skin’s pH level, while infusing the skin with nourishing, brightening, and anti-inflammatory ingredients that help to reduce free radicals and acne breakouts. Both of these products can be used more and night, after cleansing.

Regardless, if toners seem to over-dry or irritate your skin, don’t use them. You will do more harm than good by using a product that dries out your skin.