AM/PM Skincare Routine for Stubborn Acne
For some, it’s been a battle since teen years—for others, it’s a new unwelcome arrival.
I fall into the first camp. I’ve shared all about my experience with acne in my Clear Skin Guide and my Accutane Experience. As of late, and seemingly out of nowhere, my skin has started breaking out regularly again. Fun. On the bright side, as I mentioned here, I discovered my skincare spirit animal Dr. Dray. As an avid YouTube watcher, I don’t know what rock I was sleeping under, but wow, I’m glad to now have my pocket dermatologist.
Today, I’m sharing my new and improved AM/PM skincare routine for stubborn, persistent, here-to-stay acne. This routine is a powerhouse for both camps I mentioned earlier, the long-term acne sufferers and the “hi what is this” newbies. Be sure to read my post on the must-do tips/tricks I learned from Dr. Dray—it will help give context for this routine. Ok, let’s get to it.
AM Skincare Routine
Wash face with Nuetrogena’s Oil-Free Acne wash for 15-30 seconds in small gentle circles.
Keep face wet, do not pat dry.
Gently rub in a quarter-sized amount of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream on wet skin. (Dr. Dray goes into why it’s best to apply moisturizer to wet skin here—complete game-changer for the skin barrier)
Let sink in/dry for a few minutes.
Apply benzoyl peroxide —I dispense a line from the first crease of my index finger to the tip of my finger. (I know what you’re thinking, that shit burns, no. Well, I’m here to tell you using this method of moisturizing and applying treatments after moisturizing is life-changing. Zero flaking.)
Let sink in/dry for a few minutes.
Apply lots of sunscreen. Don’t fear sunscreen, it does not = breakouts. Use an oil-free version (Dr. Dray recommends a ton for different skin types). I love Nuetrogena’s Sensitive Skin Face SPF 50, it’s mattifying and doesn’t sting.
PM Skincare Routine
Remove sunscreen/makeup with a gentle cleanser. I love the La Roche Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Cleanser.
To double cleanse, I then go in with Neutrogena’s Clear Pore cleanser. I use this nightly, and 3X a week, I use this as a mask for five minutes for some extra leave on time for the clay and benzoyl peroxide to penetrate.
Keep face wet, do not pat dry.
Gently rub in a quarter-sized amount of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream on wet skin. (Dr. Dray goes into why it’s best to apply moisturizer to wet skin here—complete game-changer for the skin barrier)
Let sink in/dry for a few minutes.
Apply Differin Gel —I dispense a line from the first crease of my index finger to the tip of my finger (work up to this amount, start with a healthy pea size).
Let sink in/dry for a few minutes.
Apply benzoyl peroxide —I dispense a line from the first crease of my index finger to the tip of my finger.
*disclaimer—I’ve definitely tried all of these products at different points in the past and they sure did dry me out. I promise that won’t be the case with this moisturization technique. Please please please, go buy this CeraVe cream and apply it on damp skin after every cleanse. It’s magic.
If you’ve been struggling with extra stubborn acne, try this Dr. Dray approved routine. I’m seeing the most impressive results I’ve had in a while.
Leave any questions you have below!
XAshley