Acne feels personal and annoying. You want clear skin without wasting time or money on products that don't work. Below I give straightforward, usable advice you can try today, whether you have a few pimples or regular breakouts.
Start with a gentle cleanse twice a day. Use a mild, non-foaming cleanser if your skin is dry; use a foaming or gel cleanser if your skin is oily. Don’t scrub — rubbing dries and irritates skin and makes acne worse.
For active treatment, pick one of these over-the-counter options: benzoyl peroxide (2.5–5%) to kill acne bacteria and reduce oil, salicylic acid (0.5–2%) to unclog pores, or an azelaic acid product for inflammation and discoloration. Apply as directed. If you use benzoyl peroxide and a retinoid, put benzoyl peroxide in the morning and the retinoid at night to avoid weakening the retinoid.
Topical retinoids (adapalene OTC or tretinoin by prescription) change how skin cells renew and prevent clogged pores. Start slowly—every other night—until your skin adjusts. Always follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Yes, even oily skin needs moisturizer to prevent irritation and peeling.
Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable. Some acne treatments make skin sun-sensitive. Pick a lightweight, oil-free SPF and reapply when you’re outside a lot.
If OTC products don’t cut it after 8–12 weeks, talk to a dermatologist. They may prescribe topical antibiotics only for short courses, oral antibiotics for moderate inflammatory acne (typically limited to a few months), or hormonal options for women—combined oral contraceptives or spironolactone—to reduce androgen-driven oil production.
For severe nodular or cystic acne, isotretinoin can be life-changing but carries serious side effects and strict pregnancy-prevention rules. It requires specialist supervision and regular check-ins.
Be careful mixing treatments. Avoid using multiple strong actives at once (like benzoyl peroxide and strong retinoids) without guidance. That combo can cause redness and flaking, not better results.
Small habits matter: don’t pick or pop pimples (scars and infections follow), use non-comedogenic makeup, wash pillowcases weekly, and keep phone screens away from your face. Some people notice fewer breakouts by cutting high-glycemic foods and reducing skim milk; results vary, but it’s worth trying if you suspect a link.
See a dermatologist if you get deep nodules, scarring, or if acne won’t improve after a few months of consistent treatment. Early medical care prevents scarring and saves time in the long run.
Final note: consistency beats product-hopping. Pick a simple routine, use it for weeks, and make changes only when you’ve given a treatment time to work. If you want, I can suggest specific OTC combinations based on your skin type and acne severity.
