Your Go-To Routine for Breakout-Prone Skin
If you’re dealing with acne or frequent breakouts, first: we understand how frustrating it can be. It can be difficult to figure out what your skin needs, without over or under treating it, that's why we're here to help.
The key to treating these skin concerns is learning to use the right ingredients for your skin, in the right order, consistently. Think of this routine as a well balanced meal — a little bit of every "nutrient" is important when it comes to addressing the breakout at hand.
Here’s exactly how our Senior Esthetician Emily would build a balanced acne-fighting routine, morning and night.
Morning Routine: Protect + Prevent
Your AM routine is all about keeping bacteria under control, supporting your barrier, and protecting your skin for the day ahead.
Step 1: Cleanse
This cleanser does more than just wash your face.
- 3% Mandelic Acid gently exfoliates, helps control acne-causing bacteria, and brightens without over-stripping.
- Vitamin E supports your skin barrier so you’re not left feeling tight or dry.
Why this matters: Acne-prone skin still needs protection. Over-drying only triggers more oil production.
Step 2: Brighten + Support
IMAGE MD Restoring Power C Serum
Breakouts often leave behind dullness or discoloration. Vitamin C helps correct that while supporting skin health overall.
- 20% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (a stable form of vitamin C) brightens and supports firmness.
- Ferulic Acid boosts antioxidant protection.
- Hyaluronic Acid Complex keeps skin hydrated and smooth.
This step helps your skin look more even and resilient over time.
Step 3: Lightweight Hydration
Cosmedix Shineless Oil-Free Moisturizer
Yes, breakout-prone skin still needs moisturizer.
- Niacinamide supports texture and tone.
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
Skipping moisturizer often makes breakouts worse. Balanced skin = calmer skin.
Step 4: SPF (Non-Negotiable)
If you’re exfoliating or using active ingredients, sunscreen isn’t optional.
- Zinc Oxide provides mineral UVA/UVB protection.
- Centella supports radiance and soothes the skin.
Protecting your skin daily helps prevent dark marks from lingering after breakouts.
Evening Routine: Reset + Repair
Nighttime is when we gently treat and renew.
Step 1: First Cleanse
Alchimie Forever Gentle Cream Cleanser
This removes makeup, sunscreen, and surface buildup without stripping.
- European Blueberry Extract brightens and helps reduce visible inflammation.
- pH-balanced to keep skin stable.
Even if you don’t wear makeup, this step helps break down SPF and oil.
Step 2: Second Cleanse
IMAGE Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser
This is your deeper clean.
- Aloe Vera soothes and calms.
- Glycerin hydrates.
- Gentle foam removes excess oil without over-drying.
Double cleansing ensures your treatment products can actually penetrate.
Step 3: Exfoliation (3–4x per week)
This is where real transformation happens — slowly and safely.
- 2% Retinol Complex supports cell turnover.
- Lactic Acid improves texture and pigmentation while maintaining hydration.
You don’t need to exfoliate every night. If your skin is more sensitive, it's typically safe to start every third night. If it tolerates it well, you can move up to 3-4 times per week. Remember, with breakout prone skin, patience is key to avoid reactions.
Step 4: Acne-Support Serum
- 1% Mandelic Acid gently exfoliates, controls acne-causing bacteria, and brightens.
Mandelic acid is especially great for breakout-prone skin because it’s effective without being overly aggressive.
Step 5: Restore + Repair
This is your calming, restorative step.
- Oxygen infusion supports healthy skin cells, collagen synthesis, and detoxification.
It helps your skin repair overnight instead of feeling inflamed or reactive.
