Derm Says Stop Making This Skincare Mistake, It’ll Lead to Summer Acne

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What’s the First Step in an Acne-Safe Skincare Routine?

According to Dr. Baum, the first step to building a skincare routine that works for our acne is to understand that there isn't a single routine that works for everyone. She recommended identifying what type of acne you have and keeping it simple. In other words, don't go buying a whole bunch of products right away. 

"There are many over-the-counter ingredients that work very well for different types of acne, but combining certain ingredients may not work and can irritate some skin types," she told E!. "One of the biggest mistakes I see in my practice is patients using five or six different acne products because they saw them on social media. More isn't always better." 

How Do I Treat Different Types of Acne?  

Knowing which type of acne you have is essential. According to Dr. Baum, different types of acne respond to different treatments. For example, if you're mostly seeing blackheads and whiteheads, that's usually comedonal acne. That's treated with ingredients like salicylic acid and topical retinoids that can help keep pores clear.

"If your breakouts are red, swollen, or filled with pus, that's inflammatory acne," she explained. "Benzoyl peroxide products are particularly helpful because they reduce acne-causing bacteria while calming inflammation."

Lastly, for those who have large, painful bumps beneath the skin, breakouts that leave scars, or acne that's not clearing after several weeks of a consistent routine, she recommended seeing a board-certified dermatologist. "Early treatment can make a significant difference in preventing permanent scarring."

What Should Be in a Balanced Acne-Fighting Skincare Routine? 

The key to a balanced skincare routine for acne-prone skin is to keep it simple and consistent. Dr. Baum recommended the morning and night routines to include only a cleanser, a treatment, a lightweight moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Cleanse with a gentle cleanser that has salicylic acid and some gentle exfoliation. Follow that up with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that supports the skin's moisture barrier. "Many people think moisturizer causes breakouts, but hydrated skin actually tolerates acne treatments much better," Dr. Baum told E!. 

End the morning routine with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. "This is one step I never want patients to skip because acne often leaves behind dark marks, especially on Latinos and skin of color, and sun exposure can make those marks last much longer," she explained. 

Have an active breakout? Hydrocolloid patches or spot treatments are recommended. "They help protect blemishes from picking, which is one of the biggest causes of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and acne scars that I see in my office."

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