For acne, keep it simple: a gentle cleanser, one targeted treatment used consistently, a supportive moisturiser, and daily SPF. Layering several strong actives at once tends to irritate the skin and make breakouts harder to settle.
What to look for
A useful acne routine targets breakouts and congestion while keeping the skin barrier comfortable. Look for one targeted serum you can use consistently, a cleanser that removes makeup and SPF without stripping, and a moisturiser that keeps skin calm — not a shelf of competing exfoliants.
Be cautious of routines built around several strong acids or scrubs. Over-exfoliation is a common reason breakouts and marks linger, because an irritated barrier tends to produce more oil and inflammation.
The doctor's picks
Glass Skin Cleansing Balm removes makeup, SPF and surface build-up without stripping. Spot & Pore Serum is the targeted evening treatment. Miracle Cream keeps the barrier supported so the routine stays tolerable, and SPF finishes every morning.
This is the Acne Protocol. Start with the cleanser and one treatment, then add barrier support if your skin feels tight or reactive.
How to choose for your skin
If your skin is easily irritated, introduce the targeted serum a few evenings a week and build up, keeping cleanser, moisturiser and SPF daily. If you also have dark marks after breakouts, read the dark-spots guide before combining brighteners with acne actives.
Persistent, painful, cystic or sudden acne should be assessed by a medical professional, and prescription treatments like tretinoin change what else is safe to layer — follow your prescriber's advice.
Common questions
What is the best serum for acne-prone skin?
Look for one targeted treatment you can use consistently alongside a gentle cleanser, a supportive moisturiser and daily SPF. Doctors Dose Spot & Pore Serum is the targeted evening step in the Acne Protocol.
Can I use acne and pigmentation products together?
Sometimes, but introduce one active at a time so you can see how your skin responds. If your skin is reactive, alternate them or split them between morning and evening rather than layering everything at once.
Why is my acne getting worse with more products?
Using more exfoliating products is not always better. Over-exfoliation can damage the barrier and increase oil and irritation. Simplifying to one targeted treatment and repairing the barrier often helps more than adding actives.
