Routine guide
Acne routine (AM/PM)
A commonly-advised routine structure
☀️ Morning (AM)
- Gentle cleanser
- Targeted active, if advised
- Moisturiser
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen — essential in the Indian sun
🌙 Night (PM)
- Cleanser
- Treatment active
- Moisturiser
⚠️ Go slow
- Introduce one active at a time
- Patch-test new products
- Do not layer clashing actives
Ingredients commonly recommended for acne
- Benzoyl peroxide — Commonly advised for inflammatory acne; kills acne-causing bacteria, curbs excess oil and loosens dead skin cells; often suggested as a star
- Adapalene — Commonly advised retinoid (OTC 0.1%) to unclog pores and prevent new breakouts; often suggested as a starting option alone or combined with
- Salicylic acid — Commonly advised beta hydroxy acid (0.5%-2%) to unclog pores, deep-clean pores, dissolve sebum and exfoliate; recommended for blackheads and
- Azelaic acid — Commonly advised (10% OTC) to prevent plugged pores, as a mild antibacterial, and to help correct postinflammatory hyperpigmentation/dark sp
- Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid) — Commonly advised to remove dead skin cells, calm inflamed skin and improve the look of acne scars and pores.
- Tretinoin — Commonly prescribed topical retinoid to stimulate skin cell turnover, unclog pores and reduce acne formation.
- Niacinamide — Commonly advised in products for adult skin to address acne concerns while promoting skin health and resilience.
- Hyaluronic acid — Commonly advised in adult skincare formulations to support skin hydration and resilience alongside acne treatment.
- Tea tree oil — Commonly advised as a complementary therapy shown to help reduce acne severity and frequency.
- Probiotics — Commonly advised as a complementary therapy to help reduce acne severity and frequency.
- Antioxidants — Commonly advised in adult acne skincare to promote skin health while addressing acne.
- Doxycycline / Minocycline (oral antibiotics) — Commonly prescribed for inflammatory acne to target bacterial overgrowth and inflammation.
- Oral contraceptives (estrogen/progestin) — Commonly prescribed for women with hormonal acne to regulate hormone levels and reduce flare-ups.
Full Acne guide with sources → · Check your own routine for conflicts →
Commonly advised to avoid
- Avoid facial scrubs, astringents and masks, which tend to irritate the skin
- Avoid too much washing and scrubbing, which can worsen acne
- Avoid applying adapalene to skin with cuts, sunburn or eczema rash
- Be cautious that benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair, towels and clothing
- Avoid starting with high-strength products; begin low to minimize irritation and dryness
- Stop using a product if irritation or itchiness does not go away and seek medical care
- Dietary factors commonly implicated include dairy, high-glycemic index carbohydrates and saturated fats
🇮🇳 For Indian skin & climate
For India's hot, humid climate and pigmentation-prone skin tones, the sources highlight that postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots lingering after acne clears) is a key concern; ingredients such as azelaic acid and alpha hydroxy acids are commonly noted for helping correct these dark spots, while benzoyl peroxide has no bleaching effect on them. Non-comedogenic (nonoily) cleansers and moisturizers are commonly advised to suit oily, acne-prone skin, and since retinoids and exfoliating acids can increase sun sensitivity, sun protection is an important complementary step for sun-exposed Indian skin.
Frequently asked
What is a good routine order for acne?
A common structure is cleanse → treat → moisturise → sunscreen in the morning, and cleanse → treat → moisturise at night. Introduce actives one at a time.
Is this a personalised plan?
No — it is a general structure from published guidance. A free CureSkin dermatologist assessment can tailor it to your skin, climate and history.
General educational information for Indian skin, compiled from published dermatology literature and structured ingredient data. Not medical advice or a diagnosis.