Morning regime

Step 1: Face wash

Washing face 2-3 times is absolutely essential in acne prone skin. Use face wash that remove excess oils without disturbing the skin barrier. If your skin feels dry, flaky or irritated, then you should switch to milder face wash.

Do not use a harsh face wash that makes your skin over-dry. I see a lot of patients who first use harsh face wash and then put a cream to moisturise. Well, that’s a disaster for acne-prone skin. Instead, use a face wash that removes excess oils from skin, so that skin feels soft and supple, rather than dry or stretched.

Step 2: Rose water

Pat dry your face after washing and spray rose water. Massage rose water until it gets absorbed. Rose water hydrates and soothe your skin without clogging your pores.

Step 3: Anti-acne Serum

In the morning you can choose from the following agents based on key skin concern:

Niacinamide for sensitive skin:

It is the first choice for red pimples with dark spots in sensitive skin types. Niacinamide at a concentration of 10% has skin lightening effect, anti-inflammatory, and anti-acne action.

Salicylic acid for comedones:

Salicylic acid is star ingredient for reducing black/white heads and open pores. It also reduces oil secretion. Go for salicylic acid 2% serum if your skin is very oily with open pores and comedones. Do not combine salicylic acid with Adapalene or retinoids, because both have similar action and combination is too drying.

Azelaic acid for post acne dark spots:

Azelaic acid is one of my favorite ingredients. It soothes sensitive skin, prevents acne, and reduces dark spots. It can be applied for 2-3 months without side effects. However, avoid Azelaic acid if your skin is dry, red, irritated, or burning.

Step 4: Sunscreen

Sunscreen tends to clog pores and trigger pimples. Therefore, it is pertinent to use a lightweight sunscreen in gel/lotion/fluid preparation that has water as the first ingredient. Avoid silicon-based sunscreen because it occludes pores by forming a thick layer on top.

Make sure you apply at least a coin-size amount on the full face 30 minutes before going out in the sun.

Step 5: Make-up

Make-up sits on the top of all the products. If you use makeup daily, then make sure you use a thin fluid based product. Even better is to use a compact powder that gives coverage of foundation and absorbs extra oil.