If you’re dealing with face acne and large blackheads, here’s a step-by-step skincare routine to help clear your skin and prevent future breakouts.

If you’re dealing with face acne and large blackheads, here’s a step-by-step skincare routine to help clear your skin and prevent future breakouts.

1. Gentle Cleansing (Twice Daily)

• Use a mild, oil-free cleanser with salicylic acid (BHA) or benzoyl peroxide (2.5-5%).
• Wash morning and night, and after sweating.
• Avoid harsh scrubs, as they can irritate the skin and cause more breakouts.

Best Cleansers:
✅ CeraVe SA Cleanser (Salicylic Acid)
✅ La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
✅ Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

2. Exfoliate (2-3x per Week)

• Use a chemical exfoliant (not scrubs!) to clear blackheads and unclog pores.
• Look for products with salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA).
• Apply at night, after cleansing.

Best Exfoliants:
✅ Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
✅ The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner

3. Treat Acne & Blackheads

• Use Retinoids (Vitamin A creams):

  • Retinol or adapalene (Differin 0.1%) can prevent clogged pores and reduce blackheads.
  • Apply a pea-sized amount at night after washing your face.

• Benzoyl Peroxide (BP 2.5%-5%):

  • Kills acne-causing bacteria.
  • Use as a spot treatment (not all over your face).

• Clay Masks (1-2x a week):

  • Helps absorb excess oil and clear blackheads.
  • Look for kaolin or bentonite clay.

Best Treatments:
✅ Differin 0.1% Gel (Retinoid)
✅ The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
✅ Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (Mix with apple cider vinegar)

4. Moisturize (Even for Oily Skin)

• Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to prevent dryness and irritation.
• Look for ceramides, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid.

Best Moisturizers:
✅ CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
✅ Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel

5. Sunscreen (Every Morning, Even Indoors)

• ALWAYS wear sunscreen (SPF 30+) to prevent scars, dark spots, and sun damage.
• Choose a non-comedogenic, oil-free sunscreen.

Best Sunscreens:
✅ EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
✅ La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50

6. Lifestyle Tips

✅ Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet (avoid too much dairy & sugar).
✅ Do NOT pop pimples or blackheads (it can lead to scars and infections).
✅ Change pillowcases every few days to avoid bacteria buildup.
✅ Reduce stress (stress triggers breakouts).

7. When to See a Dermatologist?

• Severe acne (painful cysts, scarring, or nothing is working)
• Consider prescription treatments like oral antibiotics, Accutane (isotretinoin), or professional extractions.

Would you like product recommendations based on your skin type? 😊

Great! To recommend the best products, I need to know a bit more about your skin type and acne concerns.

1. What’s Your Skin Type?

• Oily (Skin looks shiny, gets greasy fast)
• Dry (Skin feels tight, flaky, rough)
• Combination (Oily in T-zone but dry in other areas)
• Sensitive (Easily irritated, redness, reacts to products)

2. What Kind of Acne Do You Have?

• Blackheads & whiteheads (Clogged pores, no swelling)
• Red pimples (Inflamed breakouts, sometimes painful)
• Cystic acne (Deep, painful lumps under the skin)
• Acne scars or dark spots (Post-breakout marks)