Acne-prone skin is often oily and congested, showing blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples that may leave behind visible marks. This skin type can also feel sensitive and uneven in texture. Breakouts are caused by clogged pores, excess sebum, and bacteria, but harsh treatments can make irritation worse.

The most effective skincare products for acne-prone skin balance oil control with barrier-first hydration. Gentle cleansing, targeted treatments, and consistent sunscreen use all help reduce breakouts and improve clarity over time.

Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

Cleanser

Gleanser + SA Salicylic Acid Cleanser: for acne-prone skin types, we recommend our gentle but effective gel-based cleanser. Gleanser + Salicylic Acid hydrates with glycerin while removing impurities. Added salicylic acid helps keep pores clear and reduce oil buildup.

Serums + Sprays

Universal Skin Solution Hypochlorous Acid Spray: this step helps calm visible redness and sensitivities that may occur, while preparing skin for serums layered afterward. Allow it to fully dry for best results. TIP: Let fully dry if using a Vitamin C formula in your routine.

Lucent-C Brightening Vitamin C Serum to reduce topical post-inflammatory pigmentation or Redness Reform Soothing Serum to soothe visual redness and irritation.

A Vitamin C Serum helps fade dark marks left behind by past breakouts, while the Redness Reform Serum supports irritated skin when breakouts are active.

Moisturizer

Choose Your Moisturizer

AM/PM Modern Moisturizer for a mid-weight option, or Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk for a mildly exfoliating moisturizing option.

Acne-prone skin still needs moisture. These options hydrate while supporting the barrier, preventing the rebound oil production that can happen if skin is too dry.

Sunscreen

Solar Shade Chemical Sunscreen for day use: sunscreen prevents dark spots from worsening and helps protect skin from UV damage, which can make redness more noticeable.

Targeted Treatments

Skin Utility Gel Multi-Purpose Skin Protectant (as needed): lightweight barrier support helps soothe skin after acne treatments that may cause dryness.

If you have any recent visual scars on your face, the Scar Solutions Silicone Scar Stick can be applied after your skincare products as a final step in your skincare routine.

Silicone creates a flexible barrier over scars, helping to improve their appearance while protecting the skin underneath. *If you have a new facial scar, please check with your physician for approved application of our Scar Solutions Silicone Scar Stick.

Tips for Managing Acne-Prone Skin

• Be consistent—avoid skipping your routine even when breakouts improve.

• Don’t pick or squeeze blemishes to reduce scarring risk.

• Introduce active ingredients slowly to avoid irritation.

• Balance treatments with hydration to keep the barrier strong.

Acne-prone skin benefits from consistency and balance, not harsh routines. By combining barrier-supportive hydration with calming treatments and daily sunscreen, you can reduce irritation and improve the look of breakouts over time. Prequel products are formulated to support the skin barrier, so even acne-prone skin feels protected rather than stripped. With patience and regular care, skin can gradually appear clearer, smoother, and more even.

DISCLAIMER: All skin care articles are intended to help educate on specific ingredients and skin care topics. Our articles are written to be informative and informational. Any reference to a specific patient experience is not a medical suggestion for treatment. Please note that any Prequel products with referenced ingredients are formulated for Cosmetic Use Only and NOT intended as replacements for physician advice and/or pharmaceutical product recommendations.