The Ideal Weekly Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin (Without Overdoing It)
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Let’s be honest: most skincare routines for acne-prone skin are either way too harsh or way too long. You don’t need a 10-step chemical exfoliation parade to see results—you need consistency, barrier support, and products that don’t make things worse.
Here’s a realistic weekly routine that actually works—and where Dottie fits in.
✨ Plus, our go-to product recs while we work on launching more.
🧼 Daily (AM & PM): Keep it Simple + Consistent
Every morning and night:
-
Cleanser – Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser.
We love:
→ Prequel Barrier Therapy Cleanser -
Hydrating Mist or Toner (optional) – Great for dry or reactive skin.
Try:
→ Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray
→ Good Light Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion -
Moisturizer – Lightweight, non-comedogenic = key.
We reach for:
→ Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer -
SPF (AM only) – Protects your skin from scarring, discoloration, and irritation.
Acne-girly safe picks:
→ SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++
→ SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light SPF 30 PA++++
👀 Tip: Apply Dottie after cleansing and before moisturizer or SPF so she sticks properly.
✨ 2–3x per week: Add a Treatment
Rotate based on what your skin needs—don’t layer everything in one go:
-
Salicylic Acid – unclogs pores, reduces oil
→ Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant (2%)
→ The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid -
Niacinamide – soothes inflammation, supports barrier
→ Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% + Zinc
→ The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% -
Azelaic Acid – brightens and gently clears
→ Anua Azelaic Acid + Hyaluronic Serum
→ Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Booster
🧽 1x per week: Gentle Exfoliation
Choose one method your skin likes:
-
Chemical:
→ Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment – gentle, budget-friendly, overnight magic
→ Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Peel Pads (Extra Gentle or Universal)
-
Physical:
→ Soft silicone face scrubber or rice enzyme powder (if your skin tolerates physical exfoliation well)
💧 1–2x per week: Mask or Reset
Hydration and calming ingredients make a difference. Skip drying clay masks unless truly needed.
We trust:
→ Beauty of Joseon Rice + Probiotic Relief Mask
→ VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot Sheet Masks (for that glowy reset moment)
👾 Any time: When a Pimple Pops Up…
Apply Dottie to clean, dry skin. She absorbs the gunk, protects your spot, and keeps your hands out of it.
She’s the patch we wanted when nothing else stuck—literally or emotionally.
🧠 Final Take
You don’t need 14 products—you need a routine that works with your skin, not against it. Support your barrier, listen to your breakouts, and keep your shelf stocked with what actually helps.
We’ll keep building that shelf with you.
Until then, Dottie’s got you.