08 Sep 
Priya Nair
in Skin Care · 12 Sep 2026
Most acne routines fail for the same reason: they are too harsh. Scrubbing, strong acids and ten-step layering strip the skin barrier, and irritated skin responds with more oil and more breakouts. A calm, short routine almost always works better — and it is far easier to stick with.
Cleanse softly, twice a day
Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser morning and night, with lukewarm water and your fingertips — never a rough cloth or brush. Massage for about thirty seconds, rinse well and pat dry. If your skin feels tight afterwards, the cleanser is too strong for you.
After workouts, rinse off sweat promptly rather than adding a third full cleanse. A splash of water is enough between your regular washes.
Treat lightly, moisturise always
One targeted treatment is plenty to start. A low-strength benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid product, used every other evening at first, clears pores without overwhelming the skin. Introduce it slowly and watch how your skin responds over two weeks.
- Moisturise every time you cleanse, even oily skin — choose a light, non-comedogenic gel or lotion.
- Keep fingers and phones off your face during the day to avoid transferring bacteria.
- Change pillowcases twice a week; it makes a bigger difference than most people expect.
Protect every morning
Acne treatments make skin more sensitive to the sun, and UV darkens the marks breakouts leave behind. Finish every morning with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied as the last step. Modern fluid sunscreens sit comfortably even on oily skin and work fine under makeup.
Give any new routine six to eight weeks before judging it. Skin renews itself slowly, and early purging with a new active ingredient is normal for the first fortnight.
When to ask your pharmacist
Come and see us if breakouts are painful, scarring, spreading to the chest and back, or unchanged after two months of steady care. This article is general wellness advice and never replaces medical advice — prescription options exist when everyday care is not enough.
