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Skincare / Guides / Medical-grade skincare for acne-prone skin

Routine guide

Medical-grade skincare for acne-prone skin

The short answerFor oily, blemish-prone skin, the routine is an exfoliating cleanser, a retinoid at night, a calming antioxidant in the morning, a light moisturizer and an oil-free sunscreen. skinbetter AlphaRet Clearing Serum is the retinoid we recommend for blemish-prone skin.

Shop the routine, $341

The clear-skin routine

Exfoliate, treat, calm, protect.

  1. 1skinbetter science Refining Foam CleanserCleanse

    Refining Foam Cleanser

    skinbetter scienceAn exfoliating foam cleanser for normal to oily skin. Once daily to start if you also use a retinoid.$48

  2. 2iS Clinical Pro Heal SerumAM calm

    Pro Heal Serum

    iS ClinicaliS Clinical's vitamin C antioxidant serum. It is our pick for the morning step on reactive, blemish-prone skin.$103

  3. 3skinbetter science AlphaRet Clearing Serum 30 mLPM retinoid

    AlphaRet Clearing Serum 30 mL

    skinbetter scienceAlphaRet built for oilier, blemish-prone skin, as a serum rather than a cream.$145

  4. 4EltaMD UX AOX Mist - SPF 40Protect

    UX AOX Mist – SPF 40

    EltaMDA sheer, lightweight mineral SPF 40.$45

The complete routine, 4 products$341Ships freeBuy the routine now

Why stripping oily skin backfires

Harsh cleansers leave skin tight and irritated, and irritated skin breaks out more. The aim is to keep pores clear with a retinoid and gentle exfoliation, not to dry the skin out.

Acne scars and marks

Red or brown marks left after breakouts often fade with a retinoid, a brightening serum and daily SPF. Textured scarring responds to treatments such as microneedling and Morpheus8.

When to see a provider

Painful, cystic or persistent acne needs a medical assessment, not just skincare. Retinoids are not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Weekly, and for dry patches

A clay scrub mask once or twice a week, and a moisturizer for days the retinoid leaves you dry.

Detoxifying Scrub Mask

skinbetter science
Detoxifying Scrub Mask
$60

Reparative Moisture Emulsion

iS Clinical
Reparative Moisture Emulsion
$113

Questions people ask

What is the best medical-grade cleanser for acne-prone skin?

skinbetter Refining Foam Cleanser, an exfoliating foam for normal to oily skin.

Should acne-prone skin use moisturizer?

Yes, a light one. Skin that is too dry produces more irritation.

Can I use a retinoid and an exfoliating cleanser together?

Yes, but start the cleanser once daily and build up.

Treatment at BHRC

Acne and acne scar treatments

Persistent breakouts or scarring? Our providers can build a plan.

Read about acne and acne scar treatments

Keep reading

The anti-aging skincare routine for your 30s, 40s and 50sThe best medical-grade vitamin C serumsThe best retinol for beginners and sensitive skinThe skincare routine for melasma and dark spotsAlphaRet Clearing Serum in detailShop all skincare

Products are dispensed by Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center, an authorized retailer. This guide is general education, not medical advice. Follow the aftercare instructions from your own provider.