How can you maintain a clean and clear skin if you have acne-prone skin?

Having acne-prone skin can be frustrating—but it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve a clean and clear skin. It just requires a thoughtful, consistent routine and a bit of patience. Whether you're dealing with hormonal breakouts, stress-induced acne, or sensitive skin that flares up easily, this guide is for you.

Few years back, while I was in another city where it's very hot. Like it reached around 40 degree celcius and its bad for my acne prone skin. And then I started using many skin products including korean shincare and all others that you can find on social media or from other platform. But my skin still not cure and it's getting worse day by day. It's a terrible feeling. People might say it's just skin, if you are confident, you are confident. But girl, I tried and it didn't help. 

So started visiting dermatologists, it controls pimples but somewhere my skin still not recovers fully.

I have many questions like when to wash your face at least twice a day and when to start doing a night routine or when to apply sunscreen, do we need moisturiser for an acne prone skin... and many other things.

Now, I'm happy and slowly returning back to my normal skin.

Let me share my personal experience and may be it'll be helpful for someone like me.

🕒 Yes, keep it steady for at least 4–6 weeks before expecting visible changes.

1. Stay in normal or cool temperature

For me, I shifted to another place where the temperature is moderate whole year. But if you stay at hot climate place, try to stay in normal or cool temperature.

• Get a cooler or ac for your room

• Avoid going out from around 9:30 am to 5 pm

• Wear scarfs and suncap or take umbrella

• 30 mins exposure to sun to get vitamin-D

2. Stick to a Consistent Skincare Routine

Yes, you heard it but it's okay to not harsh on yourself. Missing once or twice is perfectly fine. Just keep on continuing the next day. Because I was so stressed and worried if I missed one day. Then I realised though it's about being consistent, it's okay to miss somedays.

Here are the routine I followed:

• A gentle cleanser: Currently I'm using Cetaphil face wash but you can use any product of your choice.

• A treatment (like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide): Currently I don't need this anymore but I used to apply this for a certain period of time as per dermatologist advised. It helps for me for starting. Not achieved the clean skin but it controls your pimples.

• A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer: Currently I don't use moisturiser because moisturiser makes my pimples comes back. So I avoided it on my face. But for all other body parts, I use body lotion. 

• Sunscreen in the morning: I use sunscreen that has moisturiser in itself.

3. Cleanse Your Face Twice Daily and when to wash your face

Washing your face morning and night helps remove excess oil, dirt, sweat, and pollution that can clog pores. But over-washing strips the skin of natural oils, which can cause your skin to produce even more oil in response. So it's safe to wash your face twice daily but you do exercise or long outings, then maybe one more wash is fine. Not more than three times.

Yes, wash your face in the morning after you wake up. And wash your face for the second time in the evening time around 5:30-7:00pm. I did mistake in the past waiting to wash my face till before you go to sleep because most of the people in youtube or social media saying wash your face before your sleep time. And that's my biggest mistake. Wash your face once the sun sets, don't wait till your sleep time. If you want to cook food and then do night skin routine like applying night cream, it's okay...just wash your face with water only by that time and do your night skin routine. I works for me.

Look for moisturisers labeled “oil-free”, “non-comedogenic”, or “gel-based” with ingredients like:

• Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser

• Avoid harsh soaps or physical exfoliants

• Pat your face dry with a clean towel—don’t rub

• Hyaluronic acid

• Niacinamide

• Ceramides

4. Watch What Touches Your Face

Throughout the day, your face is exposed to bacteria and grime—often from your hands, phone, or pillowcases. Here’s how to reduce unnecessary breakouts:

• Don’t touch your face unless your hands are clean

• Clean your phone screen regularly

• Change pillowcases 2–3 times per week

• Avoid resting your face on your hands or surfaces

5. Be Gentle with Active Ingredients

Acne-prone skin may benefit from ingredients like:

• Salicylic acid – unclogs pores

• Benzoyl peroxide – kills acne-causing bacteria

• Retinoids – boost cell turnover

But using them all at once or in high concentrations can backfire. Start slow and always patch test before applying a new product to your full face.

If irritation occurs, scale back and focus on hydration and barrier repair. It's better to consult dermatologist.

6. Mind Your Diet and Stress Levels

There’s no one-size-fits-all acne diet, but you might notice certain foods trigger your breakouts (like high dairy or sugar intake). Likewise, chronic stress can increase inflammation and worsen acne. I started reducing carbohydrates, adding omega-3s like fish or eggs, adding leafy vegetables, all sorts of fruits, and add milk products here and there.

Try:

• Drinking plenty of water like at least 7-8 glasses helps.

• Adding anti-inflammatory foods (berries, leafy greens, omega-3s)

• Managing stress through journaling, sleep, movement, and mindfulness

Clear skin often starts from within.

7. Don't Pick or Pop Your Pimples

It’s tempting—but picking at pimples spreads bacteria, causes inflammation, and increases the risk of scarring. I never pick pimples though. 

Please follow this step:

• Use spot treatments overnight

• Apply ice to reduce swelling

• Let your skin heal naturally

Remember: healing is better than quick fixes.

8. See a Dermatologist If Needed

If your acne is painful, or persistent, don't hesitate to consult a dermatologist. They can prescribe topical or oral treatments tailored to your skin type and needs.

Final Thoughts: Clear Skin is a Journey, Not a Destination

Clear skin doesn’t happen overnight—and it doesn’t mean “flawless.” For acne-prone skin, “clear” often means balanced, soothed, and consistently cared for.

Be kind to yourself during breakouts. Track what’s working, let go of what isn’t, and stay curious about your body’s needs. And above all—celebrate the progress, not perfection.

Want to track your skincare journey? Try journaling your routine, skin changes, and triggers. It’s a beautiful way to reconnect with your body—one mindful moment at a time.

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Till then, bye. And thank you for dropping by. Also let me know if you have an acne prone skin and how you fight it. 🙂