Beginner skincare routine for oily, acne-prone skin

Oily, acne-prone skin needs a gentle routine you can stick with. Here's the dermatologist-backed order, morning and night.

Your routine

1. 
   Step 1Morning: cleanseCeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, 16 oz

   A foaming gentle cleanser made for oily skin. Use your fingertips, don't scrub.

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2. 
   Step 2Morning: moisturizeVanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

   Lightweight and non-greasy. Oily skin still needs moisturizer.

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3. 
   Step 3Morning: sunscreenEltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46

   Oil-free SPF 46 that EltaMD makes for acne-prone skin. Apply last.

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4. 
   Step 4Night: cleanseCeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, 16 oz

   Wash again before bed, and after a sweaty workout.

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5. 
   Step 5Night: treatmentDifferin Acne Retinoid Treatment Gel

   0.1% adapalene. Wait 20 to 30 minutes after washing, then apply a thin layer.

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6. 
   Step 6Night: moisturizeVanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

   Finish with the same light moisturizer.

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Good to know

• Give a treatment several weeks to work before you switch.
• Hands off: picking makes spots last longer and can leave dark marks.
• Skip retinoids if you're pregnant, and see a dermatologist for painful or stubborn acne.

Sources: AAD: acne skin care tips · AAD: the order to apply skin care · AAD: when to apply vitamin C, retinoids and sunscreen · AAD: retinoid or retinol?