Acne Skincare: 5-Step Night Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

If you struggle with acne, you know that a consistent skincare routine is key to managing and preventing breakouts. While a morning routine helps protect your skin, your night skincare routine is the most crucial time to target acne and repair the skin.

A good 5-step night routine for acne-prone skin helps treat existing breakouts, prevent new ones from forming, and allows your skin to heal while you sleep. Here’s a dermatologist-approved routine that includes the best products and ingredients to promote clear, healthy skin overnight.

🧼 Step 1: Cleanser – Remove Makeup and Cleanse Deeply

The first step in any nighttime routine is to remove all makeup, dirt, and impurities that may have built up on your skin throughout the day. For acne-prone skin, choose a gentle yet effective cleanser that will cleanse deeply without causing irritation.

Look for:

1. Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
2. Gentle, acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
3. Hydrating formulas that won’t strip the skin

Top Picks:

1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser – Gentle and non-drying, perfect for acne-prone skin
2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash – Contains salicylic acid to help treat acne
3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel – Deeply cleanses and prevents acne flare-ups

💧 Step 2: Exfoliate – Unclog Pores and Prevent Breakouts

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and contribute to acne. However, since acne-prone skin is often sensitive, you’ll want to avoid harsh physical exfoliants. Instead, opt for gentle chemical exfoliants with proven acne-fighting properties.

Look for:

1. Salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA)
2. Mild exfoliating acids to prevent irritation

Top Picks:

1. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution – Gentle exfoliation for smoother skin
2. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – Exfoliates and clears pores
3. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum – Chemical exfoliation for acne-prone skin

Also read: 7-Step Skincare Routine for Aging Skin: A Dermatologist’s Daily Guide to Youthful

💧 Step 3: Acne Treatment – Target Breakouts with Active Ingredients

This is the core of your acne treatment. In this step, apply your most potent acne-fighting product. Active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids target the root causes of acne and reduce inflammation.

Look for:

1. Benzoyl peroxide for treating active breakouts
2. Retinoids for reducing acne and promoting skin cell turnover
3. Salicylic acid for pore-clearing and anti-inflammatory action

Top Picks:

1. *Differin Gel (Adapalene 0.1%) – Retinoid that prevents breakouts and treats acne
2. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment – Contains benzoyl peroxide to target pimples
3. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution – Targets pores and fights acne-causing bacteria

🧴 Step 4: Moisturizer – Hydrate and Repair

Even acne-prone skin needs moisture. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer will help soothe inflammation, repair the skin barrier, and prevent dryness or irritation caused by acne treatments.

Look for:

1. Oil-free, hydrating formulas
2. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help restore and maintain skin hydration
3. Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)

Top Picks:

1. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion – Hydrates and helps repair the skin barrier overnight
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – Light, non-greasy hydration
3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer – Calms and restores skin

Also read: 7-Step Skincare Routine for Oily Sensitive Skin: A Dermatologist’s Guide to Balancing and Soothing Your Skin

🛏 Step 5: Overnight Mask (Optional) – Boost Acne Treatment and Hydration

For an added boost, you can apply an overnight mask to treat acne and provide extra hydration. These masks often contain soothing ingredients like aloe, green tea, and niacinamide to calm the skin and promote healing.

Look for:

1. Soothing ingredients like aloe vera and niacinamide
2. Hydrating formulas that don’t clog pores
3. Acne-fighting active ingredients like tea tree oil or sulfur

Top Picks:

1. Origins Out of Trouble 10-Minute Mask – Targets acne and prevents future breakouts
2. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask – Hydrates while soothing irritated skin
3. Mario Badescu Drying Mask – Calms acne-prone skin with sulfur and aloe

Final Thoughts

Consistency is key when it comes to acne treatment. This 5-step night routine for acne-prone skin targets the root causes of acne, provides hydration, and promotes healing overnight. By following this routine, you can help reduce breakouts, prevent new acne from forming, and wake up to clearer, healthier skin.

Remember, everyone’s skin reacts differently, so always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if your acne persists. With the right products and routine, you’ll be well on your way to achieving clearer skin.