Skin Care for People with Acne

Good skin care plays an important role in treating acne. Following these skin care guidelines — unless your dermatologist instructs otherwise — can help improve your results:


Gently Cleanse Acne-prone Skin
Avoid Acne Skin Care Taboos
Practice Sun Protection
Shave with Care
Gently Cleanse Acne-prone Skin


Limit washing to twice a day – and after perspiring. Once in the morning and once at night as well as after perspiring heavily should be the limit. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so the skin should be gently cleansed as quickly as possible after perspiring.


Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Wash the face and other acne-prone areas with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol.
Use your fingertips. Apply the cleanser and wash with your fingertips. This reduces skin irritation. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge, or anything else can irritate the skin and lead to breakouts.

Never scrub the skin. Scrubbing the skin clean does not clearacne. In fact, scrubbing irritates the skin and can make acneworse.

Rinse with lukewarm water. Be sure to thoroughly rinse away the cleanser with lukewarm, not hot, water.

Shampoo regularly. If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.