Acne isn’t just a teenage concern. It can show up in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and well beyond. It’s the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans each year.
Hormones, stress, diet, environmental triggers, or even the wrong products can throw your skin off balance. Breakouts aren’t just frustrating; they can be physically uncomfortable and mentally draining, especially when they’re unpredictable or difficult to control.
In case you’ve tried countless products or pieced together your own routine from half-finished TikTok advice, you’re not alone. Finding a routine that works (and sticking with it) is one of the toughest parts of managing acne.
At M.A.D Skincare, we’ve built a highly effective acne system that takes out the guesswork. Our products combine high-performance actives with calming botanicals to help clear breakouts, soothe inflammation, and support a healthy skin barrier, without stripping or overwhelming your skin.
If you’re searching for how to get clear skin and feel like you’ve already tried everything, we’re here to help you reset. In this guide, we will walk you through our recommended acne routine step-by-step, using products trusted by skincare professionals and backed by real-world results.
Start With the Right Acne Cleanser
Every effective skincare routine for acne starts with one non-negotiable step: cleansing. Before you reach for your serums or spot treatments, you need a reliable acne cleanser that clears buildup, dissolves excess oil, and preps your skin for everything that follows.
M.A.D’s Salicylic Cleansing Gel contains 2% salicylic acid, a proven beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that dives deep into pores to clear out congestion and reduce breakouts at the source. We’ve also included soothing botanicals to help calm irritation, so you get a deep clean without dryness or tightness.
Pro Tip: Use a dime-sized amount, morning and night. Massage into damp skin for 30 to 60 seconds, then rinse thoroughly.
Spot Treat Pimples Immediately
Once you’ve cleansed, your next move is to target active blemishes before they worsen. Spot treatments allow you to reduce swelling and kill bacteria quickly.
One of the most effective options is M.A.D Skincare’s Acne Drying Lotion 10% Sulfur. Our acne-drying lotion combines sulfur and zinc oxide to dry out blemishes, reduce swelling, and even help conceal spots under makeup. It’s a go-to for overnight results.
Need something stronger? M.A.D also offers two benzoyl peroxide formulas:
- The Blemish Repelling Gel 5% BPO is perfect for moderate acne and stubborn spots.
- The Acne Reversing Gel 10% BPO is a stronger formula that clears breakouts faster and helps reduce acne at the source.
Having these tools on hand helps you treat new breakouts the moment they appear.
Hydrate With the Right Acne Serum and Moisturizer
Yes, even acne-prone skin needs moisture. Skipping this step can actually make breakouts worse. When your skin is too dry, it tries to compensate by producing more oil, leading to clogged pores and more acne.
The trick is choosing an acne moisturizer that hydrates without causing breakouts. Here are three excellent options from M.A.D Skincare:
- The Breakout Control Daily Moisturizer is one of the best picks for acne-prone skin. It is lightweight, helps keep skin clear, and gives you just the right amount of hydration.
- The Delicate Daily Moisturizer is a gentler option if your skin is sensitive, dry, or feeling irritated. It goes on light and doesn’t promote breakouts.
- Although the Redness Rescue Serum isn’t technically a moisturizer, it’s worth adding to your routine. The serum for acne helps calm redness and soothes stressed-out skin, especially helpful after spot treatments. Just be sure to follow it with a moisturizer to lock in the benefits.
Pro Tip: Keep your routine focused. Choose one moisturizer and, if needed, one serum based on your skin’s current condition.
Add a Weekly Acne Mask for Extra Support
A weekly mask gives your skin a little extra help beyond your daily routine. It’s a chance to treat breakouts, calm irritation, and rebalance oily areas.
We have two great options you can rotate depending on how your skin feels:
- The Spot-On Zinc and Sulfur Mask is made for oily, acne-prone skin. Zinc helps calm inflammation, while sulfur fights acne-causing bacteria. Use it to clear up congested pores and prevent future breakouts.
- If your skin is red, itchy, or feeling overworked, try the Delicate Skin Calming Gel Mask. Feel free to wear it overnight for extra comfort.
For recurring breakouts in certain areas, try multi-masking. Apply the acne mask to oily zones and the calming mask to spots that feel dry or irritated.
Stick to Your Skincare Routine for Acne
Skincare for acne works best when you’re consistent, not when you constantly jump between products or routines.
Most acne treatments need several weeks to start showing results. You need to cleanse, treat, and moisturize every day, even on days when it feels like nothing’s changing.
Here’s a simple plan to follow:
Morning:
- Wash with Salicylic Cleansing Gel
- Spot treat if breakouts are active
- Apply Breakout Control Daily Moisturizer or Delicate Daily Moisturizer
- Add sunscreen; it should be applied daily, even if you’re staying indoors.
Evening:
- Cleanse again to remove oil and buildup
- Apply spot treatments where needed
- Use a serum for acne if your skin is irritated or inflamed
- Finish with your preferred acne moisturizer
Once or Twice a Week:
- Apply an acne mask or calming mask, depending on what your skin needs
Support Your Skin from the Inside Out
Even the best acne products can only do so much if other parts of your lifestyle are working against your skin. While this post focuses on topical solutions, here are a few quick reminders:
- Don’t pick at your skin. It spreads bacteria and can lead to scarring.
- Change your pillowcases every few days. Bacteria can build up fast.
- Manage stress. It can trigger inflammation and excess oil production.
- Keep your hands off your face throughout the day.
Also, remember that the occasional breakout is normal. Acne is a skin condition, not a reflection of your hygiene or habits. What matters most is staying committed to your regimen.
Professional Support Can Make a Difference
While at-home care is incredibly important, professional treatments take your results further. Seeing a licensed esthetician for regular facials and extractions can help clear breakouts faster and keep your skin on track. M.A.D Skincare partners with skincare professionals across the country, so you’ll find our formulas in many spa-level routines.
Be Consistent. Be Confident. Use M.A.D. Skincare
Clear skin doesn’t come from trying everything at once. It’s about doing the right things consistently. With M.A.D Skincare, you get a science-backed roadmap filled with products that target acne without irritating or overwhelming your skin.
We recommend repeating the steps for a reasonable enough amount of time instead of giving up too quickly when you don’t see an “overnight” change.
Stay MAD about your skin. Explore the full acne collection online or reach out to our team with questions. We’re here to help.
