A solid morning routine sets you up with a good base for the day
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This information is intended to be informational and should not be used as a replacement for seeing a Dermatologist.
By JENNY SMITH MATTFELDT Published December 12, 2024
The Acne Series is your ultimate guide to navigating acne with confidence and grace. As someone who’s been through the trenches of cystic acne—and come out stronger on the other side—I know how tough it can be, both physically and emotionally. That’s why I’ve poured my personal experience, hours of research, and hard-earned insights into this collection. From must-have products and proven techniques to debunked myths and insider tips, this series is all about helping my acne-prone girlies tackle skincare, makeup, & more! You’re not alone in this journey, and I promise—it gets better.
It might seem counterintuitive, but I believe acne-prone skin needs special attention to hydration too, especially in your morning routine. Many of the most effective acne-fighting ingredients can be incredibly stripping, harsh, and drying. While they do a great job tackling breakouts, they can leave you with a damaged skin barrier and dry, irritated patches. If you feel a burning sensation when applying products, it’s a sign your skin barrier needs some extra love. A little tingle or warmth from products can be fine, but they should never feel like they’re truly burning.
As you work on your skin, you’ll start discovering specific ingredients that work wonders for you. Keep an eye out for powerhouse ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, sulfur, and benzoyl peroxide. These are often game-changers for acne-prone skin, but finding what works best for you is all part of the process. Here’s my disclaimer when it comes to skincare advice: don’t skip the test phase when trying new products. Trust me, I used to skip it too, but it’s so important to introduce just one new product at a time. Start by applying it to a small area and gradually expand to see how your skin reacts. I’ve tried countless face washes, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens that didn’t agree with my skin—even when they were specifically marketed for acne-prone skin. Skincare is such an individual journey. I’ll happily share what works for me, but I encourage you to take your time and introduce products slowly to find what truly works for you.
I always preferred using my heavier-hitting skincare ingredients at night. First, it gives your skin a chance to rest and really absorb those active ingredients while you sleep—because, in my opinion, sleep is the ultimate healer for your skin. Second, nighttime use keeps you out of the sun, which is especially important since many powerful acne-fighting ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. That's why I like to focus on hydration and a good base in the morning, it’s a win-win for maximizing effectiveness and protecting your skin.
Cleansing
This might be a bit controversial, but try skipping your morning face wash. I haven’t washed my face in the morning for the past three or four years, and it’s made a big difference for my skin. Back when I was struggling with acne, I found that washing in the morning was unnecessary and just too harsh. For sensitive skin, it often does more harm than good. If you feel the need to cleanse in the morning, stick to a gentle cleanser, but otherwise, a simple rinse followed by your morning routine can be plenty.
Toner
After rinsing with water, I like to follow up with the milky witch hazel toner—you can read more about hydrating toners in my article on combatting skin dehydration. Toners are such an essential step because they prep your skin to absorb the ingredients in your skincare routine. I like to think of it like watering a really dry plant. If you pour water directly onto dry soil, it runs off the surface. But if you mist the plant lightly first, the soil becomes moist and ready to absorb more water. That’s exactly how toners work for your skin, setting the stage for everything that follows.
Serums
Next, follow up with your serums. I absolutely love The Ordinary serums, especially their niacinamide one—it’s a rockstar ingredient for healing acne. That said, when I was still actively breaking out, I had to limit it to just a couple of times a week. Now that my skin is in a better place, I can use it more regularly without any issues.
Moisturizer
After your serums, follow up with your moisturizer. I can’t stress enough how important it is to keep your skin hydrated, even if it’s oily or acne-prone. If you’re unsure where to start with oily skin, try a gel cream—these tend to have a lighter consistency and absorb quickly. I love the Biossance Gel Cream for a lightweight option, but when I need something richer, the Cetaphil Face Cream is my go-to for a good, thick moisturizer.
Sunscreen
Last is sunscreen and it is a must—always finish your morning routine with it. It's especially important for acne prone skin for a few reasons. First, your acne-fighting products can make your skin extremely sensitive to the sun and we want to protect it from any sun damage. Second, the sun can significantly darken hyperpigmentation scars, making them not only darker but also last longer.
Keep coming back for more additions to The Acne Series!
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