June 05, 2025

How to Layer Skincare for Acne-Prone Skin (Without the Guesswork)

Plus: A step-by-step routine chart you can follow every day.

Layering your skincare in the correct order makes a huge difference — especially for acne-prone skin. The wrong sequence can clog pores, overwhelm your barrier, or dilute the power of your active treatments.

This guide follows the Face Reality Skincare method and includes acne-safe essentials from Clear Skin Store — including our antioxidant complex — so you can build a barrier-supporting routine that actually works.

🔢 The Correct Layering Order

Step Product Type What It Does Examples
1 Cleanser Gently removes oil, makeup, and debris Ultra Gentle Cleanser
2 Toner Balances skin and preps for product absorption Moisture Balance Toner
3 Antioxidant Complex (optional) Lightweight defense + calming support Nicole LaCroix Antioxidant Complex
4 Hydrating Serum Hydrates and cushions skin before actives HydraBalance or HydraRemedy
5 Acne Serum (if using) Treats breakouts and congestion — special rules apply for Acne Med Mandelic or Salicylic Serum / Acne Med
6 Moisturizer Locks in hydration + supports barrier recovery Clearderma
7 SPF (AM only) Protects from sun damage + post-acne discoloration Daily SPF 30+ / Matte Mineral SPF

⏰ AM + PM Routine Breakdown

Morning Routine:

  1. Cleanser

  2. Toner

  3. Antioxidant Complex (optional)

  4. HydraBalance or HydraRemedy

  5. Mandelic or Salicylic Serum (if using)

  6. Moisturizer

  7. SPF

Evening Routine Options:

If using Mandelic or Salicylic Serum:

  1. Cleanser

  2. Toner

  3. Antioxidant Complex (optional)

  4. HydraBalance or HydraRemedy

  5. Acne Serum

  6. Moisturizer

If using Acne Med (benzoyl peroxide):

  1. Cleanser

  2. Toner

  3. Antioxidant Complex (optional)

  4. HydraBalance (only if needed to buffer dryness)

  5. Acne Med
    🚫 Do NOT apply moisturizer on top — it reduces effectiveness.

(Note: Moisturizer is NOT applied after Acne Med at night)

💡 Tips for Acne-Prone Skin:

  • Apply products from thinnest to thickest

  • Allow each layer to absorb for 1–2 minutes before moving on

  • Always use SPF in the morning, especially if using actives

  • Use a nickel- to dime-sized amount of Acne Med — less than that won’t effectively penetrate the follicles

     

  • Do not layer moisturizer on top of Acne Med at night — it reduces its effectiveness

  • Reevaluate your routine every 2–3 weeks if you're acne-prone — skin purges in cycles, so you may need to adjust actives or exfoliants

  • Work with a specialist to make sure you're challenging acne forming under the surface before it breaks out

  • Your skin might need slight changes seasonally

✨ Not sure where to start?
book a 1:1 consultation, or explore our curated kits to build your perfect routine.

Written by Nicole LaCroix