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My Acne Survival Kit: What Worked When Nothing Did

18 items

Kiera Powell

Tired of jumping from one product to another without seeing results? I’ve been there. After years of battling stubborn acne, I finally found a routine that worked — and I’m sharing it with you. This list includes the exact products that helped calm i...

Sections

Cleansers

Exfoliators and Retinoids

Targeted Serums and Masks

Moisturizers

Sun Protection

Tools and Devices

Cleansers

Acne-prone skin needs a gentle but effective cleanser that removes excess oil, bacteria, and pore-clogging debris without over-stripping. Look for formulas with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or gentle enzymes to keep breakouts at bay without irri...

I tried many products that left my skin stripped and dry before discovering this gentle yet effective daily wash. Without harsh sulfates or irritants, it cleans deeply to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural m...

Gentle Acne Cleanser

Your skin will thank you when it's brighter and smoother. It helps reduce breakouts by gently sloughing away buildup that can lead to congestion—making it a great step before treatments or serums.

Papaya Enzyme Cleanser

Great on those days when your skin is feeling dry and you're looking for a pick me up. Also a great PM cleanser to lock in moisture.

Hydrating Cleanser

Exfoliators and Retinoids

Exfoliants and retinoids are powerhouses for acne care. Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA) dissolve dead skin and unclog pores. Retinoids help prevent new breakouts and fade acne scars. Use sparingly to avoid irritat...

Stand by these for smoothing texture, keeping breakouts at ease, and correcting and preventing fine lines. Smile lines be gone, seriously

AlphaRet Exfoliating Facial Peel Pads

This cream gently releases ingredients to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting skin turnover to help minimize visible signs of skin aging with minimal irritation.

Beginner Strength Retinol Facial Cream

Targeted Serums and Masks

Powerhouse products that helped calm inflammation, fade stubborn marks, and prevent new breakouts. Most of these serums contain active ingredients like retinoids, acids, or niacinamide, which are incredibly effective but can be reactive if mixed incorrectly.Be sure to read the directions carefully. Many of these serums should be used on their own, without layering other active ingredients, and most are meant for PM use only. Less is more here — consistency and patience will get you results. When used prop...

Calms breakouts while targeting pigment for a more even complexion. Use on its own- not to be mixed with other acid containing products.

10% Azelaic Acid Booster

This contains Niacinamide and Panthenol to calm inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. Gentle enough to be used nightly.

Gentle Acne Serum

Post breakout marks and hyperpigmentation? Used daily in the AM will help to lighten scarring overtime, prevent future scarring, and protect your skin from everyday environmental stressors.

Vitamin C E + F

When it starts to feel warm and tingly, you know it's working. This mask not only smells like what Fall dreams are made of but also will give your skin the glow it deserves. It decreases the appearance of large pores, hydrates, cleanses, and provides...

Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

Whether you're dealing with deep, painful pimples or surface-level congestion, this mask helps speed up healing and prevent future flare-ups without overly drying or stripping your skin. Use it 1–2 times a week as a targeted treatment or a full-face ...

Active and Preventative Acne Mask

Moisturizers

Even oily, acne-prone skin needs moisture. The right moisturizer can help balance oil production, support skin healing, and reduce inflammation.

Light enough to wear under makeup and sunscreen, but hydrating enough to keep your skin feeling radiant and bouncy all day. Amazing for my oily prone people

Water Crème Moisturizer

When my skin is needing extra moisture- think Winter or post spa treatments, I always reach for this. Still lightweight which I love but very moisturizing and easy to layer.

Luxurious Facial Moisturizing Treatment

When I REALLY need to lock in moisture I reach for this. I feel like the product absorbs nicely rather than sit on the surface clogging my pores

Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream

Sun Protection

SPF is a must especially if you're using acne treatments like retinoids or exfoliants. Sun exposure can worsen acne marks and trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I look for lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreens that won’t clog pores or fee...

I've seen this used on all skin types and I use this in my rotation. It's lightweight so it feels like second skin and it dries to match the color of your skin so no stubborn white cast.

No White Cast Tinted Sunscreen

Great for on the go reapplication. Best suited for light to medium skin tones and it gives an airbrushed finish. For the best application, I recommend applying using a Kabuki brush.

Tone Smart Sunscreen Compact

Best for when you'll have low sun exposure but still want to protect your skin. Think commuting in fall/winter months, working from home or an office with a sunny window, etc. Men, you'll also love this one!

Lightweight Shady Day Sunscreen

Tools and Devices

These gadgets help target breakouts, reduce inflammation, enhance product absorption, and promote clearer skin with consistent use. Look for devices that are dermatologist-recommended and safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

It’s a splurge, but ideal for anyone looking to take their skincare routine to the next level. Combining blue light to fight acne and red light to reduce inflammation and support skin health. With consistent use, it can help calm active breakouts, mi...

LED Facial Light for Acne and AntiAging

Great if you're treating acne/scarring off face such as the neck or chest. The full panel allows you to treat larger areas without awkward straps or limited zones. This helps ensure you don’t miss acne‑prone areas.

ReVive Lux dpl IIa Blue & Red LED Panel