There's a misconception that the key to getting rid of breakouts is a 10 to 15-step skincare routine . But ask any dermatologist: Simple is better when it comes to acne , whether it's whiteheads , blackheads , or hormonal acne . “Using too many active ingredients at once—like layering multiple treatments with AHAs , retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide—can be too harsh and irritate your skin, which can end up making breakouts worse,” says dermatologist Margarita Lolis , MD. “It’s often best to keep it simple: a gentle cleanser , a treatment product, and a noncomedogenic moisturizer , along with sunscreen during the day.”
But “your skincare routine should be adjusted based on the type of acne you have,” says Dr. Lolis. So if you’ve got zits, incorporating acne treatments and