What’s the Best Order to Apply Acne Products?
Book an appointment with an acne specialist
- Topical acne medications: Most topical medications should be applied first, directly onto clean, dry skin. This allows the medications to be absorbed into the skin and to work in the most effective manner possible. The exception to this rule is with retinoids, which can sometimes be applied after moisturizer is applied, in order to prevent the development of dryness and irritation on the skin.
- Moisturizer: Moisturizers should be applied after the application of acne medications. The use of a moisturizer often allows the acne medications to better penetrate the skin, and prevents medications from drying out your skin.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen should be applied after both acne medications and moisturizer. It is important to apply a moisturizer with broad spectrum protection (which means protecting against both UVA and UVB rays) and an SPF of 30 of higher.