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ACNE MYTH #1:

You shouldn't moisturize if you have acne.

If your skin is on the oilier side, as acne-prone skin often is, you may feel that moisturizing will only make it worse. Skipping moisturizer can leave your skin feeling dehydrated, which can cause it to produce excess sebum (oil) in an attempt to compensate. This heightened oil production can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. To maintain hydration without aggravating acne, use lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers specifically formulated for acne-prone skin.

ACNE MYTH #2:

You need harsh products to clear skin.

If you have acne, your impulse may be to pile on as many acne-fighting ingredients as you can to clear your skin up quickly. But stronger doesn't mean better. When it comes to acne, sometimes less is more, and contrary to popular belief, a skin-burning sensation during treatment is not a good thing. CeraVe's products for acne-prone skin are developed with dermatologists to help minimize acne breakout without disrupting the skin's protective barrier.

ACNE MYTH #3:

Acne is caused by dirty skin.

Oftentimes, when people have acne, they assume it means their skin is dirty and resort to harsh scrubs for clean skin. However, over-washing can disrupt your skin barrier and worsen acne. Dirt doesn't cause acne; it's clogged pores from excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria that do. For effective care, wash your face twice daily with a gentle, non-drying cleanser developed for acne-prone skin.

Step-By-Step Routine for Mild Acne-Prone Skin

  • 1. Acne Control Cleanser
  • 2. Acne Control Gel
  • 3. Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
  • 1. Acne Control Cleanser
    CeraVe Skincare Cleansers Acne Salicylic Acid Cleanser

    CeraVe Skincare Cleansers Acne Salicylic Acid Cleanser

    Acne Control Cleanser

    For Acne-Prone Skin

    CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist-recommended cleanser brand for acne*, and our Acne Control Cleanser with 2% salicylic acid is formulated to clear acne, reduce blackheads and improve the appearance of pores, while purifying clay helps absorb excess oil.

  • 2. Acne Control Gel
    CeraVe Acne Control Gel

    CeraVe Acne Control Gel

    Acne Control Gel

    For Acne-Prone Oily Skin

    CeraVe Acne Control Gel is a hydrating, daily acne treatment with 2% salicylic acid that clears acne and helps prevent new breakouts from forming.

  • 3. Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
    CeraVe-Am-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-With-Sunscreen

    CeraVe-Am-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-With-Sunscreen

    AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

    For Normal to Dry Skin

    CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen is a morning skincare multitasker that provides continuous hydration throughout the day while helping to absorb and reflect the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays and restore the skin's protective barrier.

Real Skin, Real Results*

*after 8 weeks of use

 

Acne Control Gel

Significant reduction in pore appearance

CeraVe Acne Control Gel is a hydrating, daily acne treatment with 2% salicylic acid that clears acne and helps prevent new breakouts from forming.

Significant reduction in pore appearance

Acne Foaming Cream Wash

Significant reduction in visible redness

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash for face & body is our first-ever acne treatment product developed with the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide available without a prescription to treat acne without disrupting the skin barrier.

Significant reduction in visible redness

Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Significant reduction in discoloration & hyperpigmentation

Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum helps smooth your skin’s texture by reducing the appearance of post-acne marks, minimizing the look of pores and improving your skin’s surface.

Significant reduction in discoloration & hyperpigmentation

Find the Right Acne Product for You

Skin Type Concern Key Benefits Key Ingredients Texture
Acne Foaming Cream Wash
CeraVe Skincare Cleansers Facial Cleansers Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash
Acne Foaming Cream Wash
Acne-Prone Skin Active Acne Breakout
  • Clear, treat and help prevent new acne pimples/blackheads on the face and body.
  • Maximum OTC strength 10% BPO
  • Suitable for Face and body acne treatment
Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides Lightly-Foaming, Creamy Texture
Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
CeraVe Skincare Cleansers Acne Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser
Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Acne-Prone Skin Active Acne Breakout
  • Thoroughly dissolves dirt and excess oil, while clearing acne
  • 4% Benzoyl Peroxide
Ceramides, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide Foaming Cream
Acne Control Cleanser
CeraVe Skincare Cleansers Acne Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Acne Control Cleanser
Acne-Prone Oily Skin Acne
  • Formula with hectorite clay helps absorb oil and helps skin look less shiny
  • Formulated to clear acne, reduce blackheads and improve the appearance of pores, while purifying clay helps absorb excess oil
Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides Gel-to-Foam
Acne Control Gel
CeraVe Acne Control Gel
Acne Control Gel
Acne-Prone Oily Skin Acne
  • Contains 2% salicylic acid that clears acne and helps prevent new breakouts from forming
Ceramides, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid Lightweight Gel
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Post-Acne Skin Post-Acne Skin
  • Helping to reduces the appearance of post-acne marks and pores
  • Helps restore the protective skin barrier
  • Improves skin smoothness
Retinol, Niacinamide, Ceramides Serum

Facts About Acne: Frequently Asked Questions

  • As we mentioned earlier, acne develops when your pores become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and (in some cases) bacteria. If you have oily skin or a family history of acne, you may be more likely to experience this skin concern. Other factors that can contribute to or worsen acne include humid weather conditions, hormonal fluctuations, and improper skincare practices (like picking at your skin).

    Using greasy, pore-clogging cosmetics can also lead to breakouts in some cases. This type of acne even has its own name: acne cosmetica. Of course, these aren’t all of the causes of acne. Acne is a complex skin concern and it can be influenced by a wide range of internal and external factors.

  • It’s not your imagination: Being stressed out can impact your skin. While it is not a direct cause of acne,
    stress can act as a roadblock to achieving clear skin. When you’re stressed, your body releases various
    hormones, including androgens and cortisol—both of which can cause your skin to produce excess oil.
    And, as we touched upon earlier, excess oil can clog pores and lead to an increase in acne breakouts.

  • There are several different types of acne, but the most common types include blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, papules, nodules, and cysts. Comedonal acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads, develops when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. If the pore is open, the contents will oxidize, leading to a closed comedone (or a blackhead). If the pore is closed, a whitehead will develop.

    When bacteria enter the clogged pore, more stubborn forms of acne—those pesky pimples, pustules, and nodules—can occur. Finally, there’s cystic acne, which is generally considered the most difficult to treat. This type of acne causes pus-filled cysts to develop deep in your skin and generally requires a dermatologist to treat effectively.

  • You may think of acne as an adolescent skin concern, but the truth is, anyone can experience acne. In fact, a survey conducted by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that more than 42% of adults aged 20 or older experience acne breakouts.2 So, if you’re breaking out well past your teenage years, don’t fret: You’re not alone. More importantly, adult breakouts can be managed. If you’re struggling to get your adult acne under control, consider consulting a board-certified dermatologist for help. 

  • Two of the most common ingredients in non-prescription acne skincare products are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that offers gentle exfoliation and helps improve the appearance of acne. Benzoyl peroxide, meanwhile, targets a common acne-causing bacteria to diminish the appearance of acne blemishes. These ingredients can be found in CeraVe’s gentle yet effective products for acne-prone skin. If you’re unsure which is right for you, a board-certified dermatologist should be able to steer you in the right direction.

  • Dark spots that appear after an acne breakout are caused by an excess production of melanin, your skin’s natural pigment. Known as post-acne marks (or, more formally, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), these spots are particularly common amongst those with darker skin tones, and can make achieving even-looking skin feel like a challenge—especially since they often take a long time to fade.

    To help with the process, consider adding CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum to your nightly skincare routine. Formulated with encapsulated retinol, brightening licorice extract, and three essential ceramides, this gentle formula helps promote a more even complexion while supporting your skin’s protective barrier.  

  • When you have a big, inflamed pimple, it can be really tempting to pop it. But doing so may do more harm than good. Not only does popping your pimples make you more likely to develop post-acne marks, but it can also worsen your acne, as the bacteria from your fingers can spread to your skin. Instead, address acne breakouts with a gentle spot treatment, such as CeraVe’s alcohol-free Acne Control Gel. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin one to three times daily for noticeably-clearer skin within three days.

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