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Recommended
Products

These are the products that worked for me after decades of trial and error. Progress through levels as your skin improves.

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. These are products I personally use and recommend.

Beginner Level

Start here if you have active acne, frequent breakouts, or sensitive skin. These gentle products build your foundation.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Beginner
Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

My daily go-to cleanser. Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, pH balanced, and allergy tested. The most comforting cleanser I've ever used. Perfect for starting your journey with gentle, effective cleansing.

Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic
pH Balanced
Allergy tested
Contains ceramides
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Beginner
Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Slightly stronger than CeraVe. I use this when my face feels more oily than usual. Fragrance-free, oil-free, pH balanced, and perfect for sensitive skin. A reliable alternative for beginner-level cleansing.

Fragrance-free
Oil-free
pH Balanced
For sensitive skin
Non-irritating
Complex 15 Daily Face Cream
Beginner
Moisturizer

Complex 15 Daily Face Cream

The moisturizer that changed everything for me. Hypo-allergenic, non-comedogenic, non-greasy, and oil-free. Perfect for acne-prone skin. Essential for building and maintaining your skin barrier.

Hypo-allergenic
Non-comedogenic
Non-greasy
Oil-free
Dermatologist recommended

Intermediate Level

Progress to this level when your acne is mostly controlled and gentle cleanser causes no irritation. Add foaming cleanser for oily days.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Intermediate
Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

For when your skin is ready for a deeper clean. Use this when your face feels oily, alternating with gentle cleanser. Removes excess oil without stripping your skin barrier. Only introduce after gentle cleanser causes no irritation.

Removes excess oil
Non-comedogenic
Contains ceramides
Fragrance-free
Maintains skin barrier

Advanced Level

Move to this level when your skin is clear with few/no breakouts and foaming cleanser causes no irritation. Add chemical exfoliation for skin renewal.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
Advanced
Cleanser

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Chemical exfoliation with salicylic acid. Gently removes dead skin cells, lightens acne scars, and promotes skin renewal. Start once a week, then twice a week if no irritation. Only for those with controlled acne and no sensitivity to foaming cleanser.

Contains salicylic acid
Chemical exfoliation
Reduces acne scars
Promotes cell turnover
Fragrance-free

Want to Learn How to Use These?

Check out our comprehensive skincare guide with step-by-step routines for each level.

View Skincare Guide