Acne doesn’t look the same on everyone — and it certainly doesn’t behave the same. What works for a 16-year-old with blackheads won’t work for a 35-year-old battling cystic hormonal breakouts. In this guide, we break down the best skincare routines for acne-prone skin tailored by age and acne type. Whether you’re a teen, in your 20s, or dealing with adult acne in your 40s, this guide will help you build a routine that clears and calms — without irritating your skin.
Why a One-Size-Fits-All Routine Doesn’t Work for Acne
Acne is a spectrum. What causes your breakouts may not be what’s driving someone else’s — and the products that work can vary wildly depending on your:
- Skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive)
- Age
- Hormonal profile
- Acne type (comedonal, inflammatory, cystic, etc.)
- Skin barrier health
That’s why the Moistuals approach is personalized, fragrance-free, and focused on barrier-friendly ingredients that adapt to your skin’s needs.
Teen Acne (Ages 12–19)
🔥 Common Traits:
- Oily T-zone
- Blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules
- Fluctuating hormones
- Often aggravated by stress and poor cleansing habits
🌱 Recommended Routine:
AM Routine:
- Gentle Cleanser: Pure Clarifying Cleansing Gel
- Toner (Optional): Salicylic Acid Toner (2-3x per week)
- Light Moisturiser: Oil-Free Hydrating Gel
- Sunscreen: Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 Tint
PM Routine:
- Cleanser: Pure Clarifying Cleansing Gel
- Treatment Gel: Niacinamide Gel Moisturiser (targets redness + oil)
- Hydration: Add Hydrating Toner if skin feels tight or dry
👩⚕️ Pro Tip:
Avoid over-washing. Twice daily is enough. Encourage healthy cleansing habits after workouts and before bed.
Young Adult Acne (Ages 20–29)
🔄 Common Traits:
- Combination skin
- Hormonal breakouts around chin and jaw
- Emerging adult acne patterns
- Potential overuse of actives or harsh scrubs
🌿 Recommended Routine:
AM Routine:
- Cleanser: Soft Milk Cleanser (for balance) or Pure Gel if oily
- Toner: Niacinamide Gel Moisturiser (multi-tasking)
- Moisturiser: Moisturising Day Cream if barrier feels dry
- SPF: Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 Tint
PM Routine:
- Double Cleanse: Micellar Lotion followed by Pure Gel
- Active Serum: Alternate between Salicylic Acid Toner and Niacinamide Gel
- Night Hydration: Oil-Free Gel or Moisturising Cream depending on skin feel
🧠 Pro Tip:
Focus on strengthening your skin barrier, not just drying out pimples. Consistency is more powerful than intensity.
Adult Acne (Ages 30–45)
😓 Common Traits:
- Cystic or hormonal acne, especially pre-period
- Drier skin or combination with sensitivity
- Fine lines and breakouts at the same time
- Stress and sleep disruptions playing a role
🧴 Recommended Routine:
AM Routine:
- Cream Cleanser: Soft Milk Cleanser or Rosewater Mousse
- Soothing Toner: Hydrating Toner with panthenol
- Treatment Serum: Niacinamide Gel or Spot Care Serum (coming soon)
- Moisturiser: Niacinamide or Day Cream depending on skin feel
- SPF: Always — try the Mineral SPF30 Tint for daily wear
PM Routine:
- Cleanser: Gentle, non-foaming
- Targeted Spot Treatment: Apply to hormonal areas only
- Barrier Support: Hydrating Toner + Moisturising Cream combo
- Optional: Retinol if skin tolerates — start slow
🌙 Pro Tip:
Pair acne treatments with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and vitamin E to support barrier repair and collagen health.
Mature Skin with Acne (45+)
👩🔬 Common Traits:
- Rare but persistent breakouts
- Drier skin with sensitivity
- Wrinkles + acne = tricky combo
- Skin may react strongly to common acne products
🌸 Recommended Routine:
AM Routine:
- Gentle Cleanser: Soft Milk Cleanser
- Hydrating Toner: Add moisture and prep the skin
- Multi-Tasking Serum: Niacinamide Gel (supports elasticity + calm skin)
- Moisturiser: Moisturising Day Cream
- SPF: Absolutely essential to protect aging skin
PM Routine:
- Cleanser: Micellar + Soft Milk combo
- Barrier Boost: Hydrating Toner + Moisturising Cream
- Targeted Active: Salicylic Acid Toner only on problem areas (1–2x/week)
💡 Pro Tip:
Look for anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair formulas rather than aggressive drying agents. Mature skin needs support, not punishment.
What to Avoid at Every Age
- Fragrance: Can be irritating and increase inflammation
- Alcohol-heavy toners: Dry out skin and worsen oiliness over time
- Physical scrubs: Can rupture pimples and scar the skin
- Skipping SPF: Sun worsens acne and leaves pigmentation behind
- Inconsistent routines: Switching products often disrupts your barrier
Moistuals: Tailored Skincare for Every Acne Journey
At Moistuals, we believe acne shouldn’t be treated with harsh, one-size-fits-all solutions. Our clean, fragrance-free skincare is:
- Dermatologist-tested
- Formulated without clogging agents
- Safe for sensitive, acne-prone skin
- Designed to restore calm and confidence
Take our Skincare Quiz to find the best routine for your age and acne type, or browse our curated Acne Collection.