I’m here to give you a very important public service announcement: The 10- to 15-step skincare routine you’re doing to calm your acne is a bit excessive. Ask any dermatologist, and they’ll tell you that 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. All you really need is a gentle cleanser, a treatment product, and a noncomedogenic moisturizer, along with sunscreen during the day.”

That said, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all routine for everyone’s acne. “Your skincare routine should be adjusted based on the type of acne you have,” says Dr. Lolis. So where should you start? Well, you’ve come to the right place.…