How long before I see results?

Allow 6 to 12 weeks of regular use. With adapalene, a mild flare of spots in the first 2 to 4 weeks is common and not a reason to stop.

Should I squeeze my spots?

No. Squeezing pushes the inflammation deeper and more often leaves a brown mark or a scar.

Can I use several actives at once?

Yes, but one at a time at first. Add a second product only once the first is well tolerated, and avoid applying two exfoliants (salicylic acid, glycolic acid, adapalene) on the same evening.

What about pregnancy?

Avoid retinoids, including adapalene and retinol. Azelaic acid and niacinamide are generally used during pregnancy; always ask your doctor or pharmacist.

When should I see a dermatologist?

If the acne leaves scars, forms deep painful nodules, or does not improve after 3 months of consistent care. A prescription treatment may then be needed.

Advice

Acne and oily skin: a routine that works

Spots, blackheads, shine: acne-prone skin needs few products, but the right ones, used consistently. Cleanse without stripping, treat with a proven active, still moisturise, and protect from the sun. Allow 6 to 12 weeks before judging the result.

01Morning and evening
Cleanse gently, morning and evening
Use a cleansing gel for oily skin, massaged for one minute on wet skin and rinsed well. No harsh soap and no daily scrubbing: irritated skin produces more oil and gets inflamed.
New
CeraVe
CeraVe Anti-Imperfections Foaming Cleanser — 237 ml
3,500 DA
In Stock
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel — 400 ml
4,500 DA
In Stock
New
Uriage
Uriage HYSEAC - Anti-Imperfections Cleansing Gel - 500 ml
4,900 DA
In Stock
Avène
Avène Cleanance Purifying Cleansing Gel — 400 ml
4,200 DA
In Stock
02Evening
Treat with a targeted active
Start with one active only: niacinamide for shine and marks, salicylic acid for pores and blackheads, azelaic acid for spots and redness, or adapalene for established acne. Apply a thin layer over the whole area, not just on the spots, every other evening in the first week.
The Ordinary
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — 30 ml
3,670 DA
In Stock
The Ordinary
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution — 30 ml
3,670 DA
In Stock
ACM
ACM Azéane Cream 15% Azelaic Acid — 30 ml
2,400 DA
In Stock
PanOxyl
PanOxyl Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment — 15 g
4,830 DA
In Stock
03Morning and evening
Moisturise, even oily skin
Use a light, non-comedogenic cream. Acne treatments are drying: without a moisturiser the skin feels tight and red, and you end up stopping the treatment too early.
PanOxyl
PanOxyl Balancing Repair Moisturizer — 85 g
4,750 DA
In Stock
New
CeraVe
CeraVe Moisturising Lotion — 236 ml
3,500 DA
In Stock
Dr. Althea
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream — 50 ml
Price announced when back in stock
Out of Stock
04Morning
Protect from the sun every morning
Use SPF 30 to 50 in a mattifying fluid or gel texture. Sun darkens the marks left by spots, and several treatments make skin more sensitive to UV.
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control Fluid SPF50+ — 50 ml
Price announced when back in stock
Out of Stock
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control Gel-Cream SPF50+ — 50 ml
Price announced when back in stock
Out of Stock
Eucerin
Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control Dry Touch SPF50+ — 50 ml
4,500 DA
In Stock
New
Bioderma
Bioderma Photoderm AKN Mat SPF 30 Invisible — 40 ml
3,000 DA
Very limited stock

Your questions

How long before I see results?: Allow 6 to 12 weeks of regular use. With adapalene, a mild flare of spots in the first 2 to 4 weeks is common and not a reason to stop.
Should I squeeze my spots?: No. Squeezing pushes the inflammation deeper and more often leaves a brown mark or a scar.
Can I use several actives at once?: Yes, but one at a time at first. Add a second product only once the first is well tolerated, and avoid applying two exfoliants (salicylic acid, glycolic acid, adapalene) on the same evening.
What about pregnancy?: Avoid retinoids, including adapalene and retinol. Azelaic acid and niacinamide are generally used during pregnancy; always ask your doctor or pharmacist.
When should I see a dermatologist?: If the acne leaves scars, forms deep painful nodules, or does not improve after 3 months of consistent care. A prescription treatment may then be needed.

A question about your routine?

Our other guides may already answer it. If not, write to us — someone will reply.

See all advice

Acne and oily skin: a routine that works

Cleanse gently, morning and evening

Treat with a targeted active

Moisturise, even oily skin

Protect from the sun every morning

Your questions

A question about your routine?