When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
For years, I was convinced I was failing at my job because I had acne. That may seem a little dramatic, but as a beauty editor, I’m tasked with sharing the best information on skincare I can. I have almost unlimited products to test, access to the most cutting-edge research, and an army of dermatologists and aestheticians I can call as resources for the stories I produce. But every time a zit would show itself on my face, I’d think that I wasn’t qualified to do the work I loved.
About two years ago, I got to work on really figuring out what was going on with my skin. I spoke to dermatologists, I tested a lot of products (RIP my medicine cabinet), and I eventually found a routine that kept my skin mostly clear. I still get the occasional breakout around my period, but that’s to be expected.
Maria Del Russo/Insider
Ahead, I round up the products that keep my acne at bay — both my morning routine and my evening routine. And while this list may work for you, it’s really important to speak to a dermatologist or a doctor before making drastic changes to your skincare regimen. I may be a beauty editor, but I’m no replacement for a true medical expert.