I'm 23 years old girl and i have acne skin. What i need to use?

I'm 23 years old girl and i have acne skin. What i need to use? Acne at 23 is extremely common, and it is not a sign that you are unclean or doing skincare “wrong.” Adult acne can be influenced by hormones, genetics, stress, menstrual cycles, makeup, hair products, friction from masks or phones, and skincare products that clog or irritate the skin.

The most useful approach is not buying every trending product. It is building a small, consistent routine that treats clogged pores and inflammation while protecting your skin barrier. Start slowly, use only one main acne treatment at a time if your skin is sensitive, and give the routine at least 8 to 12 weeks before deciding whether it is working.

This article provides general skincare guidance, not a personal medical diagnosis. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, have painful cysts, scarring, or acne that is affecting your confidence or mental health, speak with a dermatologist or clinician.

First, understand your acne

Not every breakout needs the same product. Look at the type of acne you have most often:

• Blackheads and whiteheads are clogged pores. They often respond well to adapalene, salicylic acid, and gentle cleansing.

• Red pimples and pustules are inflamed spots. Benzoyl peroxide can be particularly helpful because it reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.

• Deep, painful bumps or cysts often need professional treatment rather than stronger over-the-counter skincare alone.

• Dark marks after pimples are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They are especially common in medium-to-deep skin tones and can improve with daily sunscreen, azelaic acid, and avoiding picking.

• Acne mainly around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks, especially when it worsens before your period, can have a hormonal pattern. Skincare can help, but a dermatologist may also discuss prescription options.

A good routine should do three things: prevent new clogged pores, calm active inflammation, and reduce irritation. Acne products work best when your skin is not over-scrubbed, dehydrated, or inflamed from too many active ingredients.

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The minimum routine

You do not need a 10-step routine. For many people, these four product categories are enough. “Non-comedogenic” means a product is formulated to be less likely to clog pores. It is helpful language to look for on moisturizers, makeup, sunscreen, and even hair products that may touch your forehead or cheeks. Mayo Clinic also recommends choosing nonoily or water-based products and protecting acne-prone skin with sunscreen, especially because some acne treatments can increase sun sensitivity.

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Morning routine

1. Cleanse gently.
   Wash with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. If your skin feels dry, tight, itchy, or squeaky-clean afterward, the cleanser may be too harsh. Do not use rough exfoliating brushes, grainy scrubs, or harsh soap bars on active acne.

2. Use one simple treatment, if needed.
   For red, inflamed pimples, consider a thin layer of low-strength benzoyl peroxide, such as 2.5% to 5%. Benzoyl peroxide helps reduce acne-related bacteria, excess oil, and dead skin cells. It can bleach towels, pillowcases, and dark clothing, so let it dry completely. If your skin is sensitive, if you mainly have dark marks, or if your acne is mild but persistent, azelaic acid can be a gentler alternative. It may be useful for acne and post-acne discoloration.

3. Moisturize.
   Acne-prone skin still needs moisturizer. Skipping it can make irritation worse and may lead you to use treatments inconsistently. Choose a lightweight gel-cream, lotion, or cream according to your skin’s dryness level. Fragrance-free options are often easier to tolerate.

4. Apply sunscreen every day.
   Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on your face, neck, and exposed skin. This is especially important if you use adapalene, exfoliating acids, or benzoyl peroxide. Sunscreen helps reduce the chance that acne marks become darker and more stubborn.

Night routine

1. Remove makeup and sunscreen, then cleanse.
   If you wear heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, use a gentle makeup remover or cleansing balm first, followed by a mild cleanser. Do not aggressively rub your skin.

1. Use adapalene for clogged pores and prevention.
   Adapalene is an over-the-counter topical retinoid in many places. It helps keep pores from clogging and can prevent new acne from forming. Retinoids are among the evidence-supported topical acne treatments recommended by dermatology guidelines.aad+1 Use only a pea-sized amount for the entire acne-prone area—not a large amount on every individual spot.
   Apply it to fully dry skin, because applying it immediately after washing can increase irritation. Avoid the corners of the nose, eyelids, lips, and broken skin. Start two nights per week for two weeks. If your skin is coping well, increase to every other night. After several weeks, you may gradually use it nightly. Redness, flaking, mild stinging, and temporary dryness can happen at the start, but severe burning or swelling is a reason to stop and get medical advice.

2. Moisturize generously.
   You can apply moisturizer after adapalene, or before and after it if you are sensitive. This “sandwich” technique can reduce irritation while you adjust.

Choosing the right active ingredient

The best ingredient depends on your acne type and your tolerance. You do not need all of them at once.

Adapalene: best for prevention and clogged pores

Choose adapalene if you get recurring whiteheads, blackheads, small bumps, or acne that returns in the same areas. It is a long-term prevention treatment rather than an overnight spot fix. It can initially cause dryness and a temporary increase in visible breakouts as clogged pores surface.

Topical retinoids help remove dead cells from the skin surface and prevent them from building up inside hair follicles. However, do not use topical retinoids such as adapalene if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or think you may be pregnant unless your clinician specifically advises you otherwise.

Benzoyl peroxide: best for red, inflamed breakouts

Choose benzoyl peroxide if you have red pimples, pustules, or frequent inflamed breakouts. It can be used as a wash or leave-on gel. A wash is often easier for sensitive skin, while a leave-on product may be more effective for localized acne.

Do not start benzoyl peroxide and adapalene every night at the same time if you are new to acne treatment. A simple plan is benzoyl peroxide in the morning and adapalene two nights weekly, then slowly increase only if your skin remains comfortable.

Salicylic acid: best for oily, congested skin

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that helps unclog pores. It can be useful for oily skin, blackheads, and texture. Use it as a cleanser or leave-on product, but do not combine strong acid products, physical scrubs, and retinoids all in the same routine.

If you are already using adapalene, you may not need a separate salicylic acid toner or serum. More exfoliation does not always mean better results; it can simply create redness, peeling, and more visible marks.

Azelaic acid: best for sensitive skin and marks

Azelaic acid is a valuable option for people who have both acne and lingering dark spots. It can be used in the morning or on nights when you are not using adapalene. It may cause mild tingling at first, but many people find it easier to tolerate than stronger exfoliants.

For people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, acne treatment needs individualized medical guidance. Sources commonly identify azelaic acid and limited topical benzoyl peroxide as options used in pregnancy, while retinoids should be avoided; confirm any treatment plan with your obstetric clinician or dermatologist.

Read also: how to squeeze pimple correctly

Habits that make a difference

A good acne routine is also about what you avoid.

• Do not pick, squeeze, or pop pimples. This increases inflammation, prolongs healing, and raises the risk of scars and dark marks.

• Wash your face no more than twice daily and after heavy sweating. Overwashing can irritate skin and make treatment harder to tolerate.

• Clean makeup brushes and makeup sponges regularly.

• Remove makeup before sleeping.

• Keep hair oils, pomades, and heavy leave-in products away from your forehead, temples, and cheeks.

• Change pillowcases regularly, especially if you use hair oils or sleep with makeup residue.

• Choose non-comedogenic makeup and sunscreen.

• Be careful with DIY remedies such as toothpaste, lemon juice, baking soda, or undiluted essential oils. These can burn or irritate the skin and may leave worse discoloration than the original pimple.

• Avoid using several “active” products together just because they are popular online. Your skin barrier needs consistency more than intensity.

When to see a dermatologist

Book an appointment if you have painful nodules or cysts, acne scars, sudden severe acne, persistent acne after about three months of consistent over-the-counter treatment, or acne that is making you anxious, depressed, or socially withdrawn.

A dermatologist can offer prescription-strength retinoids, combination treatments, oral medications, hormonal treatment options, or procedures when appropriate. Current dermatology guidance supports topical benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and combination approaches; treatment selection should reflect acne severity, skin sensitivity, and personal health factors.aad+1

The most important message is this: keep your routine basic, introduce one active ingredient at a time, moisturize even if your skin is oily, and wear sunscreen daily. Clearer skin usually comes from a steady routine practiced for months—not from harsh products used for a few days.