Hi, I’m Suysh Jain, founder of Dear Me — and just like you, I’ve struggled with acne-prone skin.
Not just once in a while, but the kind that lingers, flares up without warning, and quietly chips away at your confidence.
I’ve tried it all — home remedies, harsh actives, expensive treatments — hoping for that one miracle fix. But acne doesn’t work that way. What I’ve learned over the past 5 years is that managing acne is not about quick fixes; it’s about understanding your skin, your triggers, and finding a routine that truly supports healing from within.
This blog isn’t a copy-paste solution. It’s a blueprint — built from my own journey, backed by science, rooted in Ayurveda, and tested through real, lived experience. If you’re tired, overwhelmed, or just need a starting point that feels real — you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive in.
Tretinoin: The Gold Standard for Acne — But Go Slow
Tretinoin is a powerful, prescription-strength form of Vitamin A that helps your skin do three amazing things:
✔️ Unclog pores
✔️ Speed up cell turnover
✔️ Fade acne marks and improve texture over time
It’s one of the most effective ingredients for treating acne — but it’s also strong. If you’ve never used it before, start slow and low. I’d suggest beginning with 0.025%, just a few times a week at night. Give your skin time to adjust. If it tolerates it well over a few months, you can gradually increase to 0.05% or even 0.1% — only if needed.
Important: Always apply it on clean, completely dry skin, at night. And never skip your moisturizer and sunscreen when using it.
Since it’s a potent active, it’s best to consult a dermatologist before starting — especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
Isotretinoin: The Last Resort for Severe Acne
You might’ve heard of Isotretinoin by its older brand name, Accutane. It’s basically the oral version of Tretinoin — and yes, it works. It can completely transform skin for people suffering from extreme, cystic, or scarring acne.
But here’s the thing: it comes with serious side effects — from dry skin and cracked lips to mood changes, liver impact, and risks during pregnancy. That’s why dermatologists usually recommend it only when absolutely nothing else has worked.
If your acne is manageable through skincare, lifestyle tweaks, and patience — I’d strongly advise staying away from Isotretinoin. It’s not a shortcut; it’s a serious medical treatment and should be taken only under strict doctor supervision.
A better and safer alternative for moderate to severe acne is Doxycycline, an oral antibiotic often prescribed for acne. It helps reduce inflammation and bacterial activity without the extreme risks of Isotretinoin. While it’s still important to consult a doctor before starting any oral medication, Doxycycline can be a gentler and more temporary solution that supports your skincare journey without the long-term baggage.
So unless your acne is truly severe and emotionally distressing, try other safer options first. Your skin doesn’t need extreme solutions — it needs the right ones.
AHA/BHA Peeling Solutions: Great Skin, But Handle with Care
Chemical exfoliants like AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) help shed dead skin, unclog pores, and reveal brighter, smoother skin underneath.
Some common ones you’ll find in over-the-counter products:
• Glycolic Acid (AHA) – targets dullness and texture
• Lactic Acid (AHA) – gentler option for sensitive skin
• Salicylic Acid (BHA) – great for oily, acne-prone skin
• Mandelic Acid (AHA) – slow-penetrating and mild
• Peeling solutions – often a mix of AHA+BHA (like The Ordinary’s red solution)
While these can work wonders, less is more. If you’re new to exfoliating acids, limit use to once a week. And absolutely stay out of direct sun exposure afterward — your skin becomes more photosensitive and prone to damage.
My personal favorite (and the one that worked best for me)? The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution — simple, effective, and budget-friendly. But even with that, always follow it up with moisturizer and SPF the next day.
And remember: over-exfoliation can break your skin barrier — and bring back more breakouts. So treat your skin with patience, not pressure.
Face Washes That Actually Work for Acne
Your face wash is your first line of defense — not just to clean, but to balance your skin. Here are three types I’ve used and would recommend based on how acne behaves:
1. Salicylic Acid Face Wash
Best for: Oily, acne-prone skin
Salicylic acid (a BHA) dives deep into pores, dissolves excess oil, and helps clear out blackheads and whiteheads. It’s gentle enough for daily use in most cases, and great for preventing future breakouts too.
Tip: Avoid if your skin feels dry or tight — alternate with a gentle cleanser instead.
2. Glycolic Acid Face Wash
Best for: Dull skin with acne marks or uneven texture
Glycolic acid (an AHA) helps exfoliate the top layer of your skin. It fades old acne marks, smooths out rough texture, and gives a glow over time.
3. Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam
Best for: Sensitive and irritated acne-prone skin
This is a super gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. It contains montaline C40 (an antibacterial agent) but without drying or stripping your skin. Perfect if your acne gets worse with harsh products or if you’re on actives like tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide.
Tip: Great option for morning cleanses or minimal routines.
Choosing the right face wash is about balance. You don’t need it to “do everything” — just to cleanse without messing up your barrier. Simpler is better.
Moisturizer: Don’t Skip It — Heal Your Barrier
If you have acne-prone skin, skipping moisturizer might seem like a good idea — but it’s actually one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
Even oily and acne-prone skin needs moisture. Why? Because when your skin is dehydrated or damaged, it overcompensates by producing more oil, which leads to — you guessed it — more breakouts.
What you need is a barrier-repairing moisturizer — something that soothes, hydrates, and strengthens your skin without clogging pores.
Look for ingredients like:
• Ceramides – rebuild the skin barrier
• Niacinamide – calms inflammation and controls oil
• Panthenol – deeply soothes irritated skin
• Squalane – hydrates without feeling greasy
• Centella Asiatica – great for calming redness and healing acne
Whether you’re using actives like Tretinoin, exfoliants, or just want to protect your skin — a good moisturizer is non-negotiable.
Tip: Go for gel-cream or lightweight formulations if your skin is oily. Your skin will thank you.
Serums: Targeted Treatment, Big Results (When Chosen Right)
Serums are like the concentrated problem-solvers of your routine — packed with active ingredients that go deeper than your moisturizer. But if you have acne-prone skin, picking the right serum is everything.
You don’t need ten serums. You need one or two that actually support your skin — without overwhelming it.
Here are some serum ingredients that work beautifully for acne-prone skin:
• Niacinamide (4–10%) – balances oil, fades marks, and strengthens skin
• Azelaic Acid (10%) – anti-inflammatory, unclogs pores, fades pigmentation, and gentle enough for sensitive skin
• Tranexamic Acid – great for post-acne pigmentation and calming redness
• Salicylic Acid (BHA) – targets active breakouts and congestion
• Centella Asiatica / Madecassoside – soothes and heals irritated skin
Avoid layering too many actives together. Let one good serum work consistently over time. And if you’re using Tretinoin or exfoliating acids, go for calming or barrier-supporting serums to balance things out.
Personal note: At Dear Me, I formulated our Sacred Secret Serum for this very reason — to calm, heal, and support acne-prone skin without harshness. It’s always about long-term balance, not short-term aggression.
Clindamycin: A Spot Fighter That Works Quietly but Powerfully
Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that helps reduce the bacteria responsible for acne. If you’re dealing with inflamed, red pimples, it can be a really effective spot treatment.
The ideal way to use it in your night routine is to apply a thin layer of Clindamycin 1% only on active breakouts, right after cleansing. Once it dries, you can follow it up with your Vitamin A — either Tretinoin or Adapalene, applied in a pea-sized amount across the rest of your face (avoiding the areas you spot-treated). After that, layer on a barrier-friendly serum to calm your skin, and finish with a moisturizer that seals in everything.
This routine works like a team — Clindamycin targets active acne, Vitamin A helps prevent future breakouts and improve skin texture, and the serum + moisturizer keep your barrier strong. Just remember: Clindamycin is best used only during flare-ups and should not be overused.
And if you’re on this kind of routine, SPF in the morning is non-negotiable.
Sunscreen: Your Skin’s Daily Shield (Even If You’re Indoors)
If there’s one thing you must commit to when managing acne — especially if you’re using actives like Tretinoin, exfoliants, or Clindamycin — it’s sunscreen. Without it, your skin becomes more vulnerable to sun damage, pigmentation, and even slower healing of breakouts. For acne-prone skin, I always recommend going for a mineral sunscreen — it’s gentler, non-comedogenic, and less likely to clog pores or trigger new breakouts.
If you’re on a budget, here’s a surprisingly effective combo I personally swear by: apply a zinc oxide 15% cream (baby rash cream), and layer it with Acne UV sunscreen by IPCA. This duo offers great broad-spectrum protection, feels light, and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. Whatever you pick, just make sure to apply enough and reapply during the day if you’re outdoors. Sunscreen isn’t just a step — it’s your skin’s daily defense.
Omega 3-6-9: Heal Your Skin From Within
When it comes to managing acne, what you put inside your body is just as important as what you apply on your skin. Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids are essential for reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and keeping your skin barrier strong — all of which directly impact acne. If you’re dealing with stubborn, inflamed breakouts, this could be a game-changer.
If you’re vegetarian, you can take flaxseed oil capsules (rich in plant-based omega-3), and if you’re non-vegetarian, cod liver oil capsules are a great source of omega-3 along with vitamins A and D. Just one capsule a day after a meal is enough. Over time, you may notice reduced redness, fewer flare-ups, and even faster healing of post-acne marks. It’s not a quick fix, but it works subtly from the inside — supporting your skin in staying calm, clear, and resilient.
Intermittent Fasting: Let Your Skin Breathe From the Inside Out
One of the lesser-known but truly powerful ways to support acne-prone skin is through intermittent fasting — especially the 16:8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window.
Here’s how it helps: when you fast, your body gets a break from constant digestion and insulin spikes. This leads to better hormonal balance, reduced inflammation, and improved gut health — all of which are deeply linked to acne. High insulin levels, sluggish digestion, and hormone imbalances often reflect as breakouts — especially along the jawline or cheeks.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, giving your digestive fire (agni) time to rest and reset plays a crucial role in balancing the doshas, particularly Pitta, which is responsible for heat and inflammation in the body — often seen in active acne. Ayurveda teaches that undigested food and toxins (ama) build up in the body and show up on the skin. Intermittent fasting, in a way, is a modern method that echoes this ancient wisdom.
Speaking personally, intermittent fasting has made a huge difference in my journey. When I stuck to a regular 16:8 routine, not only did my energy improve, but my skin started breaking out less — especially the deep, painful kind of acne. It wasn’t magic, but it supported everything else I was doing topically.
Cutting Down Sugar: A Simple but Powerful Shift
If there’s one internal trigger that silently worsens acne, it’s sugar. Refined sugar causes your insulin levels to spike, which then leads to an increase in androgens — hormones that trigger excess oil production and clogged pores. Over time, this creates the perfect environment for breakouts to thrive.
I won’t lie — cutting sugar was one of the hardest things I did. But it was also one of the most rewarding. The less sugar I had, the calmer and less inflamed my skin became. If you can, try to cut it down to zero — or as close to it as possible. Your skin will thank you.
This doesn’t mean you can’t ever enjoy life. Just choose natural sugars in moderation (like fruits or dates), and stay away from sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and desserts. The change won’t happen overnight — but if you stay consistent, you’ll see it on your face.
Prebiotics & Probiotics: Heal the Gut, Clear the Skin
A lot of people don’t realize this — but your gut health and skin health are deeply connected. When your gut is imbalanced or inflamed, it often shows up as acne, sensitivity, or dullness on the skin. That’s where prebiotics and probiotics come in — they help feed the good bacteria in your gut, reduce internal inflammation, and support better digestion and detoxification.
For me, adding a simple probiotic to my routine made a real difference. I started drinking Yakult — just one small bottle before bed. It’s affordable, easily available, and a gentle way to introduce healthy bacteria into your system. Over time, I noticed less bloating, more regular digestion, and slowly, clearer skin.
You don’t need to go overboard with supplements. Start with something simple, stay consistent, and your gut (and skin) will start reflecting the balance you’re building inside.
Green Tea on an Empty Stomach: A Calm Start for Clearer Skin
One of the simplest yet most underrated habits that helped me on my acne journey was drinking green tea first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. Green tea is packed with antioxidants, especially EGCG, which helps reduce inflammation, oil production, and even fights acne-causing bacteria.
It’s a gentle detoxifier that supports both liver function and hormonal balance, both of which play a major role in keeping your skin clear. And the best part? It’s calming — for your body and mind. If you’re someone who wakes up feeling bloated, inflamed, or sluggish, try making a warm cup of green tea your daily ritual.
Just one cup every morning before breakfast — give it a few weeks, and you’ll feel the shift not just in your skin, but in your overall energy and digestion too.
Follow NoFap: The Mind-Skin Connection
You’ll often hear people say there’s no direct link between acne and masturbation — and medically, that’s somewhat true. But in my experience, and in countless stories I’ve come across, there’s definitely an indirect connection that can’t be ignored.
Excessive masturbation or porn consumption can lead to hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased androgen activity, which in some people can result in oilier skin and more breakouts. Beyond that, it impacts mental clarity, energy levels, sleep quality, and even self-discipline — all of which contribute to how your body heals, functions, and yes, how your skin behaves.
When I started practicing NoFap, I noticed subtle but powerful changes — clearer skin, more emotional stability, and a deeper sense of control over my habits. It’s not just about stopping something; it’s about channeling your energy into healing and self-respect.
NoFap may not be a cure for acne, but it can be a powerful supporting practice on your journey toward balance — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Daily Meditation: Because Clear Skin Starts With a Calm Mind
Acne isn’t just skin deep — it often reflects what’s going on inside. Stress, anxiety, and emotional restlessness can trigger hormonal imbalances, increase inflammation, and make your skin more reactive. That’s where daily meditation becomes more than just a mental health tool — it becomes a part of your skincare ritual.
Even just 10 minutes a day of sitting still, focusing on your breath, or practicing mindfulness can help lower cortisol (your stress hormone), improve sleep, and bring your nervous system into balance. And when your mind is calm, your body naturally follows — including your skin.
For me, meditation became a quiet moment to reconnect with myself — to stop obsessing over every new breakout and start trusting the process. Healing, I realized, isn’t just topical. It’s energetic. And meditation gave me that space to heal from within.
If you’re starting out, don’t worry about doing it perfectly. Just show up daily — your breath, your presence, and your intention are more powerful than you think.
Reduce Dairy: Your Skin Might Be Telling You Something
One of the most common hidden triggers for acne is dairy — especially milk and milk-based products like cheese, butter, and ice cream. While it doesn’t cause acne in everyone, for many people (including me), cutting down on dairy led to noticeably calmer, less inflamed skin.
Here’s why: dairy contains natural hormones that can disrupt your own hormonal balance, leading to excess oil production and clogged pores. It can also spike insulin levels, which is another common trigger for breakouts — especially around the jawline and chin.
If you’re struggling with recurring acne, try going dairy-free for a few weeks. Switch to almond, oat, or coconut milk, and observe how your skin responds. You don’t have to give it up forever — but sometimes, even reducing your intake can make a huge difference.
For me, replacing my daily milk tea with dairy-free alternatives and avoiding cheese helped more than any product ever did. Listen to your body — sometimes the simplest changes have the most powerful results.
Change Your Pillowcases Daily: Small Habit, Big Impact
This one might sound too simple to matter — but trust me, it does. Your pillowcase collects oil, sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria every single night. And if you’re sleeping on the same one for days, you’re pressing all of that grime back into your skin — especially if you sleep on your side or stomach.
When I started changing my pillowcase daily, I noticed fewer random breakouts and less irritation, especially on my cheeks and jawline. It’s such a small effort, but it helps keep your skin in a clean, healing environment — which matters when you’re doing so much work with products and lifestyle changes.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you — not just for reading, but for caring enough about your skin to seek something deeper than quick fixes.
I’ve lived with acne. I’ve felt the frustration, the helplessness, the self-consciousness. I’ve tried dozens of products, routines, and diets. And what I’ve learned is this: acne is never just about the surface. It’s a reflection of your lifestyle, your gut, your hormones, your stress, and sometimes, your emotional state. Healing it means addressing all of it — slowly, gently, and consistently.
There is no one magic product. But there is a magic formula: a mix of small, mindful habits — clean eating, stress management, barrier-loving skincare, and inner healing. And most importantly, patience.
And that’s exactly why I built Dear Me — for people like you and me who’ve struggled with sensitive, acne-prone skin and couldn’t find products that truly understood us. I wanted to create something that merged the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with the precision and potency of modern science — without the harshness, without the marketing gimmicks, and without compromising on safety for reactive skin.
Our vision at Dear Me is simple: to offer you skincare that doesn’t just treat your skin — it understands it. Especially when your skin needs the most love and care.
Don’t chase perfect skin. Chase balance. Learn to listen to your body. Show up for your skin with care, not punishment. You’re not alone in this — I’m just a guy who went through it too, and finally found a way to work with his skin, not against it.
Trust the process. Be consistent. And above all, be kind to yourself — because real healing always begins there.
