5 Best CeraVe Products for Acne

Acne can be a real pain - both literally and figuratively! Whether you're dealing with whiteheads, blackheads, or painful cystic acne, the appearance of acne can be improved with the help of a consistent skincare routine.

The key to improving acne-prone skin is to stick with simple, back-to-basics formulas - which is why Cerave is currently one of the best skincare brands on the market for treating acne and pimples. In this guide, we're going to give you our top tips for keeping acne at bay - with the help of the best Cerave products for acne. Let's take a look!

Who is CeraVe?

CeraVe is a skincare brand that's beloved by dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts alike. Their range of gentle yet effective products use ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to help keep your skin soft, hydrated, and healthy - all without irritating sensitive areas.

Is CeraVe good for acne?

Yes! What makes CeraVe an acne-friendly brand is their simple approach to skincare; CeraVe products are formulated with non-irritating ingredients, and packed with nourishing actives like retinol, ceramides and salicylic acid, all of which are known to improve and help manage acne.

What are the best CeraVe products for acne?

So, what Cerave products do we recommend for acne sufferers? From face washes to serums, here are our top 5 picks (and we've even included instructions on how to use them too!)

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Retinol is a must-have for any anti-acne routine; a derivative of Vitamin A, retinol helps speed up the skin cell turnover process, meaning that any existing blemishes, pimples and imperfections will heal faster, and new ones can be prevented before they even appear. Retinol even helps improve acne scarring and dull skin, and CeraVe's formula is enriched with licorice root and ceramides to brighten, nourish, and protect the skin's all-important barrier.

How to use: Start by using the serum twice a week, using a thin layer of product before your usual moisturiser. Once your skin gets used to the formula, you can start increasing frequency up to once every other day for maximum effectiveness. Retinol can cause sensitivity and purging at first, so do expect some pop-up pimples in the first few weeks. Make sure to use sunscreen after using any retinol-enriched products, as retinol also increases sun sensitivity!

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

When it comes to keeping acne at bay, a good cleanser is your first step. CeraVe's Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is formulated with bacteria-busting benzoyl peroxide (4%), so you can keep your skin clean and clear even if you've been wearing a full face of make-up all day. The formula also includes hydrating hyaluronic acid, making it gentle enough to use every day, while also keeping the skin free from irritation and dehydration.

How to use: Use AM and PM, before following up with your usual skincare products. While you can use this cleanser to remove make-up, you might prefer to use a make-up remover first, before using this cleanser to clear out the pores and any lingering bacteria and dirt.

AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with Sunscreen

Excess oil = pimples, so you might think that skipping on the moisturiser is the best bet for acne-prone skin. Wrong! If you don't keep your skin hydrated, it can begin overproducing sebum and oil to compensate, and you end up causing even more clogged pores and pimples. To avoid this, a lightweight moisturiser is a must-have for any anti-acne routine. CeraVe's AM Facial Moisturising lotion is made with 3 essential ceramides to protect the skin's natural barrier, while also coming with an SPF50 to protect the skin from sun damage. Being both non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, this moisturiser won't irritate, inflame, or clog acne-prone skin.

How to use: In the morning, perform your usual cleansing routine using either the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, or another anti-acne cleanser of your choice. Follow up with any serums, toners, or facial oils, before using the AM Facial Moisturising Lotion as the last step in your morning skincare routine.

PM Facial Moisturising Lotion

As important as it is to keep your skin hydrated during the day, you'll also want to ensure that you're performing a thorough and comprehensive nighttime skincare routine; after all, it's during sleep that your skin works the most to repair and renew itself! CeraVe's PM Facial Moisturising Lotion is formulated with skin-nourishing ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, as well as niacinamide, which helps shrink pores and resurface uneven skin texture - the perfect blend of acne-fighting actives!

How to use: After cleansing, toning, and using any other serums, apply a regular layer of the moisturiser over your face and neck, making sure to avoid the delicate eye area. Use every night for best results.

Smoothing SA Cleanser

If you also experience acne on your chest, back, or other areas of your body, CeraVe's Smoothing SA cleanser to help to clear it up. Formulated with classic actives including salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid, this cleanser targets all manner of pimples and bumps. While this cleanser might not be the best to use on your face if you have oily skin (it's formulated for dry and rough skin) it's still a great way to say adieu to body acne.

How to use: Apply the cleanser onto damp skin and massage into a lather. Rinse with water, before drying off with a towel. You can follow up with your usual body moisturiser, or opt for an acne-fighting spot cream if you need it.

How to keep acne at bay: tips and tricks

Aside from keeping consistent with your skincare routine and using the right products, there are a few other steps you can take to keep acne at bay. These include:

1. Drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy, balanced diet

2. Changing your bedding and pillow cases regularly

3. Trying to avoid touching your face - our hands contain lots of oil, even if it isn’t fully visible!

4. Avoiding comedogenic ingredients in your skincare and make-up products

5. Cleaning your cosmetic brushes and face towels regularly

By following these tips and making use of one or more of the CeraVe products listed above, you can stay acne-free all year round.