If you're confused about skincare, here is some basic advice from WebMD, top dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler, skin-care expert Paula Begoun, and others that might be helpful, along with help on choosing products, which is really important if you're acne-prone! There are many excellent products and brands to choose from.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
BASIC SKIN-CARE ROUTINE
BASIC PRODUCTS
LEARN MORE ABOUT SKIN-CARE
DIET
OTHER TIPS
SOURCES
BASIC SKIN-CARE ROUTINE:
Below are basic tips recommended by WebMD, Paula Begoun, Dr. Amy Wechsler and others.
CLEANSE
Do not use a bar soup, as they are usually alkaline and can leave a film on your skin, clog pores, and block other ingredients from absorbing (1). Choose a water soluble cleanser (2). The cleanser should be fragrance-free and should not include drying ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate. You can remove it with a soft washcloth, but do not pull at your skin. I'd like to add a note to this: Apply the cleanser in circular motions for at least 20 seconds so that the cleanser has time to do its job, break down oils, etc. 20 seconds of rubbing hands with soap is what the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends when washing hands, so why not apply this logic to your face (3)?
TONE
Use a gentle, water-based toner. Avoid those with alcohol, astringents like witch hazel, menthol, citrus, or fragrances (4).
EXFOLIATE
Salicylic acid (BHA) (2) reduces inflammation, swelling, and redness, all of which can help the skin heal. It can also kill acne inducing bacteria, and it exfoliates deep into pores. Use at least .5%, but 1% or 2% is better, and the formula should have a PH between 3 and 4 (4). If you cannot use BHA, you can try an 8% AHA.
BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Recommended by WebMD for acne (2) and stated to kill bacteria (5), BP is the most effective over-the-counter choice for going deep into the pores and killing acne causing bacteria (1). You can start with a 2.5% concentration and move up from there (4). Dr. Amy Wechsler recommends trying BHAs for 3 weeks before trying Benzoyl Peroxide. She recommends cleansing once a day with a 10% BP solution, if you can handle it, and for the occasional blemish, she recommends spot treating with the lowest strength possible (6). Rinse thoroughly, as residue of BP can bleach fabrics and hair.
If BP doesn't work for you, consider tretinoin (Retin-A), which encourages cell turnover and helps stop new acne lesions from forming (5). It's also fabulous for anti-aging! Do not use Retin-A with BP at the same time, as BP will inactivate Retin-A (1). My note: BP can cause irritation, so I recommend it only as a temporary use. Retin-A should only be used at night and should be washed off in the morning followed by the application of a full-spectrum sunscreen.
MOISTURIZE
Be sure to use one that's formulated for your skin's type, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. For sunscreen, I recommend an oil-free moisturizer (if your skin is oily) with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (for safety reasons, make sure the nanoparticles of these are greater than 30nm (7) so as to not risk being absorbed through your skin).
ABSORB EXCESS OIL
You can use oil-blotting paper or absorbent masks to help with excess oil such as a clay mask or even Phillip's Milk of Magnesia works well as a mask.
TEA TREE OIL
Tea tree oil is another option for killing bacteria (2).
BASIC PRODUCTS:
Look for pH balanced products that contain antioxidants, skin-repairing ingredients (like niacinamide), anti-irritants (like green tea), and cell-communicating ingredients (like niacinamide and retinols). They should be free of skin-irritants (like lavender), fragrances and dyes.
Check out reviews of your current products at the below sources.
Beautypedia's Product Evaluations
Consumer Search: Health & Beauty Reviews
About.com Skin-Care Product Reviews
If your products aren't listed, you can check out their ingredients at the below links. If you know of other good sources for this, please let me know:
Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary
Ingredients that Cause or Exacerbate Acne
Concerned about the safety of your products?
EWG's Cosmetic Safety Database
Note: I prefer all-natural products, but because I have yet to find a well-formulated, natural product without skin irritants, I have chosen to use synthetics for facial care. However, I use all-natural body lotions (fragrance-free), etc.
Anti-acne product recommendations by Paula, Dr. Amy Wechsler and Acne.org:
Beautypedia - Best Anti-Acne Products
Get Flawless Skin - Dr. Amy's Skin-Care Treatment Guide
LEARN MORE ABOUT SKIN-CARE:
Dr. Oz Skin-Care Articles, Q&A, etc.
DIET:
Have to put in a diet plug here as well. Avoid dairy and choose a low-glycemic diet (8). Avoid meat and saturated fats (10). Many people are allergic to gluten, so consider gluten-free foods. Choose foods that are anti-inflammatory, such as whole, unprocessed plant-foods (10), and I can't recommend more highly the addition of daily blended greens (click here), which are in my opinion, essential for healthy skin.
Fish oil (or a DHA oil), Vitamin D, probiotics, and a food-based multi-vitamin are all helpful and recommended for basic health as well.
Making healthful changes for your skin, especially if doing a mostly whole, plant-based diet, will also help keep your body free from diseases like cancer, heart-disease and diabetes, according to Dr. T. Colin Campbell, who did the most thorough study on nutrition ever done when he conducted The China Study (9).
Check out this article from Paula Begoun: 5 Anti-Aging Superfoods for Younger-Looking Skin
OTHER TIPS:
Don't pick at your skin, don't get hair products on your skin, wash off sweat, avoid prescription drugs, get adequate sleep, exercise, and find time each day to de-stress. Don't let acne rob you of love, joy and compassion in your life. Acne is annoying, but taking the focus off of yourself and focusing on love and compassion towards others can help. Besides faith (for me), nothing will bring you more happiness than a heart full of compassion, just ask Roko Belic, director of the movie, "Happy!" (11)
Best Wishes!
SOURCES
(1) Best Acne Fighting Products
(2) WebMD. Acne Home Treatment
(3) CDC. Handwashing
(5) Cornell. Acne Treatment (topical, systemic)
(6) Get Flawless Skin - Dr. Amy's Skin-Care Treatment Guide
(7) Towards a definition of inorganic nanoparticles from an environmental, health and safety perspective
(9) The China Study
(10) Acne Vulgaris: Overview and Risk Factors
(11) Culture of Empathy
The below product recommendations are well-formulated, recommended for acne by Paula Begoun, and were found at http://www.cosmeticscop.com/best-acne-fighting-products.aspx
Best Gentle, Water-Soluble Cleansers for Acne:
Best Topical Disinfectants (Benzoyl Peroxide) for Acne:
Best Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid) Exfoliants for Acne:
Best Oil-Absorbing Products for Acne and/or Oily Skin:
jokerj,
Hey there! 
Thank you so much! Really glad you like the post! And thank you for pointing out the tidbit about BP!! I'm not sure where I got that information, but upon googling again, your statement is backed up by several sources, including Paula Begoun, so I must have gotten confused along the way (yikes!). I think it's one of the few facts I didn't source too (go figure!). This thread is supposed to help condense all of the most helpful, basic and effective skin-care tips, so the last thing I want to do is spread misinformation! I have already made the change, and thank you again for alerting me! I really appreciate it!
jokerj,
Aw, so nice! Thank you! About the BHA, I think it was referring to Butylated Hydroxyanisole instead of Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid)? Paula Begoun's ingredient dictionary at Cosmetics Cop (my favorite ingredient dictionary) didn't give Butylated Hydroxyanisole good remarks either. I didn't realize until now that BHA stood for another ingredient!
AcneSlayer,
Thank you so much for your support! It's great to hear, and I'm really glad you like it!
ahh, that makes sense! how confusing! it is my favorite, too
Oh, Fairy! Help me!!! I believe you so much! I was reading a post where you said that if we have the right nutrients we should overcome acne, no need to starve ourselves
I drink one green smoothie a day, not enough right? I know our body needs so many nutrients! I should wait until I am hungry and then go for a green smoothie right away!
I have probably 2 cups worth of smoothie?
What do you recommend? Did you ever have back acne?
Leafy greens rock the world!!
Dr. Fuhrman! Oh, you are such an amazing woman! I know with you and people spreading your hope and cure that we can conquer acne!
I also find that I take a handful of spinach and my smoothie ends of having a slight corn flavor, I am probably using too much. How much leafy greens should an acne free person eat a day?
with the bulk of the leaves it is hard to measure a cup, should I have a shredded cup or a bulky one?
Also is fish oil necessary? I mean Africans in the savanna did not have access to fish centuries ago. There are omega 3's in plants and greens! I don't like flax.
Crystaltheparislover, (cute name!)
First off, thank you for the very kind words! It's my pleasure to spread helpful information.
Is one green smoothie all you eat all day? I definitely advise more food! You can PM me, and I'll send you a handout that has food recommendations for the day along with recipes.
I would aim for at least 2 cups of green smoothie a day. Try to get in one serving (or at least 2 if you're struggling with acne) of fresh greens and one of cooked greens, like steamed broccoli or collard greens. You can also blend greens and add them to cooked foods like spaghetti sauces and soups. You can supplement your diet with powdered greens as well but still get in fresh.
Instead of going by measurements, I usually just advise a large handful of greens, which would probably yield a little over a cup. I don't think I've ever actually measured! I'm like that with everything though... I usually just throw stuff in.... which makes it really hard to come up with recipes for the dishes I make! haha!
So glad you're watching Dr. Fuhrman videos! He is great!!
There is controversy about fish oil. Dr. Fuhrman has an omega 3 supplement that you might want to try - it's derived from algae I think. Some argue that we get all the omega 3's we need from our food, but for one with acne, I definitely advise supplementing with it until the condition improves. Be sure you are taking vitamin D as well!!
You are definitely on the right track!! 
Crystaltheparislover, (cute name!)
First off, thank you for the very kind words! It's my pleasure to spread helpful information.
Is one green smoothie all you eat all day? I definitely advise more food! You can PM me, and I'll send you a handout that has food recommendations for the day along with recipes.
I would aim for at least 2 cups of green smoothie a day. Try to get in one serving (or at least 2 if you're struggling with acne) of fresh greens and one of cooked greens, like steamed broccoli or collard greens. You can also blend greens and add them to cooked foods like spaghetti sauces and soups. You can supplement your diet with powdered greens as well but still get in fresh.
Instead of going by measurements, I usually just advise a large handful of greens, which would probably yield a little over a cup. I don't think I've ever actually measured! I'm like that with everything though... I usually just throw stuff in.... which makes it really hard to come up with recipes for the dishes I make! haha!
So glad you're watching Dr. Fuhrman videos! He is great!!
There is controversy about fish oil. Dr. Fuhrman has an omega 3 supplement that you might want to try - it's derived from algae I think. Some argue that we get all the omega 3's we need from our food, but for one with acne, I definitely advise supplementing with it until the condition improves. Be sure you are taking vitamin D as well!!
You are definitely on the right track!!
I will definitely up my green smoothie intake! I believe my vitamin levels are low, as with most people with acne! I do eat other food besides the smoothies of course, I was a bit vague, sorry! I am going to have a sweet potato right now, do you know what I can replace butter with?
I am going to eat more salads with my two to 3 green smoothies a day, and eat more fruit! I want my baby soft skin back from years ago, and I know this is the right track!
Oh, for Vitamin D, since it's summer, I think those levels must be in check
Crystaltheparislover,
haha! I'm glad you eat more than just smoothies!! hehe Greens are our most high-nutrient foods, so you are on the right track with those! For sweet potatoes, I love adding Mexican seasonings and healthful chili-style type beans - yum!! You can replace butter with Butter Buds.
Be careful with the fruit, as it can be high in natural sugars. You might opt for low sugar fruits like pears, green apples and berries.
If you're getting plenty of sun, then yes, that's the best source of Vitamin D!!!
fetus,
Here are a couple links with suggestions... I'm assuming you have oily/combination skin: http://www.beautypedia.com/search.aspx?cid...4&rid=1%2c3
http://www.paulaschoice.com/product/clear-...ment-clear-skin
Hope this helps!
Some good advice here,
I recommend staying away from sodium lauryl sulfate too. It's not natural and when it get's into your blood stream it causes problems just like many other artificial and chemical based low quality skin care products.
I still wouldn't recommend benzoyl peroxide though, It just dried my skin out and made it red.
Plus I have read some things about benzoyl peroxide that have scared me far away from it! Just google it!
^ Good advice, thanks for sharing! I never liked BP either. I found it too harsh for my skin, but I know a lot of people really like it. However, just from my experience with it, and what you say you've discovered, I'd definitely recommend for people to gradually stop using it as soon as they can. For that, they'd most likely need a good nutrition plan along with continuing a good and basic skin-care plan.
I wanted to alert everyone that Paula Begoun (Paula's Choice) has a new skin-care line that's 98% natural! It's called Earth Sourced. I am excited about this, because in the past, I was never able to find a natural line that was well-formulated, but I know Paula's will be!
Love your post! A wise random man at sephora once told me if you still need to tone after cleansing that means the cleanser you are using is not working. My life had never been the same after that.
Also last year BP and Tea tree oil reck havok on my face! I had painful acne all over my face, painful to the touch!
But if it works ofr you I am happy for you <3