Yeah, I Still Get Pimples at 43 Years Old. Here’s How I Clear ‘Em Up.

This cleanser is the first step in both my morning and nighttime routines. It checks two big boxes for me: It foams up just enough to feel like it’s working, and it leaves my skin feeling clean without that tight, stripped feeling that can actually make acne worse. Bonus points for the little clear circle on the back of the bottle that shows how much is left.

This is my go-to exfoliator for keeping my pores clear, which is a big part of my acne routine. I use it once or twice per week when my skin is feeling dull or a little clogged. The texture is thick and grainy, almost like a cement paste (in the best way). I work it in gently, focusing around my nose and into my beard and stache where oil and dead skin tend to build up. After rinsing it off, my skin feels noticeably smoother and ready to take in the rest of my products. Always follow with a moisturizer so you don’t dry your skin out.

This one’s loaded with hypochlorous acid, the ingredient Dr. Z says is quietly blowing up in acne care. Your body actually makes it naturally to fight bacteria and calm inflammation, so using it topically can help keep breakouts from spiraling while also soothing the ones that pop up. This serum is super lightweight, absorbs fast, and gives you a hit of hydration without feeling greasy or heavy. I like it as a post-sweat refresh or right after cleansing at night, so it can do its thing while my skin recovers.

This is a solid over-the-counter option when you need to spot treat a breakout or keep acne-prone areas clear. It contains 2% salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation, plus a blend of ceramides to support your skin barrier so you avoid over-drying your face. I use it directly on trouble spots or in a thin layer over areas where I tend to break out, usually at night, so it can work while I sleep.

I reach for this when I’m home and feel a breakout starting to hurt under the surface. A quick spritz helps calm the pain and, in my experience, keeps it from getting worse. It’s been my go-to “break glass in case of emergency” product for years.

I grab these patches when I’m heading into the office or logging onto Zoom all day. They’re light, stay in place, and are nearly invisible, so nobody can tell they’re there. They double as a barrier to keep my hands off my face and quietly pull gunk out from underneath. If I’m home and it’s more about calming pain fast, I’ll reach for the Cool Skin spray instead.