In short: a skin care routine for acne prone skin should keep pores clear and oil in check without stripping the skin.

With Repêchage Hydra Medic that means a foaming face wash and an astringent morning and night, the Beta Hydroxy Serum at night, a mattifying moisturizer, a drying lotion only on blemishes, and a clay mask twice a week, with a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning. This guide sets out the routine step by step, plus the habits that help and when to see a dermatologist.

Who Hydra Medic is for

Hydra Medic is the Repêchage collection for oily, blemish-prone skin: shine by midday, blackheads and whiteheads, and occasional breakouts. The formulas combine seaweed extracts with ingredients such as willow bark, salicylic acid and kaolin clay, along with botanicals such as basil, ylang ylang and rooibos. It is a care routine for skin that gets breakouts, not a medical treatment for acne.

Repêchage Hydra Medic Face Wash Foaming Gel Cleanser

The Hydra Medic routine

Twice a week:Hydra Medic Sea Mud Perfecting Mask, on a night you skip the serum.

How to use each step

• Face Wash: lather a small amount on wet skin and rinse well with clear water. Keep it away from the eyes.
• Astringent: after cleansing, smooth it over oily or blemish-prone areas with a cotton pad, avoiding the eyes.
• Beta Hydroxy Serum: an exfoliating serum with alpha and beta hydroxy acids. On clean skin, apply a thin layer to the areas of concern. The label recommends nightly use; if your skin is new to acids, start every other night.
• Mattifying Moisturizer: a thin layer on clean, dry skin, as often as needed, for a matte finish. Do not skip moisturizer on oily skin; dehydrated skin can look oilier.
• Drying Lotion: shake the bottle, dab it onto blemishes only, leave it overnight and wipe it off with a wet cotton pad in the morning.
• Sea Mud Mask: spread over cleansed skin, let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. The label suggests twice a week.

Use only one exfoliating product a night. On mask nights, skip the serum, and do not add scrubs or other acids to this routine.

Start with the Hydra Medic Starter Kit

The Hydra Medic Starter Kit holds the Face Wash, Astringent, Mattifying Moisturizer, Clear Complexion Drying Lotion and Sea Mud Perfecting Mask in travel sizes, so you can follow the routine for a few weeks before buying full sizes. The full range is on the Hydra Medic page.

Habits that help blemish-prone skin

• Do not pick or squeeze. It can spread inflammation and leave marks that last longer than the spot.
• Cleanse after sweating and at the end of every day, including sunscreen and makeup.
• Change pillowcases often and keep phone screens clean.
• Choose non-greasy products for sunscreen and makeup.
• Be patient. Give a routine several weeks as directed before judging it, and stop any product that causes stinging or redness.

Dark marks left by old breakouts fade slowly; daily sunscreen helps stop them getting darker. Our guide to how to remove tan from the face covers sun protection in detail.

Repêchage Hydra Medic Astringent Blemish Control

When to see a dermatologist

See a dermatologist if breakouts are painful, deep or cystic, leave scars, spread to the chest and back, appear suddenly in adulthood, or do not improve after a couple of months of good care. Acne can need prescription treatment, and a dermatologist can tell you how your home routine fits with it.

Combination skin instead?

If only your T-zone is oily and your cheeks are normal or dry, a balancing routine may suit you better. See our T-Zone Balance routine for combination skin, or browse the Oily and Acne Skin collection.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best skin care routine for acne prone skin?

A gentle cleanser and a toner for oily areas morning and night, an exfoliating serum at night, a light, non-greasy moisturizer, a spot treatment only on blemishes, a clay mask twice a week and a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.

Should oily skin use moisturizer?

Yes. A light, mattifying moisturizer keeps oily skin comfortable. Skipping it can leave skin dehydrated, which can make it look oilier.

How do I use the Hydra Medic Beta Hydroxy Serum?

Apply a thin layer to clean skin at night, on the areas of concern. Start every other night if your skin is new to acids, and wear sunscreen every morning.

Can I use the drying lotion all over my face?

No. Dab it only onto blemishes, leave it overnight and wipe it off in the morning.

How often should I use a clay mask on oily skin?

The Hydra Medic Sea Mud Perfecting Mask suggests twice a week. Use it on a night you skip other exfoliating products.

Can Hydra Medic be used with other Repêchage products?

Yes. A hydrating mist such as Algo Mist suits oily skin. Avoid combining it with other exfoliating products on the same night.

How long does it take to see a difference?

Many people notice less shine within a couple of weeks. Breakouts and marks take longer, and results vary. Give the routine several weeks as directed.

Is Hydra Medic a treatment for acne?

It is a care routine for oily, blemish-prone skin. For painful, persistent or scarring acne, see a dermatologist.

Sources and further reading

Further reading from dermatology organizations and published research:

• American Academy of Dermatology: Acne: Tips for managing
• American Academy of Dermatology: Moisturizer: Why you may need it if you have acne
• NHS: Acne