How to Choose the Best Clinique Acne Cleansers & Exfoliants — with Dermatologist-Tested Solutions

Healthy, even-toned skin starts with a smart routine: cleansing, exfoliating, treating, and protecting. Here’s how to build the right steps for clearer, more balanced skin — using Clinique’s dermatologist-tested formulas designed to help reduce breakouts and visibly improve dark spots.

1. Start with Gentle Medicated Cleansing to Clear Skin

Begin your routine with a cleanser made for acne-prone skin. It helps remove dirt, excess oil, and buildup that can clog pores and lead to breakouts or dark marks.

Try: Clinique Acne Solutions™ Cleansing Foam — daily medicated face cleanser with 1.5% salicylic acid that helps clear and prevent acne and unclog pores.

Quick Tip: Use morning and night for best results — but don’t over-cleanse, which can irritate skin and make marks linger longer.

2. Choose a Light Exfoliant to Smooth Texture & Reduce Uneven Tone

A gentle exfoliant helps sweep away dead surface cells so your skin looks smoother and feels refreshed. It also helps brighten the appearance of post-acne marks and uneven tone.

Try: Clinique Clarifying Lotion (choose your formula by skin type) — refreshing exfoliating lotion that removes dulling flakes and excess oil to reveal clearer-looking skin.

Quick Tip: Exfoliate once or twice a day depending on how your skin feels — if you notice redness or tightness, cut back to once daily.

3. Use a Targeted Treatment Serum for Dark Spots or Post-Acne Marks

After cleansing and exfoliating, reach for a serum that visibly improves dark spots, uneven tone, and post-acne marks.

Try: Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Clearing Serum — helps visibly reduce dark spots, including post-acne marks, and improves radiance. Dermatologist developed and tested. Safe for sensitive skin.

Quick Tip: Apply morning and night after exfoliation, and always follow with SPF during the day to protect your progress.

4. Lock in Hydration with a Brightening Moisturizer

Hydration keeps skin balanced and comfortable — even if you’re treating breakouts. A lightweight moisturizer supports a more even look and helps strengthen skin’s barrier.

Try: Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Brightening Moisturizer — lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates and helps visibly improve multiple dimensions of discoloration.

Quick Tip: Skipping moisturizer can actually make oily or breakout-prone skin worse. Hydrated skin stays calmer and looks smoother.

5. Always Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen to Prevent New Spots

UV rays are a top trigger for dark spots and uneven tone. SPF is your best defense — and your best brightening partner.

Try: Clinique Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector — energizing, sheer, weightless sunscreen with SPF 50 for daily protection. Dermatologist tested and allergy tested.

Quick Tip: Apply as your final step every morning and reapply throughout the day if you’re outdoors. Consistent sun protection helps prevent new spots from appearing.

Wrap-Up

Consistent care is everything. By cleansing, exfoliating, treating, hydrating, and protecting every day, you’ll help your skin look clearer, smoother, and more even-toned over time. With dermatologist-tested formulas and a simple, effective routine, you can reveal your healthiest-looking skin yet.