All acne sufferers should implement a skin-care routine alongside their acne treatment. The products you choose must be carefully selected to complement your treatment, particularly given that they can have a profound effect on the overall state of your acne. So many of todays acne products have harsh chemicals, which when combined with scrubbing or harsh toners, could make your acne worse.

Try and keep your skin-care routine as simple as possible. This is particularly important if you are already on prescription creams from your doctor, because of the likelihood that they will make your skin red and flaky. Here are some simple skin-care tips you should follow, in order to maximize your chance of tackling your acne:

1. Look for oil free products which will not further block pores in your skin.

2. If your skin is dry and flaky from applying acne creams, try and find an oil free moisturizer, and apply it as frequently as your skin needs it. Because these moisturizers do not contain oils, they do not lock in the moisture as much as their oil containing counterparts.

3. If youre using a soap free cleanser, ensure that it is balanced at around pH 5.5. Try and select one that you apply, foam up and wash off. This type of cleanser will not strip your skin of the natural oils that are present, and required for a healthy complexion.

4. When you wash your face do it with warm water, never hot water. Always finish up by gently patting your face dry, as opposed to scrubbing/rubbing it dry.

5. Exfoliate your skin at least once a week. This will help remove dead skin cells which can sometimes block pores on acne prone skin.

6. Avoid the use of toners. They are often alcohol based, and therefore dry out your skin much more than necessary. This will result in your skin feeling tight, and sometimes tingly.

If you follow these simple guidelines, you are unlikely to go far wrong, and will be well underway to a healthy, acne free complexion.