How a Dermatologist Treats Acne for Under $50

If you’ve ever struggled with acne, then you’re well aware of how difficult it can be to treat. Chances are, you’ve probably even tested more than a few pricey products in an attempt to banish the red bumps once and for all. But according to one dermatologist on TikTok, splurging might not be necessary.

In a now-viral video, board-certified dermatologist Muneeb Shah, MD (aka @DermDoctor) revealed that you can effectively treat acne for less than $50. The trick is to know which products to use and when to use them.

Since sharing this affordable routine (which currently adds up to right around $50 because, hey, prices vary depending on the day and where you shop), Dr. Shah’s post has amassed one million likes and over 5,000 comments from users. Suffice it to say, this drugstore regimen might be just what you’ve been hoping for. Keep scrolling to shop his picks.

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Cleanser

CeraVe Salicylic Acid Cleanser — $10.00

Dr. Shah suggests starting both your a.m. and p.m. acne-fighting routines with this gentle, salicylic acid-infused cleanser. Salicylic acid is a known ingredient for balancing oil production and sloughing away dead skin cells. It’s a beta-hydroxy acid that crystallizes to a size that’s small enough to get way down deep into your pores and clear away dirt and debris, effectively fighting breakouts from their source.

AM Treatment

Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Blackheads Daily Serum — $13.00

In the morning, slather on a layer of this benzoyl peroxide serum, which helps to kill acne-causing bacteria beneath the skin. It lowers the levels of acne-causing bacteria in your pores, otherwise known as propionibacterium acnes (or p.acnes for short), and reduces inflammation to help get rid of any big, angry pimples that are taking up real estate on your skin.

AM Moisturizer

Eucerin 4 oz. Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion SPF 30 — $4.00

This $4 moisturizer hydrates your skin while also offering it the appropriate daily dose of moisture. Everyone should be wearing sunscreen 365 days a year, but it’s extra important for those with acne-prone skin because sun damage can lead to permanent scarring in the aftermath of your breakouts.

PM Treatment

Differin Gel — $14.00

Differin is the drugstore diamond for squelching breakouts,  so it’s no surprise that it’s earned a spot in Dr. Shah’s affordable acne-care routine. It’s made with 0.1 percent adapalene—the strongest type of retinoid you can get over the counter—which stimulates cell turnover to replace the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin with healthy new ones. The result is a smooth, de-congested complexion that’s earned the dermatologist stamp of approval time and time again.

PM Moisturizer

Cetaphil Daily Advance Lotion — $14.00

There’s a common misconception that people with acne don’t need moisturizer, but that’s decidedly not true. Depriving your skin of moisture will cause your body to overproduce its own oils to try and hydrate itself, which can actually leave you more prone to breakouts.  With that in mind, Dr. Shah notes that you can finish off your evening routine with any hydrating moisturizer, but name-checks this drugstore pick as one of his favorites. It contains a five-ingredient blend designed to hydrate skin and lock in moisture, and is light enough that it won’t clog your pores.

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