Top 5 Ingredients for Acne, Breakouts, Blackheads, Oily Skin! | Dr. Shereene Idriss

In honor of Acne Awareness Month, let's talk about the ingredients you need to incorporate in your routine if you are an oily, acne-prone nerd!
0:00 intro
0:42 retinoids
7:37 benzoyl peroxide
9:48 salicylic acid
12:45 azelaic acid
14:33 sulfur
PRODUCT RECCOMMENDATIONS (in order):
RETINOIDS
A313 go.shopmy.us/p-1687347
L'oreal go.shopmy.us/p-1687355
Skinceuticals go.shopmy.us/p-1687348
Skinceuticals go.shopmy.us/p-1687349
Skinceuticals go.shopmy.us/p-1687350
Avène Retrinal go.shopmy.us/p-1687360
The Ordinary go.shopmy.us/p-1708553
The Ordinary go.shopmy.us/p-1708554
Skin Rocks go.shopmy.us/p-1687361
Skin Rocks go.shopmy.us/p-1687363
BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Panoxyl go.shopmy.us/p-1687367
La Roche-Posay go.shopmy.us/p-1687373
SALICYLIC ACID
Paula's Choice go.shopmy.us/p-1687385
Skinceuticals go.shopmy.us/p-1687399
Jori go.shopmy.us/p-1687407
Skinfix go.shopmy.us/p-1687401
AZELAIC ACID
Paula's Choice go.shopmy.us/p-1687440
Peach Slices go.shopmy.us/p-1687447
The Ordinary go.shopmy.us/p-1708557
SULFUR
De La Cruz ttps://go.shopmy.us/p-1687433
Innbeauty Project go.shopmy.us/p-1687438
Check out the full list of products here: shopmy.us/collections/192572
Shop more of my favorite products here: shopmy.us/shereeneidriss
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#shereeneidriss​​​ #pillowtalkderm #acne

[@fahomedchowdhury5738]

My journey of 5 years long disgusting acne was finished with Tretinoin 0.5 topical ointment. Yes , Tretinoin is the best treatment out there. Moreover,it was Dr. Iddrisss who introduced me with Tretinoin. Love you doctor 💝

[@MultiAurinko]

Wow great to hear but Did you mean 0.05 percent or actually 0.5 Tretinoin?

[@werq180]

.05 id hope@@MultiAurinko

[@kamleshverma123]

I have been using it for the last 2 years and now there are very less pimples on my face.

[@BeluPavanetto]

I was prescribed 0,025 for little bumps, and sadly I’m going through some disgusting acne!! I don know what happened 😢😢

[@Mrjjjjjj]

​@@BeluPavanettopurging maybe

[@TheJackeeeo]

Great information. A follow up video or part 2 of how you can use these together would be helpful! Assuming you need to cycle with some of them or apply particular ones in the morning and at night etc.

[@IngerNordahl]

I use the PanOxyl every morning for a couple minutes and then wash off. I use tretinoin every night (but you have to work up to that.) I use the BHA once a week and also exfoliate a couple other times during the week with an AHA. I use the Azelaic Acid every night. Paula's choice is better than The Ordinary, but I haven't tried Peach Slices yet. It's cheaper than PC, so I'll try it next.

[@onewhitewolf13]

​@@IngerNordahl Hello 😊 would you be able to share a few things regarding your routine? What strength panoxyl do you use? What order do you apply your azelaic acid and tret? Also what night moisturiser do you use? Sorry for all the questions!

[@IngerNordahl]

@onewhitewolf13 ​ I was using the equate (Walmart brand) version of panoxyl but they changed the formula to add an abrasive grit, so now I'm using the brand name stuff. Both are 10%. I just leave it on while I'm brushing my teeth in the am and then wash it off. It's been a game change for my breakouts though. I like Paula's Choice azaleic acid which I add to my nighttime moisturizer, which is Aveeno calm and restore oat gel moisturizer. I start my night with Cerave Pm moisturizer and then I apply my prescription tret (0.5%). I'm up to 3 nights a week applying my tret without the cerave pm moisturizer first. For my neck, I use an Olay retinol (purple 2 pack from costco). I don't apply the azaleic acid/moisturizer until after I've brushed my teeth and flossed, giving my tret a bit of time to soak in. Hope this helps.

[@onewhitewolf13]

@@IngerNordahl thank you!! 😊

[@isagoldfield7393]

ACNE!! I always click, I don’t have acne, but I do have 2 teenagers. Thank you DOC, you’re my favorite derm on KZbin, we appreciate you💕💕💕

[@meeganmuse7305]

Holy moly! I love all the information you provide when you tell us about different products! Thank you !! 😁👍

[@BernadetteTuthill-ch4kz]

Just want to say I enjoy your videos. I’m a late bloomer in taking care of my face. I like how you explain the steps on how and when to incorporate the products into ones regime. Thanks.

[@helengroza]

Thank you for dumbing down all that info and making it interesting to watch with some historical facts❣️ Loved it! You're great! 🌸

[@jenny9544]

Thank you so much for switching the camera setting so we can read the products you hold up. Appreciate it 😘. Always look forward to your videos ❤️

[@lapissakura4653]

I love sulfur! More specifically, I love sulfur hot springs. I went to Japan 2 months ago, went to an onsen that had an outdoor pool that I didn’t realize was a sulfur springs. My body had never felt smoother or softer. I will definitely try out the sulfur products!!

[@mmarisastierli]

Thank you so much for this video, I’ve definitely struggled a lot with acne transitioning into my late 20s (teens weren’t fun either but I’ve definitely noticed an uptake later on) but this was super helpful. I’m starting Esthetician school in December and I’ve been binge watching your videos to help me prepare for school and get my product knowledge up. Love your videos doc 🩵

[@candicetorpey906]

Me too!!!

[@shrutika19]

Man, you are amazing Dr. Shereene. ❤ So much covered in under 15 minutes. 👏

[@whomppywhompp]

Dr idriss vous êtes un diamond rare dans la communauté, j'ai appliqué tous vos conseils depuis 2 ans mnt et ma peau n'a jamais été aussi belle merci du fond du cœur vous êtes la meilleure ❤❤❤

[@Andromeda2976]

You´re the best, thankyou so much for sharing all this useful information. Getting right back on doing my best for clear skin!

[@mbanana3]

Thank you so much for this! I’ve struggled with acne since 6th grade - 28 now and still battle with hormonal / inflammatory breakouts but I’m figuring it out. We appreciate you

[@vonglucke]

I just discovered you and I am obsessed! Thank you for your tips and what’ll help! ❤

[@rishishukla2241]

Loved how you introduced each ingredient and told its history!! Would love to hear more about the medical aspects of ingredients even more.

[@dominikamaciejasz8698]

I can't agree more! ❤

[@adrianamiranda2304]

Love it. My 16th years old daughter will watch it as well. It was a great class. Thank you

[@shhh2121]

Could you please do a video on active ingredients during pregnancy - what's safe to use and what to avoid. Thanks!

[@oliviasunday5682]

She has one

[@jakeroege]

For sulfur, I've been using and enjoying the Starface sulfur mask, pretty affordable and now fun/easy to use then the dela cruz

[@toni-rosedavies9602]

Would love to see a video with top ingredients for dehydrated sensitive skin (combo or dry). I have combo dehydrated skin, it’s a struggle to find the right products!

[@Katie21892]

Such a wonderfully informative and easy to understand video. Thank you so much!! ❤🙏🏼❤️

[@adellejansenvanrensburg9373]

Dr I cannot thank you enough for all the empowering videos! ❤

[@johk123]

I used AHA, BHA but my acne wasn't fully clear. But 3 months ago I tried tretinoin (retinoid acid). in the first 2 months it gave me purging. Now, I have never seen acne appears in my face for the last 3 weeks and my skin has never been better 🤩

[@johk123]

@Xyzz112 yup. I use it everyday

[@S_h_dzshopping1008]

​@@johk123could you please name the brand you were purchasing, and which concentration

[@witkneemenyon5612]

@@S_h_dzshopping1008usually have to go through a derm

[@Shan72393]

I use glymed’s sulfur once a week, sometimes twice and it has helped managed my acne soooo much! Also love LRP effaclar bpo spot treatment!

[@karenhenry1398]

Great content Dr Idriss, I recently found Avène Retrinal and it doesn't irritate my skin, the way Olay retinol 24 does. I still not brave enough to use it on my neck as yet. Thanks for sharing your time with us. Have a great weekend😀

[@sarahwinter3587]

This is amazing 🤩 Thanks for you time Doc ❤

[@BedboundME]

Cereve blemish moisturiser with 2% salicylic acid is a convenient BHA. Gentle too, I don’t think it has low ph. But works for my very prone skin.

[@Fgggffvhhhgffffff]

you are my favourite dermatologist on KZbin

[@dreamerloover439]

Love your videos. I learn and enjoy from them . Pls talk more about hair fall & rogain usage. Thank u

[@leather_bath]

I recently switched to using a Sulfur soap as a cleanser that I got from iherb. It cleared my acne really quickly, quicker than any other anti-acne ingredient than I’ve ever used.

[@Almuhm89]

Did you have jawline acné?

[@leather_bath]

@@Almuhm89 Mostly on my chin.

[@deborah972]

Love your videos so much ,Dr shereene 😊 ❤ xx

[@stungthyheart]

The passion!!! Thank youu! ❤

[@raisin21]

Thank you for an interesting and informative video 😊

[@Solidstate89]

A great sulfur product if you're willing to spend the money is the Sulfur Clay mask from Peter Thomas Roth. A lot of people might not like it because it's fragranced however it's a very medical fragrance smell and it does NOT smell like sulfur which is a huge bonus. In my experience you only get a whiff of the sulfur smell once you start washing it off with water. Until then though I've left it on my skin for hours with absolutely no terrible rotten egg smell.

[@Jojo61468]

Please talk about the little white bumps that we get under our eyes and what works to get rid of them!

[@SpiralMystic]

Thank you. Benzol peroxide spot treatments don't do anything for my pimples. Including the La Roche-Posay. They all look the same the next morning. Truly effective spot treatments is what I'd like to hear about.

[@BEABE4242]

Thanks Dr❤Idriss. Very valuable information 👌

[@EMariaUS]

Dermalmd acne serum is a must-have for anyone with acne. It’s a game-changer for me. It makes my skin clear, smooth and glowing. It also lasts a long time and has a great value.

[@user-xl5ty3yp1b]

SEBORREIC DERMATITIS: Do a video on seborrreic dermatitis (SD) with sensitive skin, where you adresse: 1) how to manage/treat SD related chronic redness/erythema on the face, and 2) skin care recommendation for SD (as products that restore skin barrier function via lipids/oils/ceramides tend to aggravate SD)

[@drc4168]

Tret was great but BENZOYL PEROXIDE 5% Acnecide which I avoided for 14 years was incredible for huge areas of back acne which persisted despite tret ointment. Salicylic 2% cleansers like LRP Effaclar Micro Peeling or Inkey Salicylic are amazing maintenance treatments for nose deep blackheads, used daily and left on nose for 5 minutes before rinsing off. Use gentle cleanser everywhere else.

[@fv143.]

This is a life saver ❤

[@ilanakapra8676]

Would you be able to make a video about how to treat acne for sensitive skin?

[@joys8726]

Thank you, Doctor!

[@peni1641]

From my experience Retinol worked on my acne scars. It works well with Salicylic acid or Azelic acid. I just put moisturizer between each layer.

[@nadiaelkaid7131]

Do you use them at the same routine ?

[@peni1641]

@@nadiaelkaid7131 Yes. At night after shower. moisturizer let it dry down then Salicylic acid or Azelic acid let it dry down the sme moisturizer as before let it dry down then Retinol.

[@HeyPatrii]

I use the L'Oreal retinol but in a cream format with niacinamide and it comes with the airles "drunk elephant" pump and i love it

[@dobrinadimitrova3899]

Thank you so much for information.❤

[@hananr.4982]

Hi Dr Shereen! Could you do a video on all kinds of treatments for hair loss/thinning including good shampoo and conditioner to complement it.

[@katherinelee5553]

Hi Shereene, could you talk about an azelaic acid derivative - potassium azeloyl diglycinate, or PAD. This ingredient is becoming popular because it's more application-friendly compare to azelaic acid.🙏

[@conchadeconchos]

Every video, such a beauty

[@braedangonzalez8393]

Can you please do an educational video + show product recommendations on skin texture and how to get rid of it?

[@saimahabib8495]

Dr. Shereen pls make a video for teenagers skin care routine.

[@Alxdr_]

thank you for your lectures)

[@mashamigalchan8026]

Wonderful! 😍😍😍

[@kelttyromero9651]

Eres lo máximo ❤ saludos desde Colombia 🎉

[@janicewright8139]

You’re so pretty!

[@josephinedvorak4433]

Hiiii! I would love a video about how quickly (or slowly) to apply products ie: do I put my rentin-a on first and leave it on for 20m before applying a moisturizer? Thank you! Have loved your videos, did a deep dive, ditched the ‘toners’ and am going to start exfoliating with AHA and BPA exclusively. Ohhh I would love to hear about kojic acid too, thanks! Also! Snail mucin!

[@SarahArlen]

Bonjour from Paris ❤ We’re hoping your skincare line will be available over here soon! Meanwhile, I would love you to talk about what you think of the at-home LYMA Laser, and other home devices, but especially that expensive truc! Merci en avance 😊

[@rominasafarian5294]

This was an awesome video. I have incorporated sulfur into my routine and it has made such a difference!! Can I combine salyclic, azaelic acid with suflfur?

[@MorningCyclist]

So so so glad you mentioned sulfur. It’s the only thing that works on my acne (and I was on accutane twice!)

[@Na-wg9jr]

Were they hormonal and cystic? I’ve read it’s only suitable for mild acne but since you mentioned you were on accutane twice. So I might have some hope

[@andreasanchez-gb1hb]

Love your videos! 💕💕Thank you so much for the info…Id like to know how to use adapeline and benzoil at the same time. Like which one goes first and how many minutes wait until u apply the other

[@niloferkhan7357]

Thank you for this great informative video. I have a question here, all these 5 retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, sulfur are best acne treatment products. But which one to start with? or can i use them all simultaneously?

[@amberj3941]

Great list, I’m a dermatology PA and find a lot of these ingredients work well for my patients as well. Only suggestion if you could just hold the product instead of moving it so much while you talk so we can better see it while you’re talking about it or insert a photo of it 😊

[@imoondose]

She already detailed all the products on the description box with time stamp

[@jeffgreen2194]

You are stunning as always

[@enara7137]

Please do a video on how to manage c section scar and scar tissue - what tools/techniques are available?

[@valerija.lalikova]

Skinfix 2% BHA Spot Treatment actually contains around 10% azelaic acid, but it's not marketed as an azelaic acid product for some reason

[@rebeccavalpy4504]

What’s the best order for incorporating azelaic acid, retinol and Major Fade system in a night routine ? Thanks!!

[@thisamazinglittlelife8635]

Can you make a video of how to incorporate these products. I feel like you cannot use them all at the same time. Like AM and PM routine examples. Pretty please! Also, can retinols be used with peptides?

[@spm4391]

What eyeliner do you use? Can you make videos about collagen supplements? Can you also do like a make up tutorial?

[@kendrawatson6698]

love your videos! great info each time! What about blue LEd light therapy. I am thinking of geting this device Espada, heard that it is quite effective.

[@user-qf6jy9he7d]

Merci Dr Idriss, une vidéo très claire et bien expliquée :) Petite question, si on utilise deux des actifs que vous avez présenté, quel est le meilleur intervalle d'utilisation d'utilisation ? Merci et bonne journée

[@afirewasinmyhead]

I've been using the Tower 28 hypochlorous acid spray for maskne and it has helped significantly. And The Ordinary's salicylic acid masque on my nose to help with my huge pores. 🍓😅

[@gp7493]

omg yes! Dr. Idriss got me on the Walgreen's hypochlorous acid a year ago (a lot cheaper) and it's done wonders. Use it on my face when I feel bumps under my skin and my back as well (when I workout and can't shower immediately. I break out so badly on there)

[@gp7493]

@lindamenina109 yes! Just spray it whenever. Its gentle for the skin and doesn't interrupt the pH. Dr. Idriss recommended it for mask acne but I use it for acne in general on my face and back.

[@abidiqbal8788]

Mashallah good information ❤❤❤❤

[@Goez1988]

Would love to know how to layer all of the ingredients ❤

[@maryembenmammass5948]

@pillowtalkderm dr shereene, thank you for your support, eye opening information thank you. I do have a question on what skincare routine should I follow for sensitive and combination skin + redness on chin and cheeks near T zone ? Thank you heaps ❤

[@bambi_saurusrex]

Hii Shereen 🥰 I was wondering if you might ship your products to Scandinavia in the future? I live in Sweden & I would love to be able to buy your vitamin C serum and other. I really appreciate you and everything you do. Thank you for helping to educate!

[@lauranorton2894]

Thoughts/suggestions about best tinted moisturizers for combo & acne prone skin?

[@NiceButBites]

Can we please have a deep-dive video on Psoriasis!!!! 🙏🌟

[@eg-mf8ih]

Hi! You didn’t say which retinoid is best for anti-aging if you’re using the stronger ones for acne treatment, is it the lighter formulations?

[@MyLoVeLyMaN]

Hi Shereene! I enjoy your content a lot - I follow different dermatologists and they all explain thing differently about the retinoid family. If a product is an over the counter one - they say there is no way to say that something is stronger\weaker\better\worse than another, both in regards of the type of retinoid (not enough studies yet to say retinal/granactive is more effective than a retinol just because it requires less conversion steps - not to mention the fact that will also depend on the formulation if those products ever get to do what they're meant to or not/reach the layers of the skin etc. This obvs doesn't apply for prescriptions since they have been tested and proven to deliver specific results. What are your thoughts?

[@Ramonaiverson222]

Yes i do use them all to control my acne prone skin

[@susancohen2211]

Please provide information on how to get rid of or prevent milia and products to use or not use.

[@leakyabstraction]

Jesus, her videos always shock me. It should be illegal to be this beautiful.

[@adninbima7919]

Thanks doctor

[@lundgrenjl]

Thanks, Shereene! Can you speak to tazarotene vs tretinoin?

[@scorpseven2861]

9:40 “and not the fun kind of stains.” Got it, Doc. Iykwim.

[@user-fw1jg9kf7v]

I am curious about what a routine should look like. so that one doesn't irritate their skin in the process. @Shareen Can you please present a sample routine.

[@adrianf9847]

Love your informative content . Could you comment on the recent decision of the EU to limit retinol concentration in all products to 0.3% . You think it’s justified ? Is it enough for efficiency ?

[@gp7493]

About to get the De La Cruz sulfur acne treatment 🚗🚗🚗 broke girls who want good skin love you queen. I'll reincarnate as a derm in the next life to honor you

[@leighhuggins5030]

Thank you, Dr. Idriss! I'm curious about Bakuchiol, is it actually a retinol substitute? Additionally, I just found out I'm allergic to benzoyl peroxide, which I've been using to control my acne since I was a teenager 😥 But now it gives me a rash around my eyes and on my neck. So I'm trying sulfur. Thanks for all the helpful info!

[@calistang4246]

Can you do a video that teaches how to have a AM/PM routine that incorporates tretinoin, hydroquinone and azaelic acid?

[@taaa8101]

Can you please talk about treatment options for Papular acne scars that typically appear on the nose and chin?

[@wanderingbutts]

PRAAAIIIISE

[@stacyvc]

What are your thoughts on getting textured skin/acne after wearing makeup?

[@skateata1]

Can you do a video about skin care after exercise?

[@Mendpris]

Can you do a skin care routine with products for cystic acne combo skin?

[@hannahvandervelden690]

Dear Shereene, I just discovered your channel. Thank you so much for all the useful videos! I was wondering if and how these 5 products can be combined in a morning and night routine? And can they be combined with niacinamide? Thank you so much in advance!

[@ebbasandberg1925]

Thank you so much for this video, so intresening and informative. Can you build up a resistance for vitamin A? Do you need to step up the strength with time?

[@kittykat831]

Question-when will there be refills available for the major fade system? Also can you touch your hair with the hyper serum or major seal? Something has been making my hair dry recently and the only difference in the past few months is that I’ve been using retinol and some of the major feed products. Wondering if any of these things could be making my hair dry because I’m not the best at washing my hands afterwards. In fact, I like to put the retinol and vitamin C on my hands when I’m done like the excess.

[@IngerNordahl]

Another great video. I'm doing everything you mentioned but the Sulfur. Maybe I'll get some of that to try, though I so rarely have a pimple these days, mostly thanks to the PanOxyl I think. About those white spots on my legs and arms that you say is a yeast, what can we do about them?? I've been applying a dandruff shampoo to my legs when I shower, but it doesn't seem to be doing anything.

[@salichingching]

Hi Dr Shereene, I’ve been using differin for 2 years now and my skin has been much clearer and smoother, but as I’m in my mid 30s, I’d like my retinols to have some anti aging benefits as well. So if I don’t wanna get prescription tretinoin, should I continue to use differin or go back down to retinal for the anti aging benefits? Thanks!!

[@MihajloMitkovski]

Can you give us your thoughts on why tretinoin is prescribed only in some countries and in others is OTC? Is it ok according to you to be prescription only or vice versa?