acne + breakouts

3 min read

How to get prom-perfect skin

Simply follow these insider tips from our skin health experts and in six short weeks, you'll be ready for every photo and slow dance that prom throws your way.

girl smiling

You've found the perfect dress and some equally fierce shoes, you've mastered that waterfall braid and smoky eye, and you even got him to ask you to prom! Now the only thing preventing prom from being the best night of your life is your problem skin.

Relax! There's no reason to panic. Simply follow these insider tips from our skin health experts and in six short weeks, you'll be ready for every photo and slow dance that prom throws your way.

6 weeks before prom

Seriously clear skin requires serious skin care products and a consultation with a Dermalogica skin therapist. Stop by your local Dermalogica skin center and get a complimentary Face Mapping® skin analysis to figure out exactly what's up with your skin, and which products will clear it up.

In a hurry? Take our virtual Face Mapping® skin analysis instead.

5 weeks before prom

Focus on the three main skin issues that cause breakouts among teens: clogged pores, breakout-causing bacteria and excessive oil production. The Clear Start™ Breakout Clearing Kit is designed to target all three issues with an easy, 3-step cleansing, toning and moisturizing regimen.

Also, ask your mom or dad to stop using dryer sheets that contain artificial fragrances, which can irritate skin, or pore-clogging-lard. (Yes, as in fat.) Switch to non-comedogenic make-up (it won't clog pores), and drink lots of water to help clear breakout-causing toxins.

4 weeks before prom

Your skin should already be looking and feeling much better. Now's the time to start using Blackhead Clearing Pore Control Scrub to help slough off those dead, pore-clogging cells, and Breakout Clearing Cooling Masque once or twice a week.

If you're on acne medication and your skin feels dry or irritated, switch to Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion to banish those dry skin patches and calm skin down.

2-3 weeks before prom

If your dress shows off your back, chest or arms, skin, make sure to thoroughly rinse off shower gels, soaps and hair conditioner! They're mega body-acne culprits. Spritz Breakout Clearing All Over Toner over areas you're particularly concerned about.

1 week to go!

Get plenty of skin-healing rest and, if you get a new breakout, don't freak. Dab this baby on as it emerges to stop it in its tracks! Whatever you do, resist the urge to pop. No, really. Go see a pro for a Breakout Clearing MicroZone® express skin treatment instead. It will be the worst 20 minutes of your pimple's short life, but the best 20 minutes for you!

0 prom day

Congratulations! Thanks to your diligence, your face should be a smooth, perfect canvas for your make-up by now. Prior to applying your make-up, you'll want to cleanse, tone and moisturize as you have been. Oh, and bring that Emergency Spot Fix with you – just in case.