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Evidence-Based Acne Routine

Updated July 8, 2026

Michelle Wong's acne routine layers benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid at low, tolerated strengths, not one harsh active. It is built from her published ingredient research, but persistent or severe acne still needs a dermatologist, and actives should be introduced one at a time.

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Michelle Wong
Lab Muffin Beauty Science
Not endorsed · Based on the published work of Michelle Wong
Daily time
Daily, AM & PM
Steps
6
Difficulty
Beginner
Sources
4
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What it is

Michelle Wong, a PhD cosmetic chemist and independent science communicator, breaks acne treatment down by active ingredient and the research behind each one rather than a single miracle product. The routine centers on benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid, introduced gradually and combined carefully since some actives can deactivate or irritate each other.

Why it worksâ–¼
Each active in this routine targets a different part of acne (bacteria, clogged pores, redness, and post-acne marks), and Wong's own review of the research is what sets the concentrations here: for example, published trials she cites show 2.5% benzoyl peroxide works about as well as 10% but with less irritation, so there is little reason to start high.
The evidence
Sources
Published work by Michelle Wong, cited straight to the source: long-form episodes, clips, peer-reviewed papers and their own writing. Select any to view it here.
1
Michelle Wong podcast interview (Lab Muffin Beauty Science)
Podcast
2
Michelle Wong video (Lab Muffin Beauty Science, YouTube)
Video
3
The Affordable Acne Routine (Bumper Guide)
Article · labmuffin.com
4
Michelle Wong on benzoyl peroxide safety (Lab Muffin)
Clip
Source viewer
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The protocol
Clinical strong human trials Mixed some or emerging evidence Commercial weak or unproven, sold widely Equipment / Test not an evidence claim How we grade →
Core active

Benzoyl peroxide, 2.5-5%

Research Wong references found 2.5% benzoyl peroxide performs about as well as 10% with less irritation, so a low strength is a reasonable starting point

Benzoyl peroxide targets acne-causing bacteria without the resistance risk of antibiotics.

Lab Muffin Beauty Science
For this step
No product needed
Core active

Salicylic acid (BHA), 0.5-2%

A leave-on salicylic acid product at 0.5-2%, used regularly rather than occasionally

BHA is oil-soluble and helps unclog pores from the inside.

Lab Muffin Beauty Science
For this step
No product needed
For redness & marks

Azelaic acid

Used as a separate step for post-acne redness and dark marks, alongside (not instead of) the actives above

Azelaic acid has evidence for calming inflammation and fading post-inflammatory marks.

Lab Muffin Beauty Science
For this step
No product needed
Optional, used cautiously

Glycolic 7% or lactic acid 5%, not daily

An AHA exfoliant used a few times a week at most, not layered daily with the other actives

AHAs help texture and marks but add irritation risk if overused alongside BPO, BHA, or azelaic acid.

Lab Muffin Beauty Science
For this step
No product needed
Timing note

Split benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin AM/PM or alternate days

Benzoyl peroxide inactivates tretinoin when applied at the same time, so if you use both, separate them by time of day or alternate days

Prevents the two actives from cancelling each other out.

Lab Muffin Beauty Science
For this step
No product needed
Morning order

Cleanser, then treatment, then moisturizer, then SPF 30+

Apply products in that order each morning; SPF is the last step

Correct layering order and daily SPF protect the skin barrier while actives do their work.

Lab Muffin Beauty Science
For this step
No product needed
Is this for you?
Good fit if
  • People who want an evidence-reviewed acne routine rather than a trend-driven one
  • Beginners who want to start actives at low, tolerable strengths
  • Anyone currently combining multiple strong actives and getting irritated skin
Cautions
  • If over-the-counter treatments don't clear your acne, see a dermatologist, in Wong's own words
  • Patch-test any new active before applying it to your whole face
  • Don't layer multiple strong actives (BPO, BHA, AHA, retinoids) at once; introduce one at a time
  • If pregnant or breastfeeding, check every active ingredient with a clinician first
  • Educational only, not medical advice
Related protocols
✨
Physical
Blueprint Skin-Longevity Protocol
Based on the work of Bryan Johnson
Update history
  • July 8, 2026 Protocol published.
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Not medical advice. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a qualified clinician before changing your health routine.
Independent curation. YourProtocol.ai is an independent platform. This protocol is based on the publicly available work of Michelle Wong and is not created, reviewed, endorsed by, or affiliated with Michelle Wong or Lab Muffin Beauty Science.

Evidence-Based Acne Routine
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