Evidence-Based Acne Routine
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
View sources
Michelle Wong podcast interview (Lab Muffin Beauty Science)
Michelle Wong video (Lab Muffin Beauty Science, YouTube)
Michelle Wong on benzoyl peroxide safety (Lab Muffin)
The Affordable Acne Routine (Bumper Guide)
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 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.
Is this for you
- 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