Celebrity aesthetician Sofie Pavitt claims that this "mundane" skincare routine can effectively clear acne in a short period.

      Sometimes, it really is the simplest things in life that make a difference. For years, I believed my acne would only improve with a collection of serums addressing various concerns and a complex routine. However, celebrity aesthetician Sofie Pavitt set me straight. Dubbed New York City's "acne whisperer," Pavitt has a knack for effortlessly clearing stubborn acne, and her approach is surprisingly straightforward. "Clients often come to me using far too many products," she explains. "I prefer to simplify their routine when we start working together by focusing on cleansing, treating, and hydrating. You prepare the skin with a cleanse, address specific skin issues, and then hydrate. It’s really that uncomplicated." If you’re in the same boat as I was, struggling to believe that a basic routine (which Pavitt even referred to as "boring") could be effective, pay attention. She outlined a straightforward regimen for me to follow, which I’ve included below, along with her latest skincare line launch that enhances your results.

      ### Common Mistakes People with Acne Often Make

      I didn’t realize how much I was contributing to my own problems until Pavitt pointed out several key mistakes made by those of us with acne. The first? Using retinoids. This might sound absurd to anyone who has been advised otherwise for years (myself included), but Pavitt indicated that my inflamed, sensitive skin would improve if I ceased using them. She stated, "[The biggest mistake I see is] using tretinoin or retinol products on inflammatory acne." She explained, "Retinols increase cell turnover, and individuals with acne typically have a quicker cell turnover than those without acne. The best results occur when I either take clients off retinols (especially tret, which is quite potent and irritating), help them clear their skin with Mandelic Clearing Serum and benzoyl peroxide, and then slowly reintroduce a retinol for maintenance alongside a gentle daily exfoliation." Having used tretinoin on inflammatory acne for five years before stopping completely, I can confirm the accuracy of her advice. Since quitting retinoids as suggested during a facial, my skin has shown significant improvement. I didn’t realize that the strong retinoid I was utilizing was worsening my inflammation, sensitivity, and acne. But don't worry—Pavitt provided me with an alternative routine to follow.

      ### How to Clear Your Acne in 3 Simple Steps

      Every individual's skin is unique, so you may want to approach this routine gradually, especially since exfoliants and benzoyl peroxide can irritate extremely sensitive skin. I dove in a bit too eagerly at first and had unfavorable results, so consider this a friendly tip for others with similar issues. With that said, Pavitt shared a straightforward yet effective routine she recommends to clients for acne clearance.

      First, in the morning, use a hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin. Next, treat your skin with a low-grade exfoliating serum, such as Pavitt's Mandelic Clearing Serum ($54), which offers gentle exfoliation without irritation. Finally, hydrate your skin with a non-comedogenic moisturizer—that's all! At night, you'll follow a similar routine, but instead of exfoliating, you’ll apply a benzoyl peroxide treatment to congested areas. Exercise caution with this step; this is where I mistakenly over applied (lol). My skin generally doesn’t react well to benzoyl peroxide, and I only use it as a spot treatment. If your skin reacts similarly, apply it sparingly, starting a couple of times a week and gradually increasing usage as tolerated. Pavitt stresses keeping the routine uncomplicated for the best results. In addition to these three steps, consider utilizing Pavitt's latest launch, Fridge to Face Mist ($38), which is a hydrating, blemish-fighting spray that can be applied post-cleanse and pre-treatment or throughout the day for a refreshing boost.

      ### Recommended Products from Sofie Pavitt

      1. **Clean Clean Gentle Gel Foaming Cleanser:** This gentle and hydrating cleanser serves as an excellent first step in your routine, as Pavitt describes it as a gel cleanser that acts like a cream cleanser. It's hydrating enough to avoid stripping the skin while effectively removing dirt, excess oil, and pore-clogging debris.

      2. **Fridge to Face Blemish Defense Cooling Mist:** This unique mist isn’t just a hypochlorous acid spray. Instead, it features a postbiotic-rich formula that promotes clearer skin and supports a healthy moisture barrier. Pavitt says, "We advocate for cryotherapy as a way to soothe tired, stressed skin, and with Nice Ice ($48) as a cryotreatment for occasional use, Fridge to Face is suitable for daily application. We included a postbiotic ferment in the formulation to create a shield against bacteria while incorporating B vitamins, antioxidants like panthenol and niacinamide, and a refreshing