How often do I moisturize my skin when taking prescription acne medication?

There are no hard & fast rules when it comes to the frequency of moisturizers for acne-prone skin. Today's acne medications tend to be less drying than those available in the past. Some are found in cream and lotion bases that may provide all the hydration your skin needs, but others might be drying or irritating to your skin. Be sure to tell your doctor if your acne medicine is drying your skin out, making it red, or causing you discomfort.

There are 2 circumstances when you should use moisturizer: (1) when your skin feels tight, dry, or flaky; and (2) when you're going outdoors during the day and your skin will be exposed to the sun or wind.

Look for a daytime moisturizer that's labeled oil-free, non-pore-clogging, or non-comedogenic, and be sure it has SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or higher for everyday use in temperate climates.  Use SPF 30 or higher for tropical climates, skiing, outdoor sports, or the beach.

At night you won't need sun protection. Just look for a moisturizer that's labeled for acne-prone skin. It will usually say oil-free or non-comedogenic, or it may state that it doesn't clog pores.