dr nicole james
The acne code

The full plan for clearing acne on darker skin

Six steps in the order I'd do them, built on the two treatments with the strongest evidence, and started slowly so you don't irritate your skin into new marks.

Cover of The Acne Code
$3963-page guide
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A PDF made to read on your phone

Sound familiar?

That's really common, and it isn't your fault. Most acne advice skips the parts that matter most for darker skin. This guide puts them back in.

The method

Six steps, one at a time

  1. 1
    Know your acneWork out what kind you have, and whether it's acne at all. A few kinds need a doctor before any product.
  2. 2
    Calm your baseA gentle wash, a moisturiser and sunscreen, and clearing out anything that's irritating your skin.
  3. 3
    Choose your treatmentAdapalene and benzoyl peroxide have the strongest evidence. In the US you can now buy them together without a prescription.
  4. 4
    Build your routineOne new thing every four weeks, with a six-week start calendar and a UK route with or without a prescription.
  5. 5
    Fix what's around your skinHair products on your hairline, back and chest acne, sweat, straps, picking, food and stress.
  6. 6
    Check at twelve weeksCompare your photos, then carry on, adjust, or see a doctor, with a plain guide to what a doctor can offer.
Take a look inside

Clear, calm and made for your phone

Page 5: The acne code on one page
The whole plan on one page
Page 11: Which kind of acne is it?
Work out which kind you have
Page 32: Your first six weeks
Your six-week start calendar
Page 37: Spots along your hairline
Hairline breakouts from hair products
Page 47: Your twelve-week tracker
Your twelve-week tracker

Swipe to see more pages

What you get

Everything in one guide

$39one payment
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Dr Nicole James

Dr Nicole JamesCosmetic doctor and dermatology researcher

"I've had acne since I was twelve. I followed this method and now I just get to be carefree and not worry about it, and I want that for you as well."

As featured in Stylist, BBC, Daily Mail and indy100

Questions

Good to know

Who is it for?

Anyone with acne, written for darker skin, where irritation can leave a mark that lasts longer than the spot. It works on every skin tone.

Do I have to read all 63 pages?

No. The "start here" page sends you straight to your part, and page 5 has the whole plan on one screen.

I'm in the UK. Will it work for me?

Yes. Adapalene needs a prescription in the UK, so there's a UK routine for both: what to ask your GP for, and what to use if you can't get a prescription.

How long until I see a difference?

Most people see some improvement by six to eight weeks, and you check your photos properly at twelve weeks. The guide is honest about that from the start.

What about the dark marks my spots left?

This guide is about stopping the spots. For fading the marks, my guide The Even Tone Method picks up where this one ends.

Is this medical advice?

No, it's education. It also tells you which kinds of acne need a doctor first, and when to see one if the routine isn't enough.

Start with step one

$39The acne code
Get the guide

A PDF made to read on your phone