A Simple Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin Types

Two equally satisfying things: simple skincare routines and a blemish-free complexion. Sound far-fetched? It’s not. A daily skincare routine can help to remove excess oil, keep pores clear and reduce the appearance of imperfections. But with so many products and personalized routines being shared on the internet, it’s easy to go overboard. Forget what you’ve heard, stopping breakouts doesn’t call for a lengthy or complex skincare routine. We’re sharing a simple five-step skincare routine for acne-prone skin types, below. 

Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin

Start your mornings off by washing your face with a cleanser formulated with acne-fighting ingredients, like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, to target your blemishes. According to Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant, salicylic acid is “a great keratolytic, which means it helps remove excess dead skin cells from skin’s surface and gently exfoliates clogged pores.” 

Try the Thayers Witch Hazel Blemish Clearing Cleanser, which is formulated with witch hazel and aloe vera, tea tree oil and 2% salicylic acid to help clear blemishes and prevent new ones from forming.

Step 2: Follow With Toner

After you cleanse, follow up with a toner. We recommend toners for acne-prone skin because they can help remove any pore-clogging dirt that may have been left behind from your initial cleanse, balance the skin’s pH levels, reduce excess shine and hydrate the skin. We love the Kiehl’s Milk Peel Exfoliating Toner because it’s gentle enough for daily use. This dual-action milk-peel toner exfoliates and dissolves impurities while replenishing the skin’s moisture levels for a refined, clear complexion.

Step 3: Apply an Oil-Free Moisturizer

Even though your acne-prone skin may be oily, that’s no excuse to skip moisturizer. The key is to use an oil-free and non-comedogenic option, like the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Moisturizer. It has a cooling effect to reinvigorate skin while helping maintain its moisture balance and regulate excess oil production. For another oil-free option, try a serum like the SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF which combines silymarin (milk thistle extract), ferulic acid and salicylic acid to help prevent oil oxidation that can lead to breakouts.

Step 4: Wear Sunscreen

Not only can neglecting to wear sunscreen cause skin damage and signs of premature aging, but it can also increase your risk of developing skin cancers like melanoma. That’s why it’s very important that all skin types apply SPF daily. Try the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, which is an ultra-lightweight sunscreen with hyaluronic acid and ceramides that leave you with a matte finish. It’ll keep your skin protected without increasing your chances of more blemishes.

Step 5: Target Blemishes

Pair your acne-prone skincare routine with targeted acne medications, like an over-the-counter spot treatment. One of our favorites is the Vichy Normaderm S.O.S Acne Rescue Spot Corrector, which is formulated with sulfur, glycolic acid, and niacinamide to dry up current acne blemishes and reduce their size.

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

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