The Best Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin: Essential Products You Need
If you’re dealing with acne-prone skin, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to find the right skincare routine that actually works. It’s not just about slapping on any random product; you need a tailored approach that addresses your skin’s needs without aggravating it. Over the years, through my own trial and error (and yes, some breakouts along the way), I’ve found that simplicity and consistency are key to keeping acne at bay.
The goal is to create a routine that cleanses, balances, treats, and protects your skin while keeping inflammation to a minimum. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the ideal skincare routine for acne-prone skin, plus the essential products you should incorporate for healthier, clearer skin.
Step 1: The Double Cleanse
Why It’s Important: Cleansing is one of the most critical steps in any skincare routine, but if you have acne-prone skin, doing it once may not be enough. The double cleanse method ensures you thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and impurities from the skin without stripping it. The first cleanse is typically oil-based to break down stubborn makeup or oil-based impurities, while the second cleanse is water-based to clean deeper into the pores.
Pro Tip: Always use lukewarm water to cleanse your face. Too hot, and you’ll dry out your skin; too cold, and it won’t break down oils effectively.
What You Need:
Oil Cleanser:
Yes, oil! Contrary to what you might think, using an oil cleanser on acne-prone skin helps remove oil-based debris like makeup and sunscreen without clogging your pores
My recommendation
ANUA – Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil – 200ml
The ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is designed for acne-prone and sensitive skin types. Infused with heartleaf extract, known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, this cleansing oil effectively removes makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil while controlling breakouts and keeping pores clear.
Pros:
- Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Heartleaf extract is soothing and calming, making this oil cleanser ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin without causing irritation.
- Deep Cleansing: It effectively breaks down makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils, leaving it clean yet hydrated.
- Pore Control: The formula helps manage excess oil production and keeps pores clear, which can help prevent future breakouts.
Cons:
- Not Ideal for Heavy Makeup: While it works well for everyday cleansing, it might struggle with removing heavier or waterproof makeup, requiring a second cleanse.
- Slightly Oily Residue: Depending on your skin type, you might feel a slight residue after use, which could be a turnoff for those who prefer a squeaky-clean finish.
- Fragrance: Although mild, it does contain a light scent, which might not be ideal for those with fragrance sensitivities.
Water-Based Cleanser:
For your second cleanse, opt for a gentle foaming or gel cleanser. I recommend something with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target acne and help keep pores clear without causing irritation.
My recommendation
ANUA – Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam – 150ml
The ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam is formulated with heartleaf extract and quercetinol to deeply cleanse and purify the skin. This gentle foam works to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities from deep within the pores, while soothing and calming the skin, making it a perfect choice for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Deep Cleansing: This cleansing foam effectively penetrates the pores to remove excess oil and dirt, helping to keep skin clear and prevent breakouts.
- Calming Formula: With heartleaf extract and quercetinol, the formula has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
- Non-Drying: Unlike some foaming cleansers, this one is gentle enough that it won’t strip your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it feeling refreshed and hydrated.
Cons:
- May Not Suit Dry Skin: While it’s gentle, the deep cleansing effect may feel too intense for those with very dry skin.
- Slight Fragrance: The product contains a light scent that may not be suitable for those with sensitivities to fragrances.
- Requires Thorough Rinsing: Due to its foaming nature, it may take a bit of effort to ensure all product is rinsed off properly, especially if you’re in a hurry.
Step 2: Exfoliate (2-3 Times Per Week)
Why It’s Important: Exfoliation is key to keeping acne-prone skin under control because it helps remove dead skin cells that can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. However, be gentle—over-exfoliating can do more harm than good by damaging your skin barrier and increasing inflammation.
Pro Tip: Start slow! If you’re new to chemical exfoliation, begin with just one or two nights a week, and work your way up as your skin builds tolerance.
What You Need:
Chemical Exfoliant:
Skip the physical scrubs (they can cause micro-tears and aggravate acne). Instead, use a chemical exfoliant like an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid). BHA, such as salicylic acid, is particularly great for acne-prone skin because it penetrates deep into your pores and clears out oil and debris.
Medicube – Zero Pore Pad 2.0 – 70pcs
The Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 is designed to minimize the appearance of pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, and control sebum production. These pre-soaked pads contain exfoliating ingredients like AHA and BHA, making them effective for acne-prone and oily skin types. With daily use, they help improve skin texture, reduce pore size, and leave skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Pros:
- Effective Exfoliation: The combination of AHA and BHA helps to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and clear out clogged pores, making it great for acne-prone and textured skin.
- Minimizes Pores: With regular use, the pads visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, giving skin a smoother and more refined look.
- Convenient to Use: Pre-soaked pads are easy to incorporate into your routine and ensure consistent application of the product across the face.
Cons:
- Potential for Dryness: If used too frequently or on already dry skin, the exfoliating acids may cause dryness or irritation, so balancing moisture is key.
- Fragrance: There is a light fragrance that might be an issue for sensitive skin or those who prefer fragrance-free products.
- Not Ideal for Sensitive Skin: Due to the strength of the acids, people with extremely sensitive skin might find it a bit too harsh for everyday use.
Step 3: Tone
Why It’s Important: Toning might seem like a step you can skip, but for acne-prone skin, it’s crucial. Toners help balance your skin’s pH levels after cleansing and can prep your skin for the next steps. The right toner can also help to hydrate, calm inflammation, and prevent future breakouts.
Pro Tip: Use a cotton pad to swipe the toner across your face or pat it directly into the skin with your hands for a more hydrating effect.
What You Need:
Balancing Toner:
Look for toners with ingredients like witch hazel, niacinamide, or tea tree oil. These are soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients that help reduce redness and calm irritated skin.
My recommendation
ANUA – Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner – 250ml
The ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner is a calming, lightweight toner that contains 77% heartleaf extract, known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. This toner is designed to hydrate, calm irritation, and balance the skin’s pH, making it perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin types.
Pros:
- Calming and Soothing: With a high concentration of heartleaf extract, this toner helps reduce redness and irritation, making it ideal for sensitive or inflamed skin.
- Lightweight and Hydrating: The formula is lightweight yet hydrating, which makes it a great step before applying serums or moisturizers without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Non-Irritating: Free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, this toner is gentle enough for daily use, even on reactive skin types.
Cons:
- Mild Hydration: While it’s hydrating, those with very dry skin may need an additional layer of moisture, as it might not provide enough on its own.
- Potential Stickiness: Some users might experience a slight sticky feeling upon application, although it usually absorbs quickly.
- Not a Deep Treatment: While great for soothing and balancing, it doesn’t target specific concerns like exfoliation or anti-aging, so it may need to be paired with other products for those purposes.
Hydrating Toner:
If you’re dealing with dryness due to acne treatments, choose a toner with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera to replenish moisture without clogging pores.
Step 4: Treat
Why It’s Important: This is where you get into the nitty-gritty of treating your acne. Whether you’re battling active breakouts, scarring, or blackheads, this step focuses on targeting your specific skin concerns with the right treatments.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of layering too many active ingredients. If you’re using a strong acne treatment, avoid piling on other potentially irritating products like retinoids or strong exfoliants in the same routine.
What You Need:
Acne Spot Treatment:
For active pimples, use a treatment with benzoyl peroxide or sulfur. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria, while sulfur reduces redness and clears breakouts without overly drying your skin.
LION – Pair Acne Cream W – 24g
The LION Pair Acne Cream W is a popular spot treatment designed to target and reduce acne breakouts quickly. With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredients, this cream works to soothe active pimples, reduce redness, and promote healing. Its lightweight formula makes it easy to apply, and it absorbs well without leaving a greasy residue.
Pros:
- Fast-Acting: The cream effectively reduces inflammation and helps to clear up breakouts quickly, making it a go-to for treating pimples fast.
- Non-Irritating Formula: It’s designed to be gentle on the skin, minimizing the risk of irritation even for those with sensitive skin.
- Matte Finish: The cream absorbs into the skin and leaves a matte finish, making it suitable for use under makeup or during the day without any noticeable residue.
Cons:
- Small Tube: At 24g, the tube is relatively small, so frequent users might find they go through it quickly, especially during periods of active breakouts.
- Limited for Spot Treatment: This cream works best for spot treatments rather than overall acne prevention, so those with widespread acne might need additional products.
- Not Hydrating: While effective at drying out pimples, it can leave the surrounding skin feeling a bit dry, so it’s best to pair with a good moisturizer.
Serums:
If you’re dealing with post-acne marks, a niacinamide or vitamin C serum can help fade hyperpigmentation and even out your skin tone.
Numbuzin – No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad – 180ml/70pads
The Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pads are pre-soaked pads enriched with niacinamide and vitamin C to brighten the skin, improve texture, and reduce the appearance of dark spots. These pads offer a convenient and effective way to incorporate skin-brightening and pore-refining benefits into your skincare routine.
Pros:
- Brightening Effect: The combination of niacinamide and vitamin C helps to visibly brighten dull skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and even out skin tone.
- Convenient and Easy to Use: Pre-soaked pads make it easy to apply an even layer of product across your face, saving time and ensuring consistent application.
- Hydrating Formula: In addition to brightening, these pads also provide hydration, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and not overly dry after use.
Cons:
- Potential Sensitivity: Some users with sensitive skin might experience slight irritation due to the active ingredients, especially when used daily.
- Not Ideal for Severe Acne: While it helps with brightening and refining skin texture, it may not be potent enough to treat severe acne on its own.
- Light Fragrance: The product contains a mild fragrance, which may be a concern for those sensitive to scents in skincare products.
Retinoids:
If you haven’t hopped on the retinoid bandwagon yet, it’s time. Retinoids (like retinol or adapalene) increase cell turnover and help prevent clogged pores. They’re excellent for both treating and preventing acne.
SOME BY MI – Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum – 30ml
The SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum is a potent anti-aging formula designed to tackle fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. With the power of retinol and complementary ingredients like peptides and niacinamide, this serum helps to boost collagen production, firm the skin, and improve overall texture while also hydrating and calming the skin.
Pros:
- Anti-Aging Benefits: The retinol helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity, making it great for those looking to rejuvenate aging skin.
- Peptides for Firmness: Peptides work alongside retinol to support collagen production, enhancing the skin’s firmness and bounce.
- Balanced Formula: Contains soothing ingredients like niacinamide to mitigate the potential irritation caused by retinol, making it more tolerable for sensitive skin types.
Cons:
- Potential Dryness: Like most retinol products, this serum can cause dryness or flakiness, especially for first-time users or those with sensitive skin.
- Slow Results: As with many anti-aging products, noticeable results take time, so patience is required to see a visible reduction in wrinkles and fine lines.
- Needs Daily Sunscreen: Using retinol makes the skin more sensitive to sun exposure, so consistent sunscreen application is essential to avoid sun damage.
Step 5: Moisturize
Why It’s Important: Many people with acne-prone skin shy away from moisturizers, fearing it will make them break out. But skipping moisturizer can actually make things worse. When your skin is dry, it compensates by producing more oil, leading to more breakouts. Moisturizing is key to keeping your skin barrier healthy and preventing excess oil production.
Pro Tip: Even if your skin feels oily, don’t skip this step. Consistent moisturizing will help regulate your skin’s oil production and can even prevent breakouts in the long run.
What You Need:
Oil-Free Moisturizer:
Choose a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Look for ingredients like ceramides, which help restore your skin’s barrier, and hyaluronic acid, which hydrates without clogging pores.
Gel-Based Moisturizer:
Gel moisturizers are great for acne-prone skin as they provide hydration without the heaviness of traditional creams.
COSRX – Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion
The COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion is a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer designed to provide intense moisture without the greasy feel. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Birch Sap, this lotion is ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin who need hydration without clogging pores or causing excess shine.
Pros:
- Lightweight Hydration: This lotion offers effective moisture without a heavy or greasy texture, making it perfect for oily or combination skin types.
- Non-Comedogenic: Formulated to be non-comedogenic, it hydrates without clogging pores, reducing the risk of breakouts.
- Soothing Ingredients: Contains Birch Sap and Hyaluronic Acid, which not only hydrate but also soothe and calm the skin, providing a balanced and comfortable feel.
Cons:
- Limited for Very Dry Skin: While excellent for oily and combination skin, it may not provide enough moisture for very dry or dehydrated skin types.
- Fragrance-Free: While fragrance-free is often a plus, some users might find the absence of fragrance less appealing or less refreshing.
- Tube Size: The 100ml size might be considered small for those using it as their primary moisturizer, leading to quicker replenishment needs.
Step 6: Protect
Why It’s Important: Sunscreen is non-negotiable—especially if you’re using acne treatments that make your skin more sensitive to the sun, like retinoids or acids. Sun exposure can also worsen acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, so daily protection is a must.
Pro Tip: Make sure to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you’re outdoors or sweating. Sun protection is not just a one-and-done thing—it requires maintenance!
What You Need:
- Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen: Opt for a sunscreen that’s non-comedogenic, oil-free, and lightweight. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great options because they’re gentle on sensitive skin and provide physical protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
- SPF 30 or Higher: Ensure you’re using an SPF of at least 30. Anything lower won’t give you the protection you need, especially when you’re using strong active ingredients in your skincare routine.
Mineral – Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus
The Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus is a lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen that provides strong UV protection while soothing the skin. Formulated with Centella Asiatica extract, it calms irritated skin and is perfect for sensitive skin types. Its non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula makes it ideal for daily use, even under makeup.
Pros:
- Soothing Ingredients: Infused with Centella Asiatica, this sunscreen helps calm and soothe irritation, making it a great choice for sensitive or reactive skin.
- Lightweight and Non-Greasy: The formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky or greasy residue, making it ideal for layering under makeup or using on hot days.
- High UV Protection: With SPF 50+ PA++++, it offers excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent sun damage and premature aging.
Cons:
- Not Water-Resistant: This sunscreen is not water-resistant, so it may require reapplication after sweating or swimming.
- Potential White Cast: While the formula is lightweight, some users with darker skin tones may experience a slight white cast upon initial application.
- Small Tube Size: At 50ml, frequent users may find themselves going through the tube relatively quickly, especially with daily use.
BEAUTY OF JOSEON – Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF50+ PA++++
The BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF50+ PA++++ is a gentle, lightweight sunscreen infused with rice extract and probiotics to nourish and protect the skin. With a high SPF rating of 50+ PA++++, it provides excellent protection against UVA and UVB rays. Its hydrating formula leaves no white cast and feels comfortable on the skin, making it suitable for daily use on all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Pros:
- No White Cast: Unlike many sunscreens, this formula absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a white cast, making it ideal for all skin tones.
- Hydrating and Nourishing: The inclusion of rice extract and probiotics helps nourish the skin, providing moisture and balancing the skin barrier, making it perfect for dry and sensitive skin types.
- Lightweight Formula: The sunscreen feels lightweight and non-greasy, making it comfortable for daily use, even under makeup.
Cons:
- Not Water-Resistant: This sunscreen is not water-resistant, so it may require frequent reapplication if you’re sweating or swimming.
- Fragrance: Although minimal, some users may notice a faint scent, which could be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.
- Limited Availability: Depending on your region, it might be challenging to find this product in stores, leading to reliance on online purchases.
Final Thoughts
Consistency is the name of the game when it comes to managing acne-prone skin. Don’t expect miracles overnight, but with a routine like this in place, you’re setting yourself up for success. The key is to listen to your skin—start slow, introduce new products gradually, and adjust your routine as needed.
Remember, acne is complicated, and what works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is to stay patient and give your skin the care it deserves. After all, it’s about progress, not perfection.
This routine has been a game-changer for me, and I hope it helps you too on your journey to clearer, healthier skin!