If you have acne-prone skin, you need to have a proper skincare routine that heals your acne and treats your scars. Skincare routines can help greatly with your acne healing process as they work as a topical treatment. To do this it is really important to use the right products that suit acne-prone skin. This article will guide you through an effective skincare routine for acne-prone skin.
Why Do You Need a Skincare Routine For Acne?
If you get acne, you have a lot of other issues to cope with. Moreover, if you are on medications, you need a lot more care for your acne-prone skin. Your diet plan or precautionary measures are not enough to give you clear and glowing skin. You need to maintain a suitable skincare routine that calms down your acne, reduces dark spots, and heals your scars. To deal with all these issues, you need to focus on what you put on your skin.
Skincare routine for acne may include skin care products, dermatologically recommended cleansers, ointments, moisturizers, sunblock, and home remedies. So, if you are starting a routine, you should stay consistent with it.
Things to Remember When Starting a Routine
Whenever you start any new product as a part of your skincare routine, you should keep the following things in mind:
- One skincare routine may not work for all.
- Acne-prone people should have oil-free products in their routine.
- Try a patch test before you start something.
- Stay consistent with products that suit you.
- Do not blindly use products that others recommend.
- Use products that include niacinamide and salicylic acid.
- Be patient with your results as it takes time for results to show.
- Use only high-quality products.
- Only skincare cannot make your skin clear.
- Consult your dermatologist before starting any skincare routine.
- Do not overload your skin with products.
- Avoid using too many chemicals as they may trigger inflammatory acne.
Morning Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin
Acne-prone people need to have a different morning and night skincare routine. People who opt for acne skincare, usually use similar products like oily skin people. However, there is a difference between oily and acne-prone skin. To clear acne, you need to have a little extra care because it has inflammatory acne, sensitive skin, and dry patches.
Here is a simple and effective morning skincare routine for acne-prone skin:
- Cleanser with Salicylic Acid
- Toner with AHA or BHA
- Clay Mask (twice a Week)
- Serum with Nicinamide, Retinol, and Azelaic Acid
- Hydrating and non-comedogenic Moisturizer
- Broad Spectrum Sunblock
Cleanser with Salicylic Acid
Cleansing is a key to achieving clear and healthy skin. Our skin contains a lot of pores that are prone to oil, dirt, and bacteria accumulation. All this gunk can lead to acne formation so it is vital to cleanse your face properly.
Acne-prone people need to include a salicylic acid mild cleanser in their skincare routine. Salicylic acid is an oil-control element that helps deep clean and unclog the pores and extract all the excessive oil, bacteria, and dirt.
- Use a mild cleanser.
- Preferably, your cleanser must have salicylic acid.
- Take a small amount of cleanser on your palm and emulsify it.
- Gently massage your face in a circular motion.
- Wet your palms and massage for 2-3 minutes.
- Do not over-cleanse your face.
Toner with AHA or BHA
BHA and AHA toners are quite helpful in treating acne and residual scars and spots. These are exfoliating toners that acne-prone skin requires. Exfoliation is important for acne-prone skin but using scrubs for exfoliation can worsen acne and cause inflammation. So, toners with AHA and BHA can work effectively to provide better and clearer skin.
Toners work as an additional step in cleansing skin and treating acne. AHA includes glycolic acid, or lactic acid that works against hyperpigmentation and acne spot reduction. While BHA has antibacterial properties that reduce acne formation.
- After cleansing your face, take a small cotton pad.
- Put some AHA and BHA toner.
- Apply it gently all over your face and let it dry.
Clay Mask
The core problem for acne-prone skin is oil production. To cope with the issue of oil production and enlarged pores, a clay mask can be an effective addition to the skincare routine for acne-prone skin. It is known to absorb all the excess oil from the pores and give a lasting fresh skin. So, choose any suitable clay mask for yourself.
- After cleansing and toning, prepare your clay mask.
- Take a spoonful of mask powder and mix it with plain water or rose water.
- Turn it into a smooth paste or your desired consistency.
- Apply the clay mask evenly on your face.
- Let it dry for at least 15 minutes.
- Rinse your face with lukewarm water.
- Use a clay mask only twice or thrice a week.
Skin Serum
Serums work as skin treatment skincare products. With essential concentrations of required chemicals or acids, serums can target and resolve issues on your skin. For acne-prone people, skin serums with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, Azelaic Acid, and more.
- After cleansing and toning your face, take a few drops of your suitable skin serum.
- Apply the serum gently all over your face and neck.
- Serums can help in hydrating, reducing oil production, and removing acne and acne scars.
- Do a patch test before starting any new ingredient on your skin.
- Go for non-fragrant skin serums.
Hydrating and Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer
Moisturization is the key to healthy skin, no matter whether you have acne or dry skin. All you need to do is search for a moisturiser that suits your skin type and nourishes your skin. After applying skin serum, it is important to lock the ingredients for which a moisturiser can help restore the skin barrier, absorb the product efficiently, and keep the skin plump.
When you are choosing a moisturiser for a skincare routine for acne-prone skin, you should always choose lightweight and non-oil-based products. Many gel-based or water-based moisturisers hydrate the skin, keep it soft and stay super light on your skin.
- Buy moisturiser with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or other natural hydration.
- Apply moisturiser while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture.
- Never skip moisturiser as dehydration may lead to acne.
Broad Spectrum Sunblock/ Sunscreen
UV rays from the sun can hurt your skin condition. Sun can dehydrate skin, forcing sebum production and acne. It can also increase hyperpigmentation and create stubborn dark spots. For sensitive skin people, sun exposure may also cause irritation and inflammation.
Everyone needs to add sunblock or sunscreen to their skincare routine every morning. acne-prone people should use lightweight sunblock without comedogenic ingredients.
- Before completing your morning skincare routine, apply a sunblock to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Choose sunblock above SPF 30 for more protection.
- Never skip sunscreen even if you are staying indoors.
- Apply sunscreen generously using the three-finger method.
- Use lightweight gel sunblock or sunsticks.
- Reapply sunblock every two hours.
PM Skincare Routine
After the wear and tear of the whole day, your skin becomes dull and tired. But, you should never let your skin go to sleep with all the pollutants and bacteria on your face. Have a proper Night skincare routine for acne-prone skin. It will give you more time for the skin to heal during the time you relax your body. A nighttime routine is a little more detailed as it works as an overnight healing procedure. Here are basic steps for your nighttime skincare routine for acne-prone skin:
- Makeup or Sunscreen Remover
- Gentle Cleanser
- Chemical Exfoliator (Once a week)
- Serum
- Spot Treatment
- Moisturiser
- Eye Cream
Makeup or Sunscreen Remover
The nighttime skincare routine includes an additional step of makeup or sunscreen removal. The residue of products, sunblock, and makeup throughout the day can cause bacteria. So, start with using micellar water or cleansing balm to remove any makeup, bacteria, pollutants, and dirt.
- Use a cotton pad and micellar water to remove any excess oil, bacteria, makeup, or product residue.
Gentle Cleanser
Move to the gentle cleansing process to take off any further residues from your skin.
- Use a hydrating cleanser.
- Emulsify the product in your palms and lather the product on your skin.
- Gently massage your skin for two to three minutes.
- Wash off the product with water.
Chemical Exfoliator
You can use a chemical exfoliator once a week or in 15 days according to the severity of your acne. For the nighttime skincare routine, use AHA and BHA peeling solutions for skin exfoliation. It will help in reducing acne and lighten dark spots with consistent use.
- Use BHA and AHA peeling solution.
- After cleansing, apply a thin layer of solution on your skin.
- Let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Wash off with plain water.
Spot Treatment
You can use spot treatment twice or thrice a week to target your pigmentation, dark spots, or acne. It may include tretinoin or glycolic acid treatments. After cleansing your face, leave your skin to dry for 15 minutes before applying the spot treatment. Applying spot treatment after cleansing can help penetrate the product better. You can choose any spot treatment that suits your skin condition.
Serum
Layer your skin with any suitable skin serum for acne treatment like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, alpha arbutin, vitamin C, and salicylic acid. A serum has an active ingredient concentration that heals your skin. So, choose your skin serum wisely according to your skin concerns.
Moisturiser
Moisturiser is a must at night because it is necessary to lock in all the products on the skin. It helps in making your skin plump. Use a hydrating moisturiser at night to keep your skin soft and healthy throughout the night. Use it generously so your skin can have the required moisturiser throughout the night.
Eye Cream
Acne-clearing products can dry out your skin, so it is vital to keep the skin moisturised. Because dryness can lead to wrinkles and fine lines. For acne-prone skin and following a skincare routine, an eye cream is highly important. While using acne-healing products and medications, the skin around your eyes can become prone to ageing and wrinkles. So, always use an eye cream before sleeping. It will keep your skin fresh and keep dark circles away.
Conclusion
Follow this easy morning and night skincare routine for acne-prone skin. This routine will help you greatly with healing acne, preventing new breakouts, and reducing dark spots and acne scars. But, to see a positive result, you should stay consistent with your routine. Moreover, skincare works better if you have a proper diet, lifestyle changes and follow medications by your dermatologist. If any product reacts with you, you should promptly consult your dermatologist. Also, have proper research and consultation before starting any active ingredients on your skin.
This routine can greatly help in transforming your skin, so rather than being disappointed, follow the routine. It will promise you a healthy, glowing, and acne-free skin.
