9 Basic Skincare Routine for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Hey there, fellow skincare enthusiasts!

Today, I want to share my personal story of dealing with oily and acne-prone skin—the ups, the downs, and the journey toward loving my natural beauty. Having struggled with this skin type for years, I understand the frustrations and the desire to achieve flawless skin. But let me tell you, it’s not always an easy road.

From experimenting with countless products to battling stubborn breakouts, I’ve been through it all. However, I’ve learned that the key to radiant skin lies not in perfection but in self-love and acceptance. So, if you’re like me and have oily and acne-prone skin, you know the struggle to achieve that perfect, blemish-free complexion.

In this blog post, I will spill all the tea on my basic morning and night skincare routine that has helped me keep the oil at bay. I won’t share the products I used because they are all local products. Therefore, I only share the ingredients or compositions that I use, which are safe for my skin. So, grab your favorite skincare products and dive into the magical world of skincare for oily and acne-prone skin!

Understanding Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: What’s Going On?

Oily and acne-prone skin can be a real rollercoaster ride. I used to wonder why my skin seemed to produce an endless supply of oil, leading to pesky breakouts that never seemed to go away. Well, here’s the scoop—our skin produces sebum, an oily substance that keeps it moisturized.

However, for those of us with oily and acne-prone skin, the sebaceous glands tend to go into overdrive, producing excess sebum that clogs our pores and gives acne-causing bacteria the perfect environment to thrive. Hormonal fluctuations, stress, and genetics can all play a role in exacerbating these issues.

Remember, consistency is key, and patience will pay off as you nurture your skin back to its natural, healthy state.

Morning Skincare Routine

Gentle Cleansing

The first step to kick-start my day is a gentle cleanse. I use a cleanser specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps me bid adieu to excess oil and any dirt or impurities that accumulated overnight. Cleanse your face twice a day—morning and night—to remove impurities and dirt buildup.

Look for products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as these ingredients can help unclog pores and control excess oil. However, you should never use a salicylic acid- or benzoyl peroxide-based product for every step of your skincare routine. For example, if you use a salicylic acid-based toner, make sure that this ingredient isn’t in your moisturizer.

Read more about salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide here.

Refreshing Toner

After cleansing, I apply a toner to balance my skin’s pH levels and reduce oiliness. It’s like a refreshing splash of goodness that preps my skin for the next steps.

Looks for products with ceramide, panthenol, or ectoin. Ceramides fall under the category of “skin-replenishing” (aka skin-identical) ingredients. Because they’re naturally part of your skin, ceramides are ideal for all skin types—even the most sensitive, breakout-prone, or oily skin.

Of note, studies emphasize panthenol’s effect on strengthening the skin barrier, thanks in part to its ability to reduce transepidermal water loss due to its humectant properties.

Lightweight Moisturizer

Contrary to what some may believe, even oily skin needs hydration! I opt for an oil-free, lightweight moisturizer to quench my skin’s thirst without adding extra shine. Look for products with hyaluronic acid, which can provide moisture without feeling oily.

Sunscreen Protection

Sunscreen is my non-negotiable daily companion. I choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen to shield my skin from harmful UV rays and prevent dark spots.

Acne-Fighting Treatment

To combat any sneaky pimples that might try to ruin my day, I dab on acne-fighting spot treatment. This superhero spot treatment works wonders and helps reduce inflammation. Spot treatments with sulfur or tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.

Night Skincare Routine

Double Cleanse

In the evening, I kick off my skincare routine with a double cleanse. First, I use a gentle water-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen. Then, I follow up with my trusty cleanser for a thorough cleanse.

Exfoliation (optional)

Twice a week, I treat my skin to some exfoliation. I use a physical exfoliation with ingrediants like salicylic acid or niacinamide in the morning. Then, in two days I use a chemical exfoliationt with ingredients like AHA and BHA at night.

What’s the Difference Between Physical and Chemical Exfoliation?

Physical exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells by scrubbing the surface of the face. To do this physical exfoliation, we can use a sponge or a product with a rough texture, such as containing microbeads or scrubs. Usually, the ingredients used for physical exfoliation are natural in nature, such as sugar, seeds or plant extracts. Physical exfoliation is suitable for normal to oily skin types.

Chemical exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells by using chemicals in liquid form that seep into the skin. This material will help regenerate new skin cells when the dead skin cells have been removed. This type of exfoliation is suitable for those of us who have sensitive skin types. So, for oily and acne-prone skin, opt for a chemical exfoliant, which are milder and gentler on the skin compared to physical scrubs.

Usually, the ingredients contained are for chemical exfoliation such as Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA). The content of AHA itself is suitable for those of us who have uneven skin tone problems. These two ingredients can remove dead skin cells, brighten the skin and prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells. For that, we can look for products that contain glycolic acid and lactic acid.

Meanwhile, BHA is an acid content that can work well in sebum, so it can absorb into the skin down to the pores and clean the face perfectly. These ingredients are suitable for those of us who have problems with blackheads, milia and large pores. For that, try to find products that contain salicylic acid.

Soothing Toner

Post-cleansing, I use a soothing toner to calm any redness and inflammation that might have popped up during the day. It’s like a hug for my skin!

Choose a toner that helps balance your skin’s pH levels and reduces excess oil. Look for toners with witch hazel, tea tree oil, or chamomile, as these ingredients have natural astringent properties that can soothe inflamed skin.

Nourishing Night Cream

Before calling it a night, I apply a nourishing night cream packed with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It works its magic while I catch some Z’s. I also apply acne spot treatment at the end of night skincare routine.

Having oily and acne-prone skin can be tough, and I know firsthand the frustration of trying to achieve that elusive perfect complexion. But here’s the thing—every skin journey is unique, and it’s okay to have those breakout days.

Instead of striving for perfection, let’s learn to love our skin, flaws, and all. With the right skincare routine and self-love, we can embrace our skin journey and feel confident in our own skin. So, here’s to radiant, blemish-free skin, and the beauty of imperfection!