Best Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

Acne is common skin condition that affects many people’s appearance and confidence. Acne includes pimples, blackheads and cysts. To manage and reduce acne, a proper skincare required. This article provides a detailed skincare routine specially prepared for acne-prone skin. Lets delve into Best Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin.

What is Acne-Prone Skin

It is important to understand what acne-prone skin is, before going through this article. Bacterial growth, overproduction of sebum, clogged pores and inflammation with irritation are the common and main characteristics of acne-prone skin. Various factors like hormonal changes, diet, genetics and environmental factors can contribute to acne. Main goal of this article is to address these factors for maintaining healthy and acne free skin.

Morning Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

1. Cleansing-

• To remove excess sebum, dirt, impurities and dust without stripping the skin’s natural oil; use gentle non-comedogenic cleanser.
•  Use cleanser with exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or Sulphur. These actives exfoliate the skin and keep pore clean.
• Use lukewarm water and small amount of cleanser, massage onto face and rinse off after 30 seconds.
• Example product- Cipla Saslic DS Face wash and CeraVe Foaming Cleanser.

2. Toning-

• To tighten the pores and maintain skin’s pH use alcohol free toner.
• Look for the ingredients lick glycolic acid, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to soothe and hydrate the skin.
• Apply toner with a cotton pad or gently pat it onto the face.
• Example Products – COSRX Cica alcohol free toner and any authentic Rose water toner.

3. Serum-

• Target acne with active ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid, Niacinamide or benzoyl peroxide to unclog the pore and reduce acne breakouts.
• Apply thin layer of product as per instructions given on products.
• Example Products- Novology acne reduction serum and COSRX Niacinamide serum.

4. Moisturizer-

• To hydrate the skin without clogging the pores, use lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers.
• Choose moisturizer with Hyaluronic acid, squalene, snail mucin or glycerin.
• Apply small amount of product all over the face and neck.
• Example Product- ACNE-oc moisturizer cream and Cipla Excela Moisturizer.

5. Sunscreens-

• To protect the skin from harmful UV rays that can exacerbate acne and inflammation, use oil free and Minimum SPF 30 broad spectrum sunscreen.
• apply 01 tablespoon of sunscreen all over the exposed body parts every day.
• Reapply after every 2-3 hours.
• Example products- Acne UV gel SPF 50 and La Shield SPF 40.

Night Skincare Routine for acne-prone skin

1. Cleansing-

• To remove makeup, sunscreen, dust and dirt use gentle non-comedogenic cleanser.
• Follow double cleansing. First use cleansing balm or oil then use regular cleanser.
• Example Product- DHC cleansing oil and use cleanser same as in morning Routine.

2. Exfoliation-

• Every skin needs exfoliation 2-3 times in a week to remove dead skin and prevent pore clogging.
• In case of acne-prone skin, you have to very careful about exfoliants.
• Use AHA like glycolic acid or BHA like salicylic acid.
• Avoid physical scrub as they can irritate the skin badly.
• Apply exfoliants in the evening after cleansing your face and before applying serum or moisturizer.
• Example PRODUCTS-  The Ordinary 2 % salicylic acid solution.

3. Serum-

• Use product same as morning routine.
• Use niacinamide serum daily and salicylic acid serum twice or thrice a week
• Apply small amount and tap it on to face for better absorption.
• Example Products- Novology acne reduction serum and COSRX Niacinamide serum.

4. Moisturizer-

• Use lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer same as morning routine to repair and hydrate the skin overnight.
• Apply thin layer of product across the face and neck.
• Example Products- same as morning routine.

5. Spot Treatment-

• Use spot treatment products to reduce blemishes, size and redness of pimples.
• Use actives such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or Sulphur.
• Apply directly on target area before bed.
• Example Product- AXIS-Y spot corrector gel serum.

Additional Tips to be followed in Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin-

• Avoid over exfoliating the skin as it causes irritation and worsen the acne problem.
• Use only chemical exfoliators with low concentration and avoid physical scrubs.
• Stick to your routine and proper products with consistency to see results in few weeks. Consistency is key as result take times.
• Patch test of new products is crucial if you have acne-prone skin to avoid irritation direct on face.
• Healthy lifestyle plays vital role in skin and hair health also. Follow balanced diet, rich in all vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.
• Avoid refined sugar, dairy products and refined wheat flour to lower down the acne breakouts.
• If you are suffering from severe acne problem then you have to consult dermatologist to get personalized treatment and recommendations.
• By following all these tips and routine consistently you can manage your acne and get clear, healthy and beautiful skin.