A targeted skincare routine for oily, acne-prone skin

Let a greasy film of sebum on the skin be a thing of the past

Caring for oily and acne-prone skin can be tricky, but once you have a routine that works for you, it can do wonders for your skin. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the US, affecting. Breakouts and pimples are common for a host of individuals, and acne can manifest in different ways, from painful cysts to whiteheads and blackheads. 

A Step-by-Step Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

Your skincare routine does not have to be an elaborate 14-step one to achieve clear  skin. Here is a beginner-friendly routine that works for everyone.

Washing Away Excess Oil and Impurities

The first step of any routine is using a cleanser to remove dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells. This helps provide a clean canvas for other products to work on. If your skin tends to be oily, you should clean your face twice a day. However, cleansing too much may strip your skin of its natural oils. 

Start with a gentle glycerin-based cleanser. Glycerin is the perfect cleansing ingredient for oily skin. It does not add more oil to the skin and is non-comedogenic. It washes away grease and dirt without drying up the skin. 

Look for cleansers with salicylic acid as it dissolves excess oil quickly. These cleansers gently tackle your blemishes while also helping your skin look healthier. 

The inclusion of salicylic acid ensures that the cleanser effectively dissolves excess oil, helping to reduce breakouts and leaving your skin fresh and clean. It also speeds up the healing process of scarring. 

Actives to Fight Acne 

A serum with an active ingredient will help your skin immensely. Here are the ingredients you need in your serum.

Salicylic Acid

As a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid penetrates the skin deeply, targeting the root causes of acne. It works by dissolving the dead skin cells and sebum that accumulate inside pores, thereby preventing the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.

It tightens the pores and reduces the appearance of acne-scarring. By promoting exfoliation, this solution visibly reduces skin congestion, resulting in a brighter, clearer complexion. Its gentle yet effective formula makes it suitable for use by teenagers with blemish-prone skin, offering a targeted approach to managing and preventing breakouts. 

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a versatile and highly effective ingredient for treating acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne. Niacinamide also regulates the production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil, which can minimise the occurrence of clogged pores and breakouts. 

It delivers intense hydration, visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines. Known for its pore-minimising and texture-refining properties, niacinamide is also gentle on the skin, makingit suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Lightweight Moisture for Balanced Skin 

Who said that those with oily skin do not need to apply moisturiser? Light creams or gel-based moisturisers work best for oily skin as they are not too heavy. With regular use of a light gel-based moisturiser, your skin will regain its softness, revealing a visibly fresher complexion. 

A gentle moisturiser with hyaluronic acid is a great choice for sensitive skin. It’s skin-friendly and suitable for all acne-prone skin, encouraging the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid for lasting hydration. 

Shielding Skin from Damage

Sunscreen is an essential component of skincare, especially for those with acne-prone oily skin. While many believe it to be counterintuitive to apply sunscreen to already oily skin, modern formulations are designed to be lightweight, non-comedogenic, and mattifying, ensuring they do not exacerbate breakouts. Sun exposure can worsen acne by increasing inflammation and hyperpigmentation, leading to more noticeable scars.

Select a gentle sunscreen suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin, with a dermatologist-tested formula that is oil-free. This ensures it won't clog pores or cause breakouts.

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