The best skincare routine for acne-prone skin

A foolproof guide for beginners looking to deal with acne and its many side-effects on the skin

Acne can manifest in various forms, from whiteheads and blackheads to even painful pimples and cysts. These blemishes can appear on the face, back, chest, and shoulders. Studies show that acne affects 80 per cent of young adults.

While breakouts and acne are common, their persistent presence can be painful, taxing to tackle and could weaken your skin barrier. The good news is that acne is absolutely treatable. Here's a breakdown of some beginner-friendly skincare routine steps to get you started on your journey to clearer, calmer skin.

The Right Cleanse for Clearer Skin

Cleansing your face is the first step in your skincare routine, a mandatory ritual to start and end your day. Cleansers remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that can clog pores and trigger acne breakouts. But washing too much can also strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. There are different cleansers on the market, but some of our favourites are: 

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser is a dermatologist-approved cleanser known for its gentle yet effective cleansing power. Harsh cleansers can disrupt your skin's natural barrier, aggravating breakouts. The inclusion of ceramides could provide additional benefits for acne-prone skin by helping to maintain your skin barrier.

This gentle cleanser tackles three key factors that contribute to acne: 2% salicylic acid gently exfoliates by helping remove dead skin cells and unclog pores to prevent future blemishes. Hectorite clay absorbs excess oil, reducing shine and creating a matte finish, and niacinamide soothes and reduces redness associated with acne.

Paula's Choice Pore Normalising Cleanser tackles blemishes, and removes excess oil, dead skin cells, and make-up, all while making your skin feel fresh and comfortable. Salicylic acid, as one of its primary ingredients, gets to work deep down in your pores to clear existing breakouts and prevent future ones. Arginine calms and soothes irritated skin, reducing redness. 

Vitamin B5 conditions your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. The lightweight gel texture of the cleanser is refreshing and won't strip your skin of its natural moisture. 

Serums for Specific Acne Concerns

Think of serums as that extra credit for your skin. They are packed with active ingredients that can target your specific acne concerns. So, if you are in search of serums to heal your acne, look for the following ingredients:

Salicylic acid

This is an oil-soluble BHA that penetrates deep into pores, dissolving dirt and preventing breakouts. It is particularly effective against blackheads and whiteheads. Introduce it gradually–once or twice a week–to avoid irritation. Apply as a spot treatment for individual pimples or all over your face for overall acne control, depending on your acne severity. You can opt for serums that include the following: 

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is an affordable serum that contains a 2% beta hydroxy acid (BHA) solution. It exfoliates the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells. This targeted, water-based serum is formulated with an optimal concentration of salicylic acid to gently exfoliate dead skin cells. By tackling congestion and texture, this solution provides the skin with a more refined look. Its effective yet gentle formula is particularly suitable for teenagers and those with blemish-prone skin.

Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Serum is a powerful yet gentle serum. Its formula combines the highest concentration of natural salicylic acid to unclog pores and fight blemishes with antioxidant grape seed polyphenols to protect your skin. Organic rosewater hydrates and soothes, while grape seed extract promotes cell renewal for a brighter look. Rosemary oil calms irritation. Experience reduced blemishes, tighter pores, a healthy glow, and all-around soothed, radiant skin.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a double agent for acne-prone skin. It helps regulate sebum production to prevent clogged pores, while its anti-inflammatory properties calm redness and irritation and is a great add-on for your skincare routine. It even strengthens your skin's barrier, helping it fight off irritants and heal from breakouts. Let's take a look at the top choices for its serum:

Allies Of Skin Prebiotics & Niacinamide Serum Pore Refining Booster is a daily booster packed with 10% Niacinamide and 12 Pores Refiners. It targets enlarged pores, dullness, and a weakened skin barrier. Enriched with prebiotics and probiotics, it nourishes your skin's microbiome, while Centella Asiatica soothes and strengthens the skin’s texture. 

COSRX Niacinamide Serum's high concentration of niacinamide regulates oil production to prevent clogged pores and calms inflammation for a calmer, clearer complexion. N-acetylglucosamine fades dark spots left by acne, while Allantoin stimulates collagen production to minimise scars. This targeted formula fights existing breakouts and helps prevent future ones.

Retinol for Beginners: Benefits & How to Avoid Irritation

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A that speeds up skin cell turnover. You can add this as an extra step in your daily skincare routine for glowing skin, as it helps fade wrinkles and pesky acne scars. However, retinol can be irritating at first, especially for those with sensitive skin. It might cause some dryness, redness, or even flaking. However, there is no need to panic, as this is just your skin adjusting to it. If the irritation gets too uncomfortable, take a break for a few days and then start reusing it in a lower dose or less frequent application.

Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so stick to applying it before bed. Start slow, with a low dose (around 0.3 per cent) once or twice a week. As your skin gets used to it, you can gradually use it often. Don't forget to moisturise your skin after applying it. Retinol can dry out your skin, so a good moisturiser is key. Look for fragrance-free and non-comedogenic options to avoid irritation. Here are some beginner-friendly retinols you can add to your routine: 

Dermalogica Retinol Face Oil is infused with a unique blend of botanical oils that mimic your skin's natural lipids, providing deep nourishment and soothing comfort. Struggling with breakouts and wrinkles? This oil fights both. Slow-release retinol tackles fine lines and wrinkles, while salicylic acid clears breakouts. 

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol+Ferulic Texture Renewal Retinol Serum utilises Phyto-Retinol Blend to target blemishes and fine lines. Its blend of retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, and ferulic acid works to build skin proteins and texture. While hydrators like squalane and hyaluronic acid lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

Why Hydration is Necessary For Your Skin

Contrary to popular belief, oily or acne-prone skin still needs proper hydration. Lack of moisture can disrupt the skin barrier, worsening inflammation and breakouts. When choosing a moisturiser, look for lightweight, oil-free formulas labelled "non-comedogenic" to prevent clogged pores. Studies have shown that proper hydrationimproves skin barrier function, which can help reduce inflammation and acne breakouts.

Even though acne is more common in oily and combination skin, it can affect any skin type. The key is to find a gentle balance. Look for exfoliating ingredients like BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) containing salicylic acid to clear clogged pores. To keep your skin hydrated, which can surprisingly help regulate oil production, incorporate humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin into your routine. This will help prevent dryness which can worsen some types of acne.

Here are our top picks: 

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Moisturiser is a lightweight, gel-cream moisturiser combines hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica extract for deep, long-lasting hydration. More than just hydration, this face cream helps restore your skin's natural moisture barrier, defending against dryness that can lead to irritation.

Bioderma Sebium Hydra Moisturiser is a moisturiser's targeted formula tackles the side-effects of acne medication. Glycerin and ceramides replenish moisture and rebuild your skin's barrier, preventing flaking and tightness. Soothing ingredients like enoxolon and allantoin calm redness and irritation. 

Bioderma Sébium Hydra goes beyond basic relief. Its unique Fluidactiv complex regulates sebum production, preventing clogged pores, and future breakouts. The result? Intense hydration, soothed skin, and a clear complexion–all in a formula that won't clog pores and works well under make-up.

Add Retinoid To Your Routine

A study by the National Library of Medicine states that topical retinoids should be thefoundation for acne treatment. Retinoids are a versatile option that should be added to your skincare routine to achieve clear skin. They combat acne by unclogging pores and regulating oil production while also stimulating collagen growth to diminish wrinkles and fine lines.

Retinol’s ability to regulate cell turnover also evens skin tone and diminishes sun damage. While initial use might cause dryness and irritation, consistent application allows your skin to adjust.

Also Read: With the spotlight on trending skincare ingredients, has glycerin become redundant?

Also Read: The chemist finds for acne beauty brands don’t want you to know about

Also Read: Do men and women *really* need different skincare products?