If you struggle with acne-prone skin, finding a skincare routine that works can feel overwhelming. With so many products available, it’s essential to understand which steps will help prevent breakouts, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin. Dr Tom Goyer, a skincare expert in Sydney, shares his guide on building an effective skincare routine for acne-prone skin, offering tips on the best ingredients, products, and techniques to keep your skin clear and balanced.
Morning Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin
Your morning routine should focus on cleansing, protecting, and lightly hydrating your skin. This prepares your skin to face the day’s environmental stressors while keeping oil and breakouts under control.
1. Cleanser
A gentle cleanser is essential for removing excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin. Look for a cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients to help keep pores clear.
- Best Ingredients: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tea tree oil are effective for acne-prone skin.
- How to Use: Cleanse every morning with lukewarm water, focusing on areas that are more prone to breakouts, like the T-zone.
Tip: Avoid harsh, drying cleansers that can lead to irritation and excess oil production.
2. Toner
Toners help balance the skin’s pH and remove any residue left from cleansing. Use an alcohol-free toner to avoid drying out your skin and focus on toners that target oil control and pore size.
- Best Ingredients: Witch hazel, niacinamide, and green tea extract.
- How to Use: After cleansing, apply toner with a cotton pad or gently press it into your skin with your hands.
Tip: Look for toners with gentle, calming ingredients if your skin is sensitive or prone to redness.
3. Treatment Serum
A serum designed for acne-prone skin helps address specific issues, such as reducing inflammation and preventing future breakouts. Apply a serum with active ingredients that support skin clarity and treat acne at its source.
- Best Ingredients: Niacinamide, salicylic acid, and Vitamin C (for those also dealing with acne scars).
- How to Use: Apply a few drops to clean skin, focusing on acne-prone areas.
Tip: Start with lower concentrations of active ingredients if your skin is sensitive, gradually increasing as your skin adjusts.
4. Lightweight Moisturiser
Moisturising is crucial, even for acne-prone skin. Skipping moisturiser can actually lead to excess oil production as your skin tries to compensate for dryness. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.
- Best Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera.
- How to Use: Apply a thin layer over your entire face and neck.
Tip: Gel-based moisturisers are particularly good for oily or acne-prone skin, as they’re light and absorb quickly.
5. Sunscreen
Sun protection is vital, especially if you’re using acne treatments that can increase sun sensitivity (like retinoids or exfoliating acids). Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Best Ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- How to Use: Apply sunscreen as the final step in your morning routine, and reapply every two hours if outdoors.
Tip: Look for sunscreens labeled “non-comedogenic” to avoid clogged pores.
Evening Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin
Your evening routine should focus on deeply cleansing, treating, and repairing the skin. This is when you can use more targeted treatments to address breakouts and support skin healing.
1. Double Cleanse
If you wear makeup or sunscreen, a double cleanse is essential to thoroughly remove all residue. Start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to break down makeup, then follow with your morning cleanser.
- How to Use: Massage the oil-based cleanser onto dry skin, then rinse. Follow with your water-based cleanser.
Tip: Use gentle motions, especially if you have active breakouts, to avoid aggravating your skin.
2. Exfoliate (2-3 Times a Week)
Exfoliation helps clear away dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to acne. Use a gentle chemical exfoliant 2-3 times a week to keep pores clear and improve skin texture.
- Best Ingredients: Salicylic acid (BHA) for penetrating pores, or glycolic acid (AHA) for surface exfoliation.
- How to Use: Apply your exfoliant after cleansing on nights when you’re not using other actives like retinoids.
Tip: Avoid physical scrubs, which can be too abrasive for acne-prone skin and cause irritation.
3. Treatment Products (Retinoids or Spot Treatments)
Nighttime is ideal for applying treatments that target acne at a deeper level, as your skin repairs itself overnight. Retinoids help with cell turnover and prevent clogged pores, while spot treatments can address specific pimples.
- Best Ingredients: Retinoids (like adapalene or retinol) for overall acne control, benzoyl peroxide for spot treatments.
- How to Use: Apply retinoids to the entire face if prescribed, or use benzoyl peroxide directly on active breakouts.
Tip: Start with retinoids 2-3 times a week if you’re new to them, gradually increasing frequency as your skin adjusts.
4. Hydrating Moisturizer
Apply a hydrating moisturiser to support skin recovery and lock in moisture after treatments. Evening moisturisers can be slightly richer than daytime ones but should still be non-comedogenic.
- Best Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera.
- How to Use: Apply a generous amount to your face and neck to help repair your skin’s barrier overnight.
Tip: If your skin feels particularly sensitive, look for a calming night cream formulated for sensitive skin.
5. Optional: Face Oil for Extra Hydration
If your skin is prone to dryness or you’re using drying acne treatments, consider adding a non-comedogenic face oil to seal in moisture. A few drops can help keep your skin soft and prevent flakiness without clogging pores.
- Best Oils: Squalane or jojoba oil, which are lightweight and absorb easily.
- How to Use: Pat a few drops over your moisturiser to lock in hydration.
Additional Tips for Managing Acne-Prone Skin
- Avoid Touching Your Face: Hands carry bacteria, which can transfer to your face and lead to breakouts. Be mindful of how often you touch your face throughout the day.
- Keep Pillowcases and Towels Clean: Oil, dirt, and bacteria can build up on your pillowcases and towels, so wash them regularly to avoid transferring impurities to your skin.
- Manage Stress and Eat Well: High stress levels and an unbalanced diet can impact acne. Incorporate stress-reducing practices and aim for a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
- Be Patient: Acne treatments take time, often 6-8 weeks to show results. Stick to your routine consistently for the best chance of seeing improvement.
Creating a skincare routine for acne-prone skin requires consistency, the right products, and a bit of patience. By following a routine that focuses on cleansing, treating, and hydrating without overwhelming your skin, you can achieve a balanced, healthier complexion. For personalised skincare advice or to address specific acne concerns, Dr Tom Goyer is here to help. For more expert insights, visit Dr Tom Goyer’s blog.