Skincare routine for oily, acne prone skin

Skincare routines are not just for people who have oily skin. They are for all skin types and colors. Getting into a good skincare routine will ensure that your skin is getting the maximum benefits from skincare products.

A skincare routine can be very basic to include a cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen during the day. However, for those wanting more for their skin, a basic skincare routine won’t get you to where you want to be.

While in some cases, oily skin is tough to prevent because it is caused by genetics or hormones,  eating healthy, exercising and following a good skincare routine targeted for your skin type will make a difference.

Causes of oily, acne prone skin

Oily skin is when the sebaceous glands produce too much oil. This can cause the pores to get clogged which can lead to acne.

Purpose of a skincare routine for oily skin

Regulate oil production

Get rid of shine and greasiness

Daytime routine for oily skin

Cleanse

Tone

Apply a serum

Moisturize 

Use sunscreen during the day.  

Cleansing for oily skin

If you have oily skin, it is important that you cleanse in the morning and before going to bed. Cleansing will remove oil and dirt from your skin.

Cleanse with products that won’t clog your pores. Look for products that contain non comedogenic ingredients. This means it does not have the potential to clog your pores.

Do not cleanse more than twice a day. Over-cleansing will strip your skin of its natural oils which is bad. It could lead to dry skin which has acne or oily skin. The latter is because skin produces more oil when it thinks it has none and needs to compensate for the lack of oils.

Tone

Toning your face is also good for those with oily skin. This is to make sure that anything that can clog your pores is removed.

Use a toner with salicylic acid, which can be used in the morning and the night.

If you want to give your skin a break from your salicylic acid toner, then use a hydrating toner on days you are not using salicylic acid, to nourish your skin.

Serums and or spot treatments

After toning the face, apply a hydrating serum on your face. This will ensure that your oily skin is still hydrated. You can also apply a spot treatment on your acne. There is no need to use a spot treatment with salicylic acid if you are using a toner with it. Instead use a spot treatment with sulphur, benzoyl peroxide, zinc, sulphur, azelaic acid.

Your skin will also benefit with a product with Vitamin C Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP). It has been shown that a 1% concentration of SAP has strong antimicrobial effects against acne for 8 hours!. You can even use a moisturiser with SAP which will benefit your skin.

Alternatively, use a serum at night with a retinoid. It increases cell turnover which will assist with your acne problems.

Moisturizer

Always, top up with moisturizer. For night time, choose one that  will repair and nourish your skin. Look for a moisturizer with hydrating, soothing ingredients. Choose a moisturizer that is oil free, and lotion like. In addition, use moisturizers that won’t clog your pores.

Facial Oil

To seal in all your products to make sure they work their best, add a nourishing oil as the last step of your skincare routine. Look for oils that will hydrate, heal, and balance out your oily skin.

Suncreen

Always wear sunscreen during the day

Takeaways

While there are a lot of products out there for oily, acne prone skin, eating habits are also important. Stay away from sugary foods if you have acne because it could worsen your problem.

Don’t touch your face all the time with your hands because you can spread, dirt and oil from your hands to your face which will worsen your acne.

Change your pillow case every second or third day

Also, change your towel’s often to ensure you are not drying your face with something dirty that can clog your pores.