I’ve struggled with oily, acne-prone skin for years. Incorporating the steps that I am goona share, particularly the Marine Hyaluronics and Salicylic Acid, will definitely give you visible difference. My skin feels hydrated without being oily, and the breakouts have reduced dramatically. But for the starters check if you are making any of these Skincare mistakes that are causing you acne.
I remember when I first started using Salicylic Acid. I was nervous about introducing an exfoliant into my routine, but starting slowly and observing my skin’s reaction helped me find the perfect balance.
So now, let’s dive into a skincare routine that caters specifically to oily, acne-prone skin using products from The Ordinary. Trust me, I’ve been there, and with the right steps, your skin can look and feel better.
For Creating A Skincare Routine, You Need To Understand Oily- Acne Prone Skin First
Before I take you to the routine, let me take a moment to make you understand why oily, acne-prone skin requires special attention.
Oily Skin: This skin type produces an excess amount of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. While sebum is essential for keeping our skin moisturized, too much of it can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Acne-Prone Skin: When your pores get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, it can lead to acne. This can manifest as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or even cystic acne.
The goal of a skincare routine for oily, acne-prone skin is to control excess oil production, keep the skin hydrated, and treat and prevent breakouts.
Now let’s jump to the skincare routine. I have included both morning and night skincare routine below so stick till the end. You’re welome babe!
Morning Skincare Routine
1. Cleanse Your Face
Start your day with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, and sweat. I can’t emphasize how important it is to remove all that dirt. It can even cause acne to normal skin type if they don’t clean their skin properly. You can go with a single cleanse in the morning.
Here are the cleansers I used to control my acne:
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
This cleanser is excellent for normal to oily skin. It removes oil without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. It’s formulated with ceramides and niacinamide to help restore the skin’s barrier and calm the skin.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
Another great option that’s gentle and effective, suitable for oily skin, and helps maintain your skin’s natural balance. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores.
If you are into Korean Skincare, here is a list of my favorite Korean Cleansers
How to use:
- Wet your face with lukewarm water. Using lukewarm water helps to open up your pores, making it easier to remove dirt and oil.
- Apply a small amount (about a coin size) of cleanser to your hands.
- Gently massage it onto your face in circular motions, ensuring you cover all areas including your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing your face with the towel as this can cause irritation.
2. Hydrate Your Skin
You may have that oily residue all the time and think that you don’t need any hydration. But in truth, oily skin often lacks hydration.
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics is your go-to. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and hydrates without leaving a greasy residue.
This product contains lightweight marine-derived water reservoirs that attract and hold water in the skin.
How to use:
- After cleansing, take 5-10 drops of Marine Hyaluronics in your palm.
- Rub your hands together and apply evenly to your face and neck.
- Allow it to absorb into your skin. This should take just a few seconds.
3. Niacinamide + Zinc Serum
I use Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum from The Ordinary. This powerhouse serum helps regulate oil production and reduces the appearance of blemishes and redness.
It’s especially beneficial for acne-prone skin as it also aids in reducing inflammation. Niacinamide also helps to minimize pore appearance and improve overall skin texture.
How to use:
- Take 2-3 drops of Niacinamide serum.
- Gently massage it into your skin, focusing on areas with blemishes or oiliness.
- Let it absorb fully before moving to the next step. This usually takes a minute or two.
4. Sunscreen
It’s a no-brainer that you can never skip sunscreen. Protecting your skin from UV damage is crucial. Use your favorite sunscreen that suits your skin.
I have used sunscreens from The ordinary but they were a bit too heavy for my oily skin. But I love these two:
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++
Lightweight, non-greasy, and perfect for daily use. It soothes the skin with aloe while providing sun protection. This sunscreen is ideal for sensitive skin and leaves a dewy finish without feeling oily.
NIOD Survival 30
A mineral sunscreen with a tint to avoid the white cast and offers a matte finish. It contains antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage and blue light.
How to use:
- Apply a generous amount of sunscreen, about half a teaspoon for face and neck or spread it on your three fingers, that’s the amount you need.
- Spread it evenly across your face, neck, and any other exposed areas.
- Reapply every 2-3 hours even if you are indoors, Yes you need it even when you are not going out. Sunscreen should be the last step in your morning routine, as it forms a protective barrier on your skin.
Evening Skincare Routine
1. Double Cleanse (If Needed)
If you wear makeup or sunscreen, start with The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser to break down any residue. Follow up with your morning cleanser (CeraVe or Cetaphil) to ensure your skin is squeaky clean.
Double cleansing ensures that all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and impurities are removed, allowing your skin to breathe and absorb subsequent products more effectively.
How to use:
Salicylic Acid is excellent for exfoliating and unclogging pores. Use this in the evening 2-3 times a week to start, and then adjust based on your skin’s tolerance. Salicylic Acid penetrates the pores to clear out dead skin cells and reduce oil buildup, which helps to prevent and treat acne.
- Apply the Squalane Cleanser to your dry face, massaging it to dissolve makeup and sunscreen.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Follow with your morning cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
2. Hydrate Your Skin
Yes, hydration is just as important at night. Repeat your morning step with Marine Hyaluronics to keep your skin plump and hydrated. Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin and preventing overproduction of oil.
3. Use Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is excellent for exfoliating and unclogging pores. Use this in the evening 2-3 times a week to start, and then adjust based on your skin’s tolerance. Salicylic Acid penetrates the pores to clear out dead skin cells and reduce oil buildup, which helps to prevent and treat acne.
How to use:
- Apply 2-3 drops of the Salicylic Acid solution.
- Focus on areas prone to acne or oiliness, avoiding the eye area and sensitive parts around the nose and mouth.
- Allow it to absorb fully into your skin.
Important tip:
- Start by using Salicylic Acid 2-3 times a week and then gradually increase the frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
- Always use sunscreen during the day, especially when using exfoliants like Salicylic Acid, as they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
4. Optional Moisturizer
If your skin feels dry, you can use a lightweight moisturizer. Here are two options:
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Lightweight and hydrating, but might feel a bit heavy for some. This moisturizer supports the skin’s natural barrier with a blend of amino acids, dermal lipids, and hyaluronic acid.
NIOD Hydration Vaccine:
Packed with amino acids and more lightweight, albeit pricier, but worth it for oily skin. It’s designed to provide long-lasting hydration and improve the skin’s moisture retention.
Important tip:
- If needed, apply a small amount (pea-sized) of moisturizer.
- Rub it between your fingers and gently massage it into your face and neck.
Tips and Tricks
Adjust as Needed: Listen to your skin. If it feels irritated, reduce the frequency of the active ingredients. Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to tailor your routine to your specific needs.
Patch Test: Always patch test new products to avoid adverse reactions. Apply a small amount of the product on your inner arm or behind your ear and wait 24-48 hours to see if there’s any reaction.
Consistency is Key: Stick to your routine, and give your skin time to adjust. Results may take a few weeks, but patience pays off. Changing products too frequently can irritate your skin and make it harder to see positive results.
Diet and Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep can significantly impact your skin’s health.
Stay Hydrated: Even if you have oily skin, keeping it hydrated is crucial. Dehydrated skin can lead to overproduction of oil, worsening acne. Use lightweight hydrating products to keep your skin balanced.
Sun Protection: Never skip sunscreen, even on cloudy days. UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause skin damage. Sun protection is essential in preventing hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Remember, skincare is a journey. Celebrate the small wins and keep pushing forward. Your skin will thank you for it!
