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Over the last few years, I have learned the importance of maintaining a skincare routine. I can remember growing up, I ALWAYS struggled with acne. My parents got me a subscription to Proactiv (when a subscription was still required), however, I only ever used the toner because I didn't know any better. Today, I still struggle with acne, but I manage it much better than I did ten years ago. Below, I'll discuss the products I have found to work for my oily, acne-prone skin.
First-things-first, remove that makeup! Trust me, I have spent many-a-nights sleeping in my makeup and waking up to fresh breakouts. I am a human being and have struggled with some really awful depression. Hopefully, I can get a pass on this big no-no. There's no judgement if you do this, too, but maybe after you read this post, you'll feel better about trying to remove your makeup more often.
Next, I like to use makeup melting balm for the rest of my face. I only recently discovered this incredible product and I can't ever go back! It starts off as a balm in a jar, and then, transforms into an oil when applied to the face. Using circular motion, it literally melts the makeup off of your face. This saves time and wipes or cotton rounds - depending on what you like to use when removing makeup. Rinse with water, pat dry, and you're ready to move on to washing your face.
Wanting to get one or all of these products I mentioned above? Check out below for the full list of products!
Let me know what your favorite skincare product(s) is below in the comments! I can't wait to read them!
Years ago, my dermatologist recommended a foaming facial cleanser that completely changed my life. It is specially designed for oily skin and helps to keep it at bay while maintaining the skin's natural barriers. If you don't know this about me, I studied anatomy for about five years, and I love that this product helps to protect the skin rather than dry it out.
Every other day, I exfoliate my skin with a micro-polish to keep dead skin cells from building up and clogging my pores. It also enhances the brightness of my face. This means that the redness and dark spots essentially disappear. I have hyperpigmentation (dark spots) from picking at my acne over the years. By using this micro-polish, I am able to "brighten" these spots up, and my skin looks so much more fresh.
So, the absolute BEST product I have ever used to wash my face is no longer in business. It really makes me sad. I bought a sonic facial brush last year on Poshmark just after the business called it quits. Luckily, I was able to purchase it for a relatively reasonable price, however, it is astronomical now. I haven't even tried to look for a dupe because I love this brush so much. If you have found one, please let me know because I would love to share it with y'all!
Once your face has been patted dry, apply toner using an exfoliating cotton round to help remove any excess dirt or makeup that may be leftover on your face. I prefer to use this toner because it has lavender in it which has been shown to have antimicrobial properties. This is beneficial for acne-prone skin as it helps to prevent bacterial buildup in the pores. Toner also helps to reduce the appearance of pores. If you're looking for a cheaper option, I have found that this toner works just as well.
Let's talk about serum! Depending on the type you use, it will target different areas. I use a retinol serum that is made by the same company as the foaming facial cleanser. This brand creates a retinol serum that is specifically for acne-prone skin, however, I feel that it was not potent enough for my needs. Retinol is designed to increase cell turnover rate in the skin to prevent a buildup of dead skin cells. This helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and even fight acne. I also like that this retinol serum has hyaluronic acid in it. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin, but decreases as we age. It gives skin that plump bounce.
One thing that I have learned is important even though I have oily skin is moisturizing. All of the products I use do have the potential for my skin to become dry and I'd like to prevent this. I do use an eye cream to keep my eyes from looking tired and dehydrated.
There are several moisturizers I have found to be awesome. We'll start off with this one. It is specifically designed for oily skin and has a matte finish. When I'm wearing it, I can't even feel it because it's so lightweight. It does have hyaluronic acid in it. Did I mention that this moisturizer also has SPF 30? This is important to use because exfoliating and using retinol makes the skin susceptible to sun damage. I like to use this one in the morning. Another one that is slightly similar but thicker is this one. I prefer to use this one in the winter if my skin is feeling a little dry from the colder air. Last but not least, a great nightly moisturizer is this one. It is fragrance-free and is thick enough to allow your skin the heal over night, but thin enough to not even notice it. This one also has hyaluronic acid in it. Notice a pattern??
Bonus!
