A Skincare Routine for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin That Actually Works

Hello, friends! It’s been a while since my last beauty post. Now that I’m working from home because of the Coronavirus pandemic, I haven’t been getting dressed up as much. (Thank God for stretchy pants and big tees!) I know I’m not great at keeping up with my blog, but this extra time is a blessing and a welcomed distraction, especially during these uncertain times. Today I’m sharing my skincare routine for oily and acne-prone skin. (If you have dry skin as I do during the winter check out this skincare routine.)

I’ve had oily skin most of my life and I’ve tried a lot of things such as cleansers with benzoyl peroxide, 3-step skincare kits, and even prescribed medication, to control the acne that comes from it. As I get older, I find the products I used for years no longer work. It’s been an adventure trying to create a skincare routine that caters to my oily adult skin. This is the routine and products I keep coming back to.

Cleanser

Cleansing is the most important step in your skincare routine. For oily skin, you’ll need a light yet productive gel cleanser that doesn’t clog your pores, and will remove every trace of makeup and dirt.

Start by cleansing with Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($38). Wet your face and neck with warm water and gently rub a dime-sized amount of cleanser onto your skin until it lathers. The great thing about this cleanser is that it’s gentle enough to cleanse on and around your eyes to remove traces of mascara, eyebrow product, eyeliner, and concealer.

Exfoliate (1-2x a week)

Exfoliation is tricky when it comes to oily skin. Logically, it makes sense to exfoliate every day; However, excessive exfoliation may lead to more oil, especially if you’re using the wrong products or tools.

My favorite tool to use is the PMD Smart Facial Cleansing Device ($99). This handheld silicone device uses 7,000 vibrations a minute to gently deep cleanse, lift, firm, and tone skin. To use, you’ll start by cleansing your face. Then, before washing the cleanser off, run the device over your skin in circular motions. (Tip: Don’t forget to exfoliate your neck and décolletage!) I usually exfoliate 1-2 times a week at night, but exfoliating in the morning is good, too.

Toner

Once your skin is clean, you’ll need to prep your skin for the rest of your routine. I like to use to Ole Henriksen’s Balancing Force Oil Control Toner ($28). This product contains salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids that work together to lightly exfoliate the skin and remove gunk from your pores. I use toner every day, morning and night, but depending on how sensitive your skin is depends on how often you use it.

Serum

At night, after toner, I apply Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydrating Serum ($48) all over my face and neck. Contrary to popular belief, people with oily skin are not more hydrated than those with dry skin. People with oily skin sometimes lack the ability to retain hydration and a hydrating serum is the topical solution for this issue.

It is important to note that you do not need a serum. Serums are a preference, not an obligation. (Especially since serums are expensive.) Although this serum is on the cheaper end of hydrating serums, I still try to repurchase when Sephora has a sale.

Eye Cream

Eye cream is not a necessary step in aiding oily skin, but I wanted to note that I use Belif Peat Miracle Revital Eye Cream ($58) because it is part of my skincare routine.

Moisturizer

I’m sure there are many great moisturizers for oily skin. The one that’s worked the best for me is Belif The True Cream — Aqua Bomb ($38). This lightweight gel-cream is perfect for oily skin and will not clog your pores.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an important step in every skincare routine and you should never skip it—even when we’re quarantined!

The best sunscreen for oily skin is Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Broad Spectrum Sunscreen ($65). It’s more than I’d like to spend on a sunscreen, but this is the only one that actually mattifies my skin all day. Other sunscreens clog my pores creating more oil—gross.

Some other tips you might want to consider:

• Drink more water – When I’m hydrated on the inside, it shows on the outside!

• Take a hair, skin, and nails vitamin – I’ve noticed that I have less red acne when I take a hair, skin, and nails vitamin. I like Olly Undeniable Beauty ($13).

That’s it! This is the skincare routine that controls my oily and acne-prone skin. I hope it helps you, too! Comment below – what products have helped your oily and acne-prone skin?

Shop the post: