In this post you will learn about the ultimate skincare routine that actually works to help cure acne-prone skin.
I have been passionate about beauty products and especially skincare since I was a teen and started suffering with spots. My acne was never severe but I did constantly have a handful of spots that would crop up around my chin, mouth and sometimes forehead. In my early 20’s I went on Accutane which was a very positive experience for me. Even though it made my skin a lot better, I do still suffer with spots in my mid-thirties but have found a routine that helps keep my skin clear and smooth.
Morning Routine
I like a gel cleanser to use in the shower as I find this quicker and sufficient after deep cleansing the night before. The Biossance Squalane & Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser is a favourite as it isn’t drying but also doesn’t leave a residue. I do also like the Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse but find it less gentle than the Biossance.
This is then followed by a toner with some acids in to add a gentle exfoliation. The Medik8 Press & Glow has been a firm favourite for around 5 years now. Eyecream and Vitamin C are the next steps. I use a variety of eye creams but some of my favourites are the Kiehl’s Avocado Creamy Eye Treatment and the Sunday Riley Sunday Eye Contour Cream Auto Correct Brightening & Depuffing.
I tend to do my body cream after these steps to allow time for the products to sink in. Next I move onto my hydrating step. This involves spraying my face with a hydrating spray such as the Curel Deep Moisture Spray and then, whilst my face is still damp I apply a serum. Some of my favourites are Medik8 Hydr8 B5 and Caudalie VinoHydra Hyaluronic Serum. It is important to remember that just because you may have spots does not mean you should strip all hydration from your face.
After the hydrating step I either brush my teeth or get dressed for the day to again allow this to dry. Then I finish up with SPF. If I knew I was staying in all day I may just put on moisturiser but I nearly always apply SPF. One of my favourites is the THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++. It is on the more affordable side and has a lovely smell and texture.
Some of my favourite options are below. Click on the link under the image to purchase.
Evening Routine
I feel like my evening routine is a little simpler, especially if I haven’t been wearing make-up (which is most days). To remove eye make-up I use the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water as it is cheap, gentle and really effective.
I use a cleansing balm regardless of whether I have make-up on or not and cleanse twice to make sure my face is fully clean. Some favourites include the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm and Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm.
After this step I start my teeth routine to let my face fully dry. Then it is onto treatments and exfoliation. I either do a treatment like Sunday Riley Good Genes or Medik8 Crystal Retinal, apply an eye cream and leave it there. Or, I use an exfoliating pad like the Strivectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads or Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads. This is then followed by eye cream and a moisturiser such as the Kate Sommerville Oil Free Moisturiser.
Some of my favourite options are below. Click on the link under the image to purchase.
Final Thoughts
Skincare can make a big difference to your acne but it is important to follow that through with lots of water and, most importantly, nutrition. High saturated fats and excess sugar will most likely affect your skin. As a sugar addict, it has taken a lot of time to acknowledge that if I want clear skin I have to look after multiple areas of my life and sacrifice things I enjoy if I want to be acne-free. However, if you can make those changes, the products listed above should help drastically improve the overall appearance and texture of your skin!
