I’ve suffered from acne outbreaks and oily skin my entire life. I’m now in my 30’s and in the last 6 months, I’ve finally found a skincare routine for my oily acne-prone skin that actually works. And it only uses 4 holy grail products! I’ve tried countless acne treatments in my time as a Beauty blogger to try and combat my main skin issues. I’ve tried everything from supplements and gummies to chemical peels and derma needling (done professionally, of course) but none of them have ever had a big impact on my skin.
My acne is definitely made worse by the oiliness of my skin. It’s something I’ve tried to combat with matte makeup previously but the effects never last long and after a few hours, the oils always seep through. Even when using some heavy-duty caking nothing can hold back these oils!
As always with my beauty/skincare advice posts everyone’s skin is different. It’s all about finding what works best for you. Absolutely try these products and see if they work for your skin type. There’s always an element of trial and error when testing out a new skincare routine. So make sure to give it a good go for a few months to really see the benefits. If you have any irritations or reactions to a product then stop use immediately.
Read on to find out my holy grail products in my skin care routine for oily acne prone skin.
Step 1 – Makeup Removal
I was always a Garnier Micellar Water girl until I discovered the Dermalogica Precleanse cleansing oil. It’s the most expensive skincare item I use currently but it does an incredible job of breaking down makeup and leaving my skin feeling fresh. The cleansing oil helps to melt away the day’s makeup as well as removing excess oil. I’ve always been skeptical about using oil-based products on my skin as it feels counterproductive to the problem I’m having but this product is a holy grail I will now never live without.
To use the product simply add a pump or two of the cleansing oil into your hand and gently rub the product over your face. This can also be used on the eye area and takes my waterproof mascara off with ease. Wet your hands and then continue to rub your face gently to build up a light, milky water emulsion. Finally, I remove the product with a face cloth and warm water.
It’s quite heftily priced at £39 for a 150ml bottle but it lasts ages! Even with daily use, the product has lasted me 6 months and I’ve still got a little bit left in the bottle. This works out at around £6.50 a month. It’s worth absolutely every penny.
The Dermalogica Precleanse is available at Lookfantastic and Amazon.
Step 2 – Double Cleanse
Once I’ve removed my makeup thoroughly I will go in and cleanse my skin again with salicylic acid. I’m currently using the Pure Obagi Medical Daily Care Foaming Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid. I’ve been using salicylic acid on and off in my skincare routine for years as it’s an incredible acne treatment.
I cleanse my skin with a thin layer of the Obagi CLENZIderm Foaming Cleanser as a little goes a long way. Make sure to avoid the eye area and rinse the product off thoroughly. I use a face cloth when removing the product to make sure I get all the product off.
Your skin will be left feeling fresh and very clean and you will notice instantly that your oiliness has gone. If you have sensitive skin then make sure you slowly build up your skin’s tolerance to the product. I use the product twice a day. Once before makeup application and then again in the evening when I remove my makeup. It is not recommended that you use salicylic acid more than 3 times a day. If you find that your skin is drying out then cut back your usage of the product.
Step 3 – Moisture
As salicylic acid dries out the skin we want to put some moisture back in but something that won’t make the skin oily. I’m currently using The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. This product penetrates the deep layers of skin to deliver lasting hydration. Your skin will feel much softer, smoother, and healthier when using this product.
To use simply apply to dry skin with your hands. You only need a small amount of the product as it goes a long way. Make sure to apply the Hyaluronic Acid before any cream-based products. So this would be applied before your daily moisturiser. I use this product twice a day after cleansing in the morning and evening.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is just £5.90 and is available at Boots, Beauty Bay, Lookfantastic and Amazon.
Step 4 – Spot Treatment
If I do have a break out I always reach for the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. It’s an incredible product that can reduce the size of spots in a matter of hours. I often use the product overnight so that by the morning any annoying spots have completely gone.
To use the product dip a Q-tip (cotton tip) into the bottle until you reach the pink product at the bottom. Dap the product directly onto any spots you have and leave to dry. Do not shake the bottle. The product is meant to stay separated. Do not apply this product to broken skin.
The Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is priced at £15.50 and is available at Beauty Bay and Amazon.
My Skincare Routine for Oily Acne Prone Skin
That’s it! My 4 holy grail products that have dramatically improved my skincare issues. I no longer suffer from bad breakouts, oily skin, or clogged pores. I still have some pigmentation, blemishes, large pores, and scarring from having had acne for so many years but I am so much happier in my skin now. I’ve tried every lotion and potion over the years and to finally find a skincare routine that works for me is just incredible!
Let me know in the comments if you give this skin care routine for oily acne prone skin a go. I’d love to know if anyone else has the same results as me!