Daily routine for acne prone sensitive skin

[ElynaTarique]

Hi! I m 28 I don't have any daily skin routine...I have oily and acne prone sensitive skin... whenever I start a routine it breaks me out I don't know why...? Could any one suggest any routine?im only using aveeno foaming cleanser it suits me.Thanks

[Anonymous]

Whenever you start a new routine the most important part is don't start it all at once. Adding on product and using it for about three days helps you know if that is a good or bad product for you. you won't know which one breaks you out if you do a bunch all at once! I have rosacea but I'm also acne prone. My morning routine is: foamy cleanser (La Roche Posay, super awesome stuff!) using a konjac sponge, toner or face mist (Mario badescu mist is ❤️), and moisturize (either face oil like Derma E or a regular cream). My night routine is: oil cleanser to remove makeup (Derma E), foamy cleanser (La Roche Posay) on a konjac sponge, face mist or toner, serum or active (CosRX blackhead power liquid or Ole Heinreksen youth oil), and night cream (Derma E hydrating night cream). The most important part is listening to your skin and adding things slowly. If you aren't feeling a step that day, don't do it (unless it's cleansing..). Also, make sure your makeup isn't causing it!! I realized talc causes my breakouts and cut it out and I haven't had one since.

[Anonymous]

I know people say it clogs your pores, but I use coconut oil and I never break out! I used to always have really bad acne

[ellie50]

I had oily, acne-prone skin my entire life, here's a summary of my research and my routine (agree with poster who said to introduce products 1 at a time since you have sensitive skin). First, oily skin is not cause from a lack of moisture (dehydrated skin is not the same as dry or oily) or oils unless your skin barrier is damaged. It's cause by over-productive sebum glands, which are controlled by genetics, hormones (more than just the monthly type), and sometimes diet (but very occasionally).

First and foremost, learn what causes your skins' sensitivity - is it temperature extreme's, plant-based products (such as botanicals), ingredients in products. Read ingredient lists and eliminate products that might cause sensitivities - my skin is particularly sensitive to botanical oils and extracts and some oils are not good for acne prone skin.  Some ingredients I've had trouble tolerating in products (you'll have to look up the formal names for these):  peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, menthol, rosemary.  Other ingredients that irritate my skin are avobenzone (a sunscreen agent) and bismuth oxychloride (gives some makeup a nice "slip"). Oils not good for acne prone skin are coconut, olive, sesame; also, cocoa butter and shea butter. Rosehip, grapseed and pumpkin oil are better but my still too oily for my skin.  I stay oil-free.

Routine:

1) Cleanse twice a day using a gentle pH balanced cleanser and tepid water. Avoid harsh scrubs with grains/microbeads and brushes, which can irritate sensitive skin, especially during an acne breakout. I prefer micellar water to remove makeup vs oil cleansers

2) Use a gentle pH balanced toner after cleansing; suggest using one that is not overly astringent (most astringents while removing oil can also be too drying, depending on how oily you are - if very oily, your skin might be able to handle it).

3) Apply an oil-free BHA lotion (which can also be your moisturizer) as BHA will penetrate into pores to dissolve sebum.

4) In the morning, apply oil-free, non-greasy sunscreen.

5) Weekly, alternate the use of an AHA exfoliant and a oil absorbing mask (you can later build up to more frequent use).  Start with a small % of AHA and work up your tolerance as AHAs are irritating to sensitive skin.

6) If you want, in the evening after all the above, you can apply an anti-aging serum.  You are at a good age to start.

Sorry this was so long, I am so passionate about helping others with their oily, acne, and sensitive skin. 

If you start getting milia or sebaceous hyperplasia (where the oil gland starts coming out of the pore - this started with me when I was in my late 20s), seek the advice of a dermatologist and don't try to treat yourself. 

Wish you all the best!

[ElynaTarique]

Thank you Dear for your help this is really informative 😊

[Anonymous]

My skin is sensitive and acne-prone, but dry instead of oily. My routine wouldn't be perfect, but some aspects might work. I double cleanse with Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil and CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (there's another CeraVe cleanser that's better for oilier skin, the Foaming one), then use Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Refreshing Toner Normal/Dry (this also comes in a Normal/Oily version). Then Paula's Choice 2% BHA everywhere that seems like it needs it and isn't especially dry (there's all sorts of PC BHA products depending on your skin & preferences). After that my hyperpigmentation stuff and my Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Antioxidant Concentrate Serum (which is intended for oily skin anyway, but all the dry skin ones clog up my pores). My daytime moisturizer is another one meant for oily skin - Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. Overnight's CeraVe PM Moisturizing Lotion, which hasn't broken me out or irritated my skin at all. It doesn't seem super heavy to me, but maybe those who actually have oily skin feel differently.

[ElynaTarique]

Thank you honey 😊

[greeneyedgirl107]

@ElynaTarique I rec a gentle liquid cleanser.  I am loving FAB Face Cleanser.  BHA can also help.  I only rec Paula's Choice; it comes in 1, 2, 4 and 9% concentrations.  Spot treat with Clean & Clear Persa-gel.  Oil blotting sheets can do a lot.  If you are still struggling, you can try OTC Differin.  And if you still need help, ask your MD about Rx Differin or see if you are a candidate for Retin-A.  Good luck!

I'm often curious about products, so I looked up a review on the Aveeno Foaming Cleanser:

Spoiler

Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser is a water-soluble face wash contains enough of the drying cleansing agent sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate to make it a problem for almost all skin types. It also contains fragrance (double whammy for sensitize skin).

As for the 0.5% salicylic acid that Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser contains, that ingredient can work beautifully to gently exfoliate skin when used in a well-formulated leave-on product. However, salicylic acid is far less effective for exfoliation, if at all, in a cleanser. That’s because it’s rinsed off before it can begin to work. In short, Aveeno is making claims for this cleanser that aren’t likely to occur.

Some companies recommend leaving these types of cleansers on skin for a longer period of time so that the salicylic acid can absorb, but that means the cleansing agents would also be left on too, exacerbating dryness and irritation.

PROS:

• Water-soluble formula rinses clean.

CONS:

• High concentration of drying cleansing agent will be a problem for almost all skin types.
• Fragranced formula can further exacerbate irritation for temperamental skin.
• Doesn’t live up to its claims.

[ElynaTarique]

Thank you honey for your recommendations I will give them a try 😊

[quspork]

If you don't have much of a routine right now, you'll want to start simple and then slowly add in other products over time. Also, don't throw all the products on your face at once- space out introducing new products so you can determine if they work for your skin, break you out, etc. 

You said you have a cleanser you like so start with that and the next step should be a good moisturizer. If you wear makeup, I'd also recommend finding an oil cleanser to use before your foaming one. That will help ensure that all makeup is removed from your skin and will help with your acne. 

After you have a good cleansing and moisturizing routine, then you can work in targeted treatments like serums, masks, and spot treatments. Because so many active serums and spot treatments for acne are drying, you'll need that moisturizer in place first so you don't over-exfoliate and dehydrate your skin. 

A previous poster mentioned purging, which is something look out for, but that only occurs with specific products- namely exfoliators/actives. If you try a moisturizer or oil or non-exfoliating serum and it breaks you out then your skin is reacting negatively to that product and you should discontinue usage of it. 

[ElynaTarique]

Thanks dear I appreciate your help 😊

[rachdupree]

From my studies, formal training and personal experience I would say that you will probably purge or have a breakout as you change products, especially if it's helping to clear your skin. A lot of ingredients can pull the toxins, pollutants and oil etc. from the pores that's been building up, so you'll see breakouts. This should only last a week or two otherwise of it lasts longer it's probably a reaction and shouldn't be used. I personally use and love the Sunday Tiley acne products UFO oil, Saturn and Martian. Also love Paula's Choice acne system and Clinique Acne Solutions. Each is a system of steps. I love to layer my products so I mix some of the Sunday Riley and Clinique right now.

[ElynaTarique]

You are right this is exactly what happens whenever I try something new or different my skin breaks out... I heard so much about Paula choice I will give it a try... thank you for your help n recommendations 😊

[menina8]

Two years until your 30s--time is of the essence for you when it comes to skincare!! Twice daily (AM and PM) light foaming cleanser and lightweight liquid or gel-based moisturizer at the very least. For your skin type you might also consider an astringent toner, a light serum or facial oil targeted for your specific concerns, or mattifying and/or detoxifying face masks 1-3 times a week. Products with charcoal in general typically work wonders for acne-prone skin

[ElynaTarique]

Thank you dear 😊