Improving my skincare routine

[Wildcurly]

Hello, 

I want to improve my skincare routine and see if I am using the correct products. I would describe my skin as oily, acne-prone (blackheads around my nose and random pimples) and somewhat sensitive. I am in my early 30s, and I do have some dark spots from acne scarring that I want to get rid of. My goal is to have acne-free, healthy, glowing skin. I don't wear any makeup. I'm thinking of starting, but it would be very minimal makeup, and I want to treat my face first before I move into wearing makeup. 

Currently, my skin routine is: 

AM 

Cleanse: Farmacy Green Clean Whipped Foaming Cleanser

Sunscreen: AVEENO Protect + Hydrate® Moisturising Face Sunscreen SPF 50

PM 

Balm: Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

Cleanse: Farmacy Green Clean Whipped Foaming Cleanser

Toner: Caudalie Vinopure Salicylic Acid Pore Minimising Toner

Serum: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Exfoliating Acne Solution 3 drops 

Mouisturize: Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturiser with Moringa and Papaya

I keep hearing the less product the better, but I do not mind if anyone has other options. Like any other serums or other options for cleansers, toners, moisturisers, and maybe a better sunscreen. I want to make sure that each product I use is non-comedogenic. 

[1emma19]

Hi OP, honestly your routine is already pretty solid. I suggest using just 1 salicylic acid product once a day (preferably at night), then in the morning focus on a gentle cleanser + sunscreen, (consider adding a niacinamide-based serum to help with oil control & post-acne marks). Your gel moisturizer is fine for oily skin, but make sure it’s giving enough hydration so your skin doesn’t overproduce oil. Hope this helps.

[raydomp]

Your routine is solid for oily, acne-prone skin; consider adding a gentle niacinamide serum to reduce dark spots and strengthen skin barrier, and a non-comedogenic sunscreen like AVEENO SPF 50 is great. For more curated skincare options, Bravenly offers a range of products, tips, and guidance for building routines that target acne, oil control, and glowing skin, helping you choose safe, effective, and non-comedogenic products.

[formulaandrea]

AM/PM

Cleanser - La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Milky Toner - Laneige Milky Toner 

Eye Cream - Inkey List Caffiene Eye Cream

Moisturizer - Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream 

Every other night I add Tretinoin to my routine. That may be something you want to look into. You need a prescription from the dermatologist but it will get rid of your acne and reduces the appearance of acne scars and fine lines. If you do start using it, you won’t need to exfoliate because it is extremely powerful exfoliated already. 

Oh, and best SPF is Supergoops Unseen Sunscreen!

[lmkeller4u]

In cases like this, using salicylic acid in both a toner and a serum every night can keep the skin in a low-grade irritated state, which may prolong breakouts and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I would typically scale salicylic acid to once daily or alternate nights, then incorporate a barrier-supportive ingredient such as niacinamide, since it can help regulate sebum and improve discoloration without adding excessive irritation. Consistent sunscreen use remains important, as limiting new pigment formation is a key part of improving dark marks.