Take it from me: Exfoliation (at least once a week) is your friend. Whether physical or chemical, exfoliating sloughs away dead skin cells, removes impurities & helps firm, tighten and give you that radiant glow. Just don’t overdo it because too much exfoliation, or doing it too often, can make acne worse.
Toners are so important for effective skincare. They help replenish any hydration lost during cleansing while also prepping skin to better absorb the active ingredients found in serums, oils & moisturizers. Toners also help remove excess oils and balance your skin's pH, a vital aspect of preventing breakouts. Added benefit? They shrink pores, too.
The best serums for acne combine moisturizing ingredients (like hyaluronic acid), redness-calming antioxidants (niacinamide) & acne-fighting powerhouses (retinol or glycolic acid). Since they’re formulated with a higher concentration of active ingredients, serums are able to reach the deepest layers of the skin, making them invaluable in combating breakouts.
It might seem counterintuitive to moisturize oily, acne-prone skin, but acne-fighting products can leave skin feeling dry. Moisturizing helps counteract that. Stick with creams & moisturizers containing non-comedogenic ingredients—aka won’t clog pores. Fortunately, there are plenty of products that work wonders for hydrating without causing breakouts or greasy skin.