Taking care of your skin is a task, but trying out new skincare products to review for other people? That is a responsibility, people! That’s why we have the highest regard for beauty bloggers who go all out to give us detailed reviews on the efficacy of existing and new skincare products on the market. So, we sat down for a little chat with the mind behind the beauty review blog Lipstick For Lunch, Mrinalini Sachan and talked about skincare in-depth, especially skincare for oily and acne-prone skin types.
An engineer by degree and a beauty blogger by passion, Mrinalini gives out experience-based reviews on skincare and makeup products and mainly focuses on reviewing simple and affordable skincare products for oily, acne-prone skin. So, in a tête-à-tête with this blogger, we discussed skincare issues faced by oily, acne-prone skin types and tips to tackle them.
BB: As a beauty blogger, what does skincare mean to you?
Mrinalini: Skincare is extremely important and almost therapeutic for me; I believe it is not just a way to get clearer skin but incredibly relaxing too. I look forward to my morning and evening skincare routine because it rejuvenates me while protecting my skin from premature ageing and inflammation.
BB: What are some of the biggest mistakes you think people with oily, acne-prone skin make while choosing their skincare products?
Mrinalini: I think the biggest mistake people with oily skin make is using harsh cleansers and not incorporating moisturising products in their routine. They fail to understand that harsh cleansers strip the skin’s natural oils, which leads to excess sebum production, which, in turn, causes more acne and oiliness. Similarly, not using a moisturiser encourages more sebum production, leading to that greasy, oily feeling.
BB: What ingredients do you look out for when choosing your skincare products?
Mrinalini: I look for ingredients that help control oil production and also help in reducing blemishes. Some of my favourite ingredients are Vitamin C, Niacinamide, BHA, and Azelaic acid.
These are ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. I also look for ceramides and peptides in my moisturiser because these are anti-ageing ingredients, and I am in my 30s, so it helps my skin a great deal.
BB: What does your daily skincare routine look like?
Mrinalini: During the day, Vitamin C and sunscreen are a must for me. I use a vitamin C serum after washing my face with a gentle face wash. I top it with a lightweight moisturiser and sunscreen with SPF 50.
I use the same face wash and moisturiser at night but swap my vitamin C serum with an azelaic acid or BHA-based serum. If my skin feels too congested, I use a clay mask to unclog it before applying my serums.
BB: Are there any dos and don’ts you follow while taking care of your skin?
Mrinalini: Oh, most definitely! Here’s everything I keep in mind while taking care of my skin -
Always go slow with new ingredients.
- Pair moisturising and gentle ingredients with actives.
- Be consistent with your skincare routine.
- Don't over-exfoliate your skin; it causes more harm than you can imagine.
- Never skip sunscreen or moisturiser; your skin needs them every day.
- Don't try too many new products simultaneously; it’s a gamble that can go wrong.
BB: What skin routine would you suggest for someone with oily, acne-prone skin type?
Mrinalini: To build a skincare routine for oily skin, you can start by introducing basic cleansing and moisturising products along with sunscreen during the day and actives to tackle acne and blemishes.
BHA, Niacinamide and Azelaic acid work wonder for this skin type, so look for serums and moisturisers with these ingredients. Also, use a clay mask once a week to unclog your pores. Just make sure to avoid very heavy moisturisers or oils as they can clog the pores. Choose lightweight moisturisers instead.
BB: What tips do you have for people with oily, acne-prone skin?
Mrinalini: Apart from using the right skincare products, try to address the root cause of the acne, which could be due to hormonal imbalances or diet-induced. Always check with a dermatologist if your acne is severe and you can't figure out the cause.
Also, patience is key. Be patient and consistent with your skincare routine, as acne and blemishes take a long time to heal. With the right skincare routine, you can heal your skin within a few months, provided you are consistent with it. It’s pretty simple — love your skin, and it will love you back.
Written by Tashika Tyagi on Sep 13, 2021
A writer who loves to read, travel, eat and explore new places and things. With a bachelor's degree in journalism, she has over two years of experience in writing about food, lifestyle, and travel. She also doubles up as a rom-com expert and home baker when she isn’t writing!