Best Acne-Fighting Skincare Routine

An effective skincare routine for acne-prone skin essentially helps control excess sebum production, keep pores clean and heal existing acne. But with the market flooded with products like an anti acne gel, serum or a scrub that promise flawless, blemish-free skin, how do you pick what actually works and create a skincare routine that is easy to follow? You look at the ingredients! We know you're not familiar with all of them; so we put together a skincare routine that will help you keep those pimples away for good.

If your t-zone feels oily minutes after washing your face it means your skin is producing excess oil and your current face wash isn't doing much to keep that sebum production in check. Tackle this with a deep cleansing face wash such as the Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash. It gently removes excess oil and leaves your skin looking fresh and glowing. Free of harsh chemicals, it is perfect for those with sensitive skin and uses vitamin E to soothe acne-prone skin.

Toners help remove excess oil from the skin while hydrating it and fighting blemishes. Use alcohol-free products like the Simple Kind To Skin Soothing Facial Toner as they tend to be gentler on the skin and do not irritate the skin. Loaded with antioxidants like chamomile, it soothes inflammations with the help of witch hazel and allantoin. It also has pro-vitamin B5 that hydrates and tones your skin. Just take a few drops and dab it on your face and let it absorb.

Exfoliating your skin is important as it helps get rid of dead skin cells, clears the pores and removes deep-set dirt. Make sure, however, to avoid scrubbing your skin if you have active acne as it will only make it worse. Instead, turn to the Acne Squad X-Foliating Scrub with Salicylic Acid.

As its name suggests, it uses 2% salicylic acid and walnut powder to clear the layer of blemished skin and give you a clear and healthy face. This dermatologist-tested, paraben-free formula is safe, gentle and leaves your skin feeling smooth. When you do get a respite from acne, just scrub your face with it to reduce your chances of future breakouts.

A serum is your next best friend when it comes to reducing acne. Like the Lakme Vit C Serum, it clears clogged pores, one of the most common reasons for stubborn acne. This lightweight serum makes do with kakadu plums which have vitamin C to infuse your skin with antioxidants and improve your skin's rough texture and blemished complexion. And if you are worried about moisturising your already oily skin, this serum is for you.

Whoever told you oily skin does not need a moisturiser is wrong! In fact, one of the reasons why your skin produces excess oil is to combat the dryness on the face. However, the only thing you need to consider while choosing a moisturiser is your skin type.

Since you are creating a skincare routine for oily, acne-prone skin, look for a lightweight formula that will hydrate your skin without blocking the pores. The Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser is a fast-absorbing formula that does not feel sticky or greasy. In fact, it is one of the rare oil-free moisturisers you will find. Instead, it uses borage seed oil, glycerin and vitamin B5 and E to hydrate your face.

Let's settle this once and for all, sunscreen should be a part of every skincare routine. Now we know you'll complain that your skin looks oily and dull, but that's only because you are using a cream-based sunscreen for your oily skin. Opt for a gel base that gives a matte finish with SPF. The Simple Kind to Skin Protecting Light Moisturiser SPF 15 is a lightweight formula that protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays and can be worn under makeup. It lasts up to 12 hours and since it is also free of harsh chemicals like parabens and alcohol, it suits all skin types.

Instead of panicking when you spot a pimple on your face, keep a topical ointment handy. Go for one that contains acne-killing salicylic acid. It is most effective like the Acne Squad Breakout Terminator Spot Corrector With Salicylic Acid. This anti acne cream also has niacinamide, zinc and a bunch of other super ingredients that are known to unclog pores, control excess oil production and root out even stubborn acne from within. It also reduces inflammation and dark spots. Just remember to use it only on acne, and not all over your face.

Frequent episodes of acne can leave your skin discoloured and scarred. Therefore, as the last step of your skincare routine for acne-prone skin, you need to fade scars, spots and blemishes. If you want some high-powered help, apply a few drops of the Acne Squad Incredible Peeling Tonic after your acne leaves you for good. It exfoliates your skin and helps get rid of the blemished layer to uncover even skin, clear pores and hydrated skin all with the help of AHA, BHA and PHA.

While it is a little unrealistic, if you see the beginnings of a pimple, it can subside quickly with some tips and tricks. Don't pop it, drink water, wash it, don't use harsh skincare products and use a spot treatment like mentioned above.

Salicylic acid kills acne-causing bacteria. Niacinamide controls excess oil production which also causes acne. There is also AHA that unclogs pores by exfoliating and clearing your pores to reduce the chances of acne.

It could take anywhere between three days to four weeks for acne to go depending on the type. If it's stubborn acne, it could take a while, especially if you do not have a skincare routine.

But your daily skincare routine need not be complex to be effective. From anti acne gel to peeling tonics, we hope our thorough skincare tips that are tailor-made for oily, acne-prone skin helps you figure out your routine.