Oily and acne-prone skin can be tricky to manage, but with the right skincare routine, you can keep your skin balanced, clear, and healthy. The key to building an effective routine for oily and acne-prone skin lies in using products that target oil control, prevent breakouts, and help maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance. Let’s break down the essential steps for building a skincare routine that works for oily and acne-prone skin.

1. Start with a Gentle Cleanser

Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine, and when dealing with oily and acne-prone skin, it’s essential to choose a cleanser that effectively removes excess oil, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Harsh cleansers can trigger the skin to produce even more oil, which can worsen acne.

Calabasas Cosmetics Recommendation:

• Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner
  This toner not only helps cleanse the skin but also hydrates and balances it, making it an excellent first step to remove excess oil while ensuring your skin doesn’t get overly dry.

Look for a gentle, foaming cleanser that is sulfate-free and formulated for oily skin. Avoid cleansers that are too harsh or contain alcohol, as these can irritate your skin and worsen acne.

2. Tone for Oil Control and Pore Refining

After cleansing, it’s important to apply a toner to help balance your skin’s pH level and refine pores. For oily and acne-prone skin, choose a toner that helps control oil production, fights bacteria, and calms inflammation. Toners with ingredients like witch hazel, salicylic acid, or niacinamide can help prevent breakouts and keep your skin matte without drying it out.

Calabasas Cosmetics Recommendation:

• Skin1004 Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask
  This mask works wonders for refining pores and absorbing excess oil, helping to keep your skin clear and less prone to breakouts.

A good toner will not only help control oil but also prepare your skin to absorb the next steps in your routine, such as serums and moisturizers.

3. Incorporate a Lightweight Serum

Serums are concentrated treatments that penetrate deeper into the skin to target specific concerns. For oily and acne-prone skin, a lightweight serum containing ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or tea tree oil can help combat acne while maintaining hydration. Niacinamide, in particular, is known for its ability to reduce oil production, minimize pores, and calm inflammation.

Calabasas Cosmetics Recommendation:

• Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin
  This serum brightens skin while preventing excess oil production, offering a dual benefit of skin clarity and glow.

Serums should be applied after toning but before moisturizing, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the skin.

4. Moisturize Without Overloading

Even oily skin needs moisture. Many people with oily or acne-prone skin skip moisturizer thinking it will make their skin even oilier, but the opposite is true. Skipping moisturizer can actually lead to more oil production as the skin tries to compensate for the dryness. Look for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores.

Opt for gel-based or water-based moisturizers that are specifically designed for oily or acne-prone skin. These types of moisturizers are lightweight and won’t leave your skin feeling greasy.

Calabasas Cosmetics Recommendation:

• Mary&May Sensitive Soothing Gel Cream
  This soothing cream hydrates without feeling heavy on the skin, making it an ideal option for oily skin that needs moisture without excess shine.

5. Apply a Treatment Mask Weekly

Weekly masks can be a great way to target specific skin concerns. For oily and acne-prone skin, clay masks are particularly effective at absorbing excess oil and drawing out impurities from the pores. Look for masks that contain ingredients like bentonite clay or kaolin, which can help purify and balance the skin.

Calabasas Cosmetics Recommendation:

• Skin1004 Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask
  This mask is ideal for tackling excess oil and minimizing pores. It helps to keep acne at bay while providing a deep clean that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and smooth.

6. Never Skip Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an absolute must for any skincare routine, especially for oily and acne-prone skin. While it’s important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, some sunscreens can be heavy or greasy, exacerbating oil production. Choose a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic sunscreen that won’t clog pores.

Look for sunscreens that are formulated specifically for oily or acne-prone skin. Gel-based sunscreens or those with mattifying properties are great choices.

Sample Skincare Routine for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin:

1. Cleanser: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner
2. Toner: Skin1004 Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask
3. Serum: Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin
4. Moisturizer: Mary&May Sensitive Soothing Gel Cream
5. Mask (Weekly): Skin1004 Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask
6. Sunscreen (Morning Routine): Lightweight, oil-free sunscreen

Final Thoughts

Building the right skincare routine for oily and acne-prone skin doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to use products that control excess oil, target acne, and balance the skin without causing further irritation or dryness. By incorporating gentle, hydrating, and acne-fighting ingredients into your routine, like the ones recommended above, you can achieve clear, healthy, and balanced skin.

Remember, consistency is crucial—stick to your routine, and over time, you’ll see your skin improve and stay breakout-free!