There are many rules that we hear when it comes to dealing with acne, since it is such a common thing that people have to unfortunately deal with. The No. 1 rule is to never, ever pick at your skin - which is something I wish I had listened to before, now that I have some pretty rough acne scars. Since I have dealt with having acne-prone skin since (literally) the fifth grade, and have had two rounds of Accutane, I have experimented with my fair share of cleansers and makeup products.
Now, the list of product I’m sharing with you may not be what works best for you since everyone’s skin is different, nor is it the answer to all of your acne and oily skin problems. The first thing someone should always do when they’re having skin troubles is have their primary doctor refer them to a dermatologist in their area. Some people may think that seeing a dermatologist is unnecessary and expensive when you can buy cleansers like Proactive (which I absolutely despise, by the way, because it never worked for me) and Clean & Clear. A dermatologist is a skin expert, and they can prescribe you topical and oral medications that will work well for your skin, and clear your skin up and help keep it that way (most insurances also cover dermatologist visits and prescription co-pays, so that’s less money out of your pocket).
The second thing you should do is start drinking more water. Water is your skins best friend, and it will clear your skin and make you feel glowing from the inside out (seriously, it will feel like you have sunbeams shining out of your face once you start drinking more water – you will see a difference). But besides those small lifestyle changes you could make, here is my list of favorite products that I have found work best for oily/sensitive/acne prone skin.
1. Neutrogena Original Formula Liquid Face Wash (Unscented)
This is one of the gentlest, softest, and simplest facial cleansers I have ever used. I always buy the liquid face wash instead of the bar (because bar soaps can breed bacteria), and use one pump on a damp wash cloth and scrub in circular motions into my skin, or use my fingers to massage the cleanser into my skin. I highly recommend this cleanser for those who have severe acne and need a very gentle cleanser for their sensitive skin. This face wash has always left my skin feeling fresh and clean, and has never made me break out!
2. Clearasil Rapid Action Face Scrub
This cleanser is packed full of zit-fighting power and tiny exfoliating beads that leave your skin feeling soft and fresh. Use this wash in the morning and in the evening, and watch your skin clear up in just days!
3. Witch Hazel
Skip the fancy toners and pick up a bottle of Witch Hazel at the drugstore for under $4. On a clean face, use a cotton ball to apply all over before moisturizing. This will remove any extra oil or dirt that your cleanser might have missed, and also prep your face for moisturizers and make-up. Using witch hazel as a toner will also clear up acne, and help keep skin clear. It’s also not filled with unnecessary products that can over-dry skin and leave it feeling tight and heavy.
4. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream (for Dry, Sensitive Skin)
Hands-down my favorite moisturizer ever. It fights off dry flaking skin without feeling too heavy or making my skin look oilier than it already is!
Yes, that’s right – milk of magnesia. You thought it was just for your upset tummy, but really it doubles as the best oily skin combatant. Dab a little on your t-zone (or all over if you have super oily skin like me) after moisturizing and blend. After it dries there might be a little white, chalky looking residue – which is normal, just blend it in with fingers or use a slightly damp wash cloth. Your skin may feel a little tight or heavy after it dries, but the feeling will dissipate after a while. Be sure to get the unflavored kind, because cherry and fresh mint will be sticky on your face!
6. Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
A great doupe for the Benefit Porefessional Face Primer, if you’re looking for a great pore minimizer at an affordable price. Swipe this soft, gel-like primer over areas of your face that tend to have larger pores (usually your nose) and blend the product in. Not only does this product work great for pores, but if you have ace scarring like me this will also work well to blur those and make your skin look more even (and it won’t clog your pores because it’s noncomedogenic)!
7. BareMinerals Prime Time Neutralizing Foundation Primer
This is my everyday go to product, even if I’m just running to the store I like to use this primer. This primer has a yellowy base that combats redness in your skin that will neutralize and make your skin tone look more even. This primer is so light weight and truly brings out the best in your skin – a lot of the time I don’t bother putting anything else on my face!
8. Almay Truly Lasting Color Foundation (SPF 15)
This foundation was my Holy Grail when I had severe acne. I tried so many different foundations during that time, and none worked as awesome as this one. This coverage of this foundation, I would say, is medium. However, it is very buildable and does not make your skin feel heavy or look cakey. This foundation is noncomedogenic, and has never made me break out.
9. Almay Smart Shade Loose Finishing Powder
This loose finishing powder is another daily go-to of mine. It’s great for setting makeup, or just as a loose powder foundation if you like products with lighter coverage. As you can see, I really like Almay products, as my experience with all the ones I have tried have been great. None of their products have made me breakout, or have made my skin feel heavy or gross. So if you have annoying oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin like me, you should definitely try out some of Almay’s products!
10. Physicians Formula Super BB 10-in-1 Beauty Balm Cream
This BB Cream is terrific for a day on the beach, or just a day when you’re feeling a little lazy and don’t want to put a whole lot of effort into your makeup. This BB Cream claims to do 10-in-1 things for your skin, and is easy to apply and blend out with your fingers. I have enjoyed using this BB cream in the summer because it contains SPF 30, and is kind to my sensitive, acne-prone skin (it’s noncomedogenic)!
I hope you learned something, or were able to take something away from this list! I know when I had severe acne I would spend hours on the internet looking up products, techniques, and watching videos on YouTube of what has worked best for other people with skin like mine. That’s one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to make this list; for those who are having issues with their acne, acne scars, or oily skin to have something and someone to refer to. I’ve been there – twice. If anyone has any questions about these products or any other products you have questions about (I’ve tried a lot, so chances are if I didn’t list it here I’ve still probably tried it) definitely leave a comment!
