My Skincare Routine: Acne-Prone/Oily Skin

Due to suffering from moderate acne, my skin gets extremely oily and hard to control at most times. From being young I have always had sensitive skin which poses a problem against my acne, as most acne products are strong therefore upsetting my skin. All of these factors makes it unbearably hard to find products on the market which work and aren't too expensive. Anyone who suffers with the same problems as I do will understand that everyday is a personal battle with your skin...but no fear!! I am here to arm you with the weapons you'll need to fight against your skin problems...

Face Wash

We've all been there, forced to decide between the £20 premium face wash or the alternative £5 option, only to find neither of them work. I am not one that's prepared to pay too much for my face washes and I find this at a reasonable price. I purchased mine from Boots, it is a premium brand however I find it affordable at £11. It is soap, paraben and alcohol free therefore it is designed and suited to sensitive skin. The active ingredients in this product are relatively strong, the main being salicylic acid which I find often does not work and can be irritable against my skin, this is not a problem here. This face wash foams up very well when applied to the face and a little amount is needed during use, however the foaminess is caused by a chemical called 'Sodium Laureth Sulfate' which some people choose to avoid for various reasons. Overall this product is extremely good for the price, lasts long and has made an immense difference to my skin in 3 weeks. You can find it here.

Scrub

Due to me having such sensitive skin I found it impossible to find a scrub that didn't agitate my skin. So impossible in fact that I stopped using a scrub for a while, until I found this. We all know how important it is to exfoliate, especially when you have oily skin as oil tends to clog up pores. This scrub is extremely affordable at the price of £3.00 and works 10x better than any premium scrub I have tried. Very little is needed when using this and the apricot seeds used as an exfoliant are effective yet gentle, leaving your skin smooth, brighter and refreshed. When using this it is best to use little pressure as it works great without any added pressure needed, using excessive pressure could lead to skin irritation. The smell of this is a distinctive tea tree and witch hazel scent, I like this as it adds to an invigorating experience however it may not be for you if you do not like scents. Overall this product is a cheap beauty essential, used once a week this keeps my skin feeling and looking fresh. You can find it here.

Mask
Being a personal fan of The Body Shop I stumbled across the seaweed range one day, in need of a new mask I leaped at this as I had heard good things previously. Seaweed is often used for oily/combination skin and is known to be a great oil-battler, this is clearly seen in this mask. Never before have I used a product quite like this, the mask is clay based which is a natural purifier and transitions from it's clay consistency into a white tough substance as it dries. My skin is extremely stubborn when it comes to controlling oil and this manages to greatly reduce the oil production on my face all throughout the week, yes, this mask continues it's work right up until the next time you use it. Containing natural ingredients this is a friend to my sensitive skin and never causes irritation, however the face can tend to be a little sensitive after use so I advise you be careful as you moisturise. Overall this product is an amazing natural product which seems to improve my skin more every time I use it. This will definitely keep your shiny face at bay!! You can find it here.

Moisturiser

Many people with oily skin tend to get the idea that using a moisturiser will put back the oil into their face they've tried so desperately hard to get out, this is incorrect. The absence of a moisturiser will cause your face to produce excess sebum due to the lack of moisture in your skin after facial treatments, therefore a moisturiser is crucial. This is oil free and contains active ingredients which reduce sebum production, making it perfect for giving your skin some moisture back while keeping the dreaded oil away!! With added ingredients such as Zinc and Phytosphingosine it is also great at battling spots and keeping bacteria away. What's more, this moisturiser contains no perfume, colour or unnecessary/harsh chemicals making it perfect for sensitive skin (simple is in fact a brand aimed exclusively at people with sensitive skin, perfect!). Overall I find this product mattifies my skin while restoring the much needed moisture after treatments. You can find it here.

Secret tip: if your skin needs a little extra help pour some boiling water into a chosen container and hold your face over for 10 minutes. The steam from the water will open your pores, flushing out anything that could be a nuisance to your skin (a little like a sauna). After I do this I like to use my seaweed mask as I find it is extra effective paired with open pores from the steam treatment. Good luck!!