Reader's Request ~ Skincare Kit For Oily/Combination & Acne Prone Skin

This was requested by a very sweet reader Priyanka J, who has Oily/Combination & Acne-prone skin.

I believe a skincare routine should be simple, when it comes to problem skin. If you have acne, it's better not to confuse your skin more by switching from product to product and "irritate" it
When I get a big pimple sometimes, I feel it has a mind of its own. Like it's saying to me "Don't you let those things gang bang me, or else....=[" =D


Here are the products I'd pick (and I do use most myself) for Oily/combination & Acne Prone skin.

~ Cleansers ~

First and foremost, you have to get a cleanser that is very well suited for your skin type. A childhood friend of mine have been suffering from acne for most of her life - face and body! And the last time I saw her, there wasn't a pimple on her face and she was glowing! So, I asked her what she used. She told me that she read in a magazine that "when you have acne, it's better to use a Foam Cleanser rather than a gel-based one" (hehe...I hope she read this =D)
She then started using Pond's Flawless White Facial Foam, and it made all the difference.
Other cleansers you can use......

Cetaphil when pimples are at their peak and hurt. You gotta have one with salicylic acid like Clean & Clear cleansers for acne.

~ Toner ~

Whether to use toner or not is totally up to you. I would normally just use Rose Water. Sometimes I like to spritz rose water on an ice cube an rub it all over my face. Doing this really shrink my pores and make my skin feel smooth But I've been using the Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 for a while now and I haven't broken out since, so I'm not very sure if it made the difference, or if it's because I've been lazy about applying anti-aging creams lately. Anti-aging creams tend to break me out sometimes. I've used some other toners as well, but I don't miss them when I don't use them.

~ Moisturizer & Sunblock ~ 

You DO need to use a moisturizer no matter how oily your skin is. When buying a moisturizer the first ingredient listed in the back should be Aqua. That means it's a water based moisturizer. I really like the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel Lotion, it's so light and makes my skin feels dry-touch smooth. I find that fairness and whitening creams also prevent pimples because they are non-oily and mattify the skin. So I like the Pond's Flawless White Visible Lightening Daily Lotion (Review here )

• Garnier Aqua Defense Essence is amazing for oily skin, but not in India yet. Review here . Similar product is the H2O Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock is oil-free
• Lotus Herbals Anti Tan Gel Cooling Sunscreen. Review here

~ Exfoliator ~

Scrubbing your skin once or twice a week will get rid of dead skin cells and also reduce your chances of having acne scars. Pick scrubs like St.Ives Scrubs formulated for acne-prone skin. Gramflour (Besan) also makes a good exfoliator. Just mix a tablespoon of it with water and scrub your whole face with the paste.

~ Mask ~

Once a week apply a mask that is specifically for acne like The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Mask. Or you can use a mud mask like Himalaya Mud Pack or Multani Mitti (Fuller's Earth)  mixed with plain water or rose water. Mutani Mitti absorbs excess oil from the skin.

~ Quick Fix & Reliever ~

You should have the Garnier Pimple Pen as it really dries up your pimples faster. Always have the Brihan's Green Leaf Aloe Vera Gel (Review here ) in your fridge. The aloe vera gel will really calm down any inflammation of the skin and it does make a good cooling face mask too, especially in summers. Just apply a thick layer all over your face, leave for 10 mins and wash off.


When it comes to skincare products, I rarely stray from the ones I'm familiar with and which work for me. So you might want to also try out other products not mentioned here that might work on you.


♥ Cynthia Z ^.^