Skinfulness Impact Area #5
SKINCARE ROUTINE
Skincare and skin health
A conscious and caring skincare routine is key to healthy skin. While it is not the only factor - diet, stress, sleep, external skin stressors all play a role - it’s often the first step we take to give our skin the care and support it needs. However, many find it challenging to stick to a routine. Some aren’t sure where to begin, others feel overwhelmed by products, steps or techniques. Time and cost can also make it difficult to maintain a consistent skincare routine.
For those of us with acne-prone skin, the stakes feel even higher. Breakouts can affect more than just our skin - they can impact confidence, stress levels and overall well-being. This is why it is especially important to understand how different skincare habits, ingredients, and choices interact with acne. In this guide, we’ll explore certain universal truths for healthy skin while also focusing on what matters most for acne care - helping us build a routine that’s not only effective but also kind to our skin.
Skincare needs for every skin
- Cleansing
- Exfoliation and Cell Renewal
- Nourishment
- Barrier Repair
- Protection
Cleansing
The foundation of any skincare routine, cleansing removes excess sebum, makeup, dirt and pollutants to keep pores clear and the skin balanced. But more isn’t always better - over-cleansing can strip the skin’s natural oils (sebum), weaken the barrier, and trigger even more sebum production.
Which is why our cleansing routine should match our skin type and lifestyle. Here's a general guide:
Normal or dry skin
Cleansing once a day, in the evening, is usually enough. A splash of cold water in the morning can refresh without disrupting the barrier.
Oily or acne-prone skin
Cleansing twice a day helps manage excess sebum production, prevent clogged pores and prevent breakout.
Combination skin
Try a targeted approach - cleansing twice a day, focusing on the T-zone only in the morning and the full face in the evening.
Sensitive or reactive skin
Keep cleansing extra gentle and minimal. Choose a cleanser that is fragrance-free, sulfate-free (no SLS/SLES) with a mild preservative system.
Living in a polluted area?
Cleansing is recommended both morning and evening - even for normal or dry skin.
The key is to cleanse smart, not harsh. Choose a gentle, skin-supportive formula that gently cleanses your skin, while respecting the skin barrier and microbiome.
Exfoliation and Cell Renewal
Our skin naturally renews itself in cycles by shedding old cells and generating new ones. For someone in their 20s to 30s, this renewal cycle typically takes about 28 days. However, as we age, the process gradually slows down leading to longer renewal cycles, affecting skin texture, radiance and healing. Moreover, factors like stress, pollution and an imbalanced skincare routine can slow this process down, leading to dullness, clogged pores and slower healing - especially for acne-prone skin.
That’s why supporting gentle renewal is key. This doesn’t mean scrubbing or over-exfoliating but rather using toners and exfoliating products with well-balanced ingredients. This encourages healthy turnover, without disrupting the skin barrier and microbiome. Gentle exfoliants like lactic acid (AHA) and lactobionic acid (PHA) work on the skin’s surface to smoothen its texture and improve clarity, while hydrating and soothing ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and Centella Asiatica (CICA) help calm and protect the skin during the renewal process.
The idea is not to push our skin to renew faster - it’s about creating the right conditions for it to do so naturally, while staying balanced, calm and resilient.
Nourishment
Just like the rest of our body, our skin thrives on hydration and nutrients. And hydration is essential for all skin types - even oily and acne-prone. When our skin is dehydrated, it can overcompensate by producing more sebum, becoming inflamed or struggling to heal - all of which can make breakouts worse.
Nourishing ingredients like vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants help strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation and support recovery. And humectants, like glycerin and betaine, keep the skin balanced and resilient - exactly what acne-prone skin needs to feel and function its best.
So, for those of us who have acne-prone skin and tend to feel hesitant about using hydrators, it's all about finding the right kind. Look for a lightweight formula specifically designed for acne-prone skin - one that delivers hydration without clogging pores and combines calming humectants with barrier-strengthening nutrients.
Barrier Repair
Imagine our skin as a fortress - its outer walls are the skin barrier, which protects us from the outside world and helps retain moisture. When healthy, it keeps our skin looking and feeling its best. But many factors, like UV radiation, pollution, extreme climates, air conditioning, stress, diet and over-treating our skin with too many products that don’t suit our skin’s needs - can weaken this barrier.
So, how do we choose skincare that supports our skin barrier?
First, we avoid excessive layering or frequently switching between products and potent ingredients, which can overwhelm and irritate the skin. A conscious and caring skincare routine should respect both the skin’s barrier and its delicate microbiome - the community of beneficial microbes essential for resilient skin. Instead of complex multi-step regimens, the focus should be on simple, consistent care that honours the skin’s natural balance.
Second, we choose products specifically formulated to support and strengthen the barrier, with nourishing emollients, fatty acids and antioxidants. In recent years, new active ingredients have been designed to specifically support barrier repair, helping to strengthen the skin and improve hydration.
Protection
Every day, our skin faces invisible stressors - like UV radiation, pollution and other airborne irritants - that can trigger inflammation, weaken the skin barrier and accelerate premature aging. For acne-prone skin, these stressors can also worsen breakouts, redness and post-inflammatory marks.
To protect ourselves, we can start with small, conscious habits. We can reduce UV exposure by seeking shade, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours and wearing protective clothing or hats. And on days when our face is exposed (especially when the UV index is above 3) applying a lightweight, non-comedogenic sun shield with SPF 25 or higher can help protect the skin against sun damage. For acne-prone skin, mineral (also known as physical) filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often well-tolerated, as they sit on the skin’s surface and are less likely to clog pores or cause irritation. Opting for formulas that are non-comedogenic and fragrance-free can further reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Pollution is often harder to avoid, especially in urban environments. Which is why it’s important to support our skin with the right care. Cleansing helps remove surface buildup, while antioxidant-rich skincare formulated with ingredients like Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Lactobionic Acid (PHA) can help neutralise free radicals and reduce the impact of oxidative stress.
By combining smart daily habits with a skincare routine that includes both sun protection and antioxidants, we can create a gentle but effective defense system, helping keep our skin calm, balanced and resilient.
Extra care for acne-prone skin
Acne-prone skin shares many of the same basic needs as other skin types - like gentle cleansing, hydration and protection - but it also benefits from a few extra considerations. Here’s what we need to focus on when caring for skin that’s more reactive, breakout-prone or easily unbalanced.
- Excess Sebum Control
- Pore Control
- Blemish Control
- Inflammation Control
- Tone and Texture Control
- Camouflage
Excess Sebum Control
Sebum, the natural oil produced by our skin, plays a central role in the development of breakouts. While it helps protect and moisturise the skin, excess sebum can clog pores and lead to inflammation. Managing sebum isn’t about removing it completely, but about restoring balance. Stripping the skin of its natural oils can backfire, triggering even more sebum production. Instead, it’s best to choose lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that help regulate sebum levels without compromising hydration or barrier function. Look for active ingredients such as Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Niacinamide. These ingredients are known to help control excess sebum, soothe inflammation and support clearer skin over time. Effective sebum regulation keeps skin balanced and fresh, without causing dryness or irritation.
Pore Control
Clogged or enlarged pores are common in acne-prone skin and when they’re blocked by sebum, shredding skin cells or dirt, they can lead to breakouts. Pore control is about prevention, not shrinking them overnight. Regular, gentle exfoliation with acids like Lactic Acid (AHA) and Lactobionic Acid (PHA) can help keep pores clear and less visible over time, without aggravating or over-drying the skin. A consistent, barrier-friendly routine is what keeps pores calm, clean and balanced.
Blemish Control
Active breakouts need a different kind of care, one that’s both effective and gentle. Blemish control focuses on calming inflammation, reducing acne-causing bacteria and speeding up recovery - without compromising the surrounding skin. Targeted treatments, like blemish patches and spot gels with actives such as Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Pionin, work best when used with restraint and consistency, not aggression. The goal is to support healing, not fight the skin.
Inflammation Control
Behind every breakout is inflammation, and for many with acne-prone skin, redness, swelling or sensitivity can linger long after the spot is gone. That’s why reducing inflammation is core to effective acne care. Soothing ingredients like Panthenol and Centella Asiatica (CICA) help calm irritated skin, while antioxidant support from ingredients like Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) can help defend against flare-up triggers like pollution and oxidative stress. Less inflammation means fewer breakouts, faster healing and more skin stability over time.
Tone and Texture Control
Even after acne clears, our skin can be left with uneven tone, dark marks, rough patches and sometimes deeper scarring beneath the skin’s surface. This phase of care is about patience and renewal. Gentle exfoliants, barrier-supportive ingredients and pigment-balancing actives like Niacinamide and acids like Lactic Acid (AHA) and Lactobionic Acid (PHAs) can help fade marks and gradually smoothen the skin. We’re not chasing perfection, we’re helping the skin repair itself in a way that feels balanced, supported and sustainable.
For deeper scarring that sits below the skin’s surface, professional dermatological treatments may be needed, as topical skincare alone may not be enough.
Camouflage
Treating acne takes time. During that journey, many of us want to feel more comfortable and confident in our skin. Camouflage isn’t about hiding - it’s about gentle support in the moments that we need it the most. When choosing coverage, opt for lightweight, breathable formulas that won’t clog pores (non-comedogenic) or interfere with healing. Look for tinted moisturisers, light foundations or concealers that provide sheer to medium coverage that are enough to even out redness and marks without feeling heavy or cakey. Choosing products with soothing or skin-friendly ingredients is especially helpful for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Additionally, blemish patches can offer targeted coverage and protection to help spots heal faster. The goal is to enhance your natural skin while keeping it healthy and calm, giving you confidence without compromise.
Testosterone
Elevated testosterone levels can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. While testosterone is often associated with male puberty, it affects all genders. Women produce testosterone too, but at lower levels.
Progesterone
Rising progesterone levels, particularly during pregnancy, may contribute to acne. While the exact relationship isn’t fully understood, research suggests that progesterone correlates with increased sebum production and acne flares.
Estrogen
Estrogen helps reduce sebum production and supports skin health by maintaining moisture and boosting collagen. However, lower estrogen levels, especially during the menstrual cycle or menopause, can lead to premenstrual acneand dryness.
Things to watch out for
For sensitive and reactive skin, a conscious and caring skincare routine is not just about what we apply, it’s also about what we avoid. Below are 5 common skincare pitfalls to be mindful of when caring for our skin.
Avoid using products not meant for your skin type
Using products that aren’t targeted to your specific skin type or concerns can do more harm than good, disrupting the skin’s natural balance.
Don’t overwhelm your skin
Another common trigger behind acne and other skin conditions is over-treating the skin — layering too many products, experimenting with potent active ingredients that don’t work well together or constantly switching routines without giving the skin time to adjust. Many of us with acne-prone or reactive skin feel the urge to act quickly and find fast remedies, but this rush can sometimes do more harm than good.
Hold back from rushing new skincare routines
Moreover, even with the most conscious and caring skincare routine, our skin often needs time to adapt to new products and ingredients. To support this process, it may help to introduce new products gradually, starting with smaller amounts and less frequent use, then slowly increasing over the first 2 to 4 weeks. Every skin is unique, so time to adapt to a new routine can vary from person to person.
Once the new routine is fully established, it’s important to allow sufficient time, typically several weeks, to accurately assess how your skin is responding before making any further changes to the routine. With the right routine and consistent morning and evening use, subtle improvements in skin texture and feel will often be noticed within days or a few weeks, while more visible changes in tone, redness or blemish reduction may take several weeks or even months. Persistent concerns such as acne or dark spots usually require ongoing care and patience. Remember, patience is key, as achieving healthy skin is a gradual journey.
Refrain from picking and popping
Another common pitfall is the temptation to pop pimples. For many of us, it’s an emotional response — a way to ‘take action’ when we feel stressed or when we want to feel in control of our skin. While it might feel satisfying in the moment, squeezing blemishes can push bacteria deeper into the skin, increase inflammation, delay healing and even lead to scarring. Instead of picking, try these substitutes that are gentler on the skin:
- Use a soft exfoliator with gentle microbeads or try a silicone facial brush. This mimics the tactile sensation without damaging the skin
- Apply blemish patches - not only do they support healing, but they also physically reduce the urge to touch or pick at your skin
Although we advise against popping blemishes, we understand that sometimes the temptation can be difficult to resist. If it must be done, here is a careful method we recommend:
- If a blemish has a whitehead, it should first be disinfected with alcohol.
- Then gently open with a sterile lancet.
- Using a clean tissue, carefully and gently press to release only the white pus.
- Remember that harsh squeezing or aggressive handling can lead to scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Don’t overlook the daily habits that can aggravate your skin
Beyond the skincare routine itself, one needs to avoid certain daily beauty and well-being habits as well. Things like wearing heavy or occlusive makeup, sleeping on dirty pillowcases, frequently touching your face, or neglecting to clean your phone screens and cases can all contribute to breakouts and irritation - often without us even realizing it.
The right application technique
The efficacy and success of our skincare routine depends not only on the routine itself, the frequency, or the ingredients, but also on how the products are applied. Various application techniques can influence how well products absorb, how evenly active ingredients are distributed and how well the skin responds to the products. Gentle motions and pressure can help support circulation and stimulate the lymphatic flow and pressure points in the face, neck and décolletage, which can play a role in reducing puffiness and clearing cellular waste. Furthermore, patting (instead of rubbing) can allow products to absorb without irritating sensitive or acne-prone skin. And layering from thinnest to thickest textures ensures each product penetrates properly and delivers all of its benefits.
Moreover, the soothing sensation of touch on our skin can boost both overall well-being and skin health. Our skin is the body’s largest sensory organ, equipped with specialised receptors, including C-tactile afferent fibers that detect vibration, pressure, temperature, pain and pleasure. When we gently stimulate these C-tactile fibers, which respond to light, calming touch, it often triggers positive emotional responses. A mindful touch or light facial massage with our own hands can enhance feelings of comfort and pleasure, making it a meaningful and nurturing part of our self-care routine.
In summary, getting into the habit of mindful skincare application can improve the efficacy of our skincare products while also positively impacting our overall well-being and sense of self-worth, which in turn fosters healthier, more resilient skin.
Testosterone
Elevated testosterone levels can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. While testosterone is often associated with male puberty, it affects all genders. Women produce testosterone too, but at lower levels.
Progesterone
Rising progesterone levels, particularly during pregnancy, may contribute to acne. While the exact relationship isn’t fully understood, research suggests that progesterone correlates with increased sebum production and acne flares.
Estrogen
Estrogen helps reduce sebum production and supports skin health by maintaining moisture and boosting collagen. However, lower estrogen levels, especially during the menstrual cycle or menopause, can lead to premenstrual acneand dryness.
The path of kindness
Our fingertips have among the highest density of sensory receptors in the body, making them incredibly sensitive to touch. When dealing with active acne, this heightened sensitivity can sometimes make applying skincare feel uncomfortable or stressful. In such cases, it’s perfectly fine to avoid using fingertips directly. Instead, try skincare application tools like sponges, spatulas or silicone pads, or the back side of your fingers (the dorsal side next to the knuckles), which may help minimise irritation while still caring for our skin.
Professional skin treatments: Complementing our routine with expert care
Professional skin treatments can serve as a valuable addition to our daily skincare routine, helping to address deeper or persistent concerns that at-home care alone may not fully resolve. These treatments may improve skin texture, boost hydration, enhance radiance and support overall skin health by targeting issues beneath the surface. For those with acne-prone skin, professional treatments can be especially helpful in managing active breakouts, reducing inflammation, minimising scarring and promoting faster healing.
However, it’s important to approach these treatments thoughtfully to avoid irritation or setbacks.
- Frequency and timing
- Choosing the right treatment
- Finding a qualified skincare professional
Frequency and timing
Treatment frequency depends on individual skin needs and the specific procedure, but generally, sessions every 4 to 8 weeks can help maintain results and support long-term skin health. For women, mid-cycle appointments — between menstrual periods — are often ideal, as the skin is typically less sensitive and more receptive to treatment.
However, it’s important to approach these treatments thoughtfully to avoid irritation or setbacks.
Summary
A conscious and caring skincare routine is fundamental for healthy skin. It involves gentle cleansing and exfoliation, proper hydration, barrier repair and daily protection. Acne-prone skin benefits from additional focus on sebum regulation, pore management, inflammation control and healing support. Along with that, optional focus on improving skin tone and texture and gentle camouflage can help one feel more confident during the process.
Beyond product choice, mindful habits, like avoiding over-treating the skin, rushing new skincare routines or resisting the urge to pick blemishes, are crucial. How skincare is applied also affects results and the skin’s overall well-being, with gentle techniques supporting absorption and emotional comfort. Professional skin treatments can complement home routines when chosen thoughtfully, with attention to timing, frequency and the expertise of the provider. Finally, patience and consistency remain key in achieving and maintaining balanced, healthy skin.
References
- Varshneya, K., & Singh, B. (2023): Emerging treatments for acne vulgaris.
- Lain, E., & Andriessen, A. E. (2020): Choosing the Right Partner: Complementing Prescription Acne Medication With Over-the-Counter Cleansers and Moisturizers.
- Amita H. Sutaria, Sadia Masood, Haitham M. Saleh (2023): Acne Vulgaris.
- Albanesi, C., & Madonna, S. (2024): Immunological pathways in psoriasis: Update on key immune mechanisms.
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