I’m sharing my top skincare products for treating my skin after acne. Years and years of battling acne have left my skin with hyperpigmentation and uneven texture.
My skincare since middle school consisted of ingredients to help with breakouts – salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide were the norm. Now that I finally got that under control thanks to my dermatologist, I have a new battle.
But this post is not about how to clear acne, but rather, how to treat your skin after it. If you have suffered from acne then you know the years of inflamed and stressed skin can really take a toll on your face.
Skincare Products for Acne Scars
Hyperpigmentation may develop as your acne starts to heal. Although considered harmless, they are a pain to get rid of. Scarring, on the other hand, maybe a little more difficult to combat.
It’s near impossible to get rid of acne scars with creams and serums. Lasers and chemical peels work best for severe acne scars. They penetrate deep in the skin and can work wonders on any damage.
RELATED POST: Dermatologist -Approved Hormonal Acne Treatment
But if you’re looking for products to use at home, I’ve noticed exfoliating works great at diminishing the look of scars.
It should be noted that I am currently on acne medication which regulates my sebum-production and has helped clear my hormonal acne.
Also, I am in my mid-30s so I’m now having to battle fine lines and wrinkles — a double whammy. These products have really helped with the scarring, discoloration, and overall texture and tone of my skin.
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
I purchased this after having the hardest time finding a similar, and more affordable, product from Physician’s Formula. I also wanted to try a clean beauty brand, so I ultimately settled on this one. This cleansing balm is amazing at melting away my makeup. It also gets my mascara and any matte lipstick (which is near impossible to remove.)
If you’re prone to getting acne, you want to avoid going to bed with any pore-clogging residue. This means making sure to completely clean your face of oil, dirt, and makeup before bed. This cleansing balm works great at getting everything off.
Cerave Foaming Cleanser
This was purchased at the suggestion of my dermatologist. The gentle cleanser cleans away dirt but maintains the skin’s natural protective barrier. It doesn’t strip the skin or leave you with tight skin after you rinse — a clear sign that you are overdrying the skin.
As mentioned above, stripping your skin, even oily skin, of all-natural oils will lead to more breakouts. It also contains niacinamide and ceramides to help calm and moisturize irritated skin.
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
One of my favorite clean skincare lines is Biossance. Even with oily skin, you may still be prone to fine lines and wrinkles as you age. I really wish I would have been more proactive in protecting the delicate skin around my eyes when I was in my 20s.
While there is no way to completely get rid of wrinkles around the eyes with creams and serums, this one greatly diminishes the look of fine lines. Squalane helps lock in moisture and the marine algae complex helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum
After running out of my Herbivore’s Bakuchiol serum, I decided to try out Biossance’ variation. This serum is amazing and I’ve seen major improvements in the tone and texture of my skin. Along with bakuchiol, the serum also contains moisture-locking squalane.
Retinol or retinol-alternatives may also help with existing acne and is great at cell turnover for fresh, healthy skin.
Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial
I prefer a chemical exfoliant to a physical one because of the fool-proof way to salvage your skin. With physical exfoliation — think scrubs with tiny plastic or natural particles to slough off dead skin cells — there’s a risk of scrubbing too harsh causing damage to the skin.
Chemical exfoliation breaks down dead skin cells making it easier to wash away. You want to incorporate exfoliation to keep those pesky dead skin cells from clogging your pores.
This facial is amazing and leaves my skin looking fresh and radiant! I can’t say enough great things about it. I use it about 2-3 times a week.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
Definitely not the first time I’ve talked about this mask. I love how it leaves my skin hydrated and supple. I apply this Glow Recipe Watermelon mask a couple times a week and leave it on overnight.
In the morning, I wash my face with only water to remove any residue and my skin is left hydrated and refreshed. The gel formula contains amino acid-rich watermelon extract, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and pore refining and smoothing Alpha Hydroxy Acid for exfoliation.
Tula Dew Your Thing Oil-Free Face Moisturizer
Going back to the importance of keeping your skin moisturized even with oily skin, I like this product because of how lightweight it applies. It absorbs quickly and leaves my skin matte.
With oily skin, I prefer it when my face is matte, which can be difficult with oily skin. I avoided moisturizers on my face for a long time. I finally realize that my skin produces less oil when it is hydrated. These days I make moisturizers a part of my daily skincare routine. This weightless, oil-free moisturizer doesn’t clog my pores yet delivers amazing hydration.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
Another repeat buy, this vitamin C serum is so good. I love the smell and a little product goes a long way. It also glides on thin and absorbs rather quickly.
Vitamin C is great for discoloration and hyperpigmentation left after acne. I’ve seen major improvements in my skin; it leaves my skin bright and even-toned.
Pacifica Coconut Water Micellar Cleansing Tonic
I like using this on days I don’t wear makeup. The cleansing tonic removes excess oil and dirt and leaves my skin hydrated and clean. Best part is that there’s no water or rinsing necessary.
I dab on a cotton swab and wipe over my face. It’s also great for a mid-day use to re-hydrate and re-fresh.
Supergoop Matte & Poreless Sunscreen
Probably the most important item in a skincare regime is sunscreen. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays can damage the skin causing hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and the risk of cancer. I haven’t always been vigilant with applying sunscreen and now, in my 30s, I’m seeing the careless effects of going without sunscreen in my teens and 20s.
I really like this one because its tinted so it gives a bit of coverage and evens out skintone as it protects. To combat any shine, just swipe some translucent powder and it does the trick.
Even if you don’t have oily skin, I’m sure you will love these products. And if you don’t have oily skin, here’s more skincare recommendations from some great beauty bloggers.
