20+ SKINCARE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRY, ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Hello everyone! It feels like it's been such a long time since I've had a nice little chat with you all about skincare. I usually discuss and review products for oily, acne-prone, sensitive-ish skin, but this week, I wanted to focus on skin that we don't usually talk about here on Chai Tea For Two, which is dry skin! Recently, my skin has been going through some changes since I've been using prescription acne products, so my crazy oily skin has turned into combination, dehydrated, yet still acne-prone skin. Because of this, I've been looking for new products that will tame and soothe my acne while balancing my hydration levels. Along with that, last week, Emma's friend reached out to her asking her to help create a new routine for her dry, acne-prone skin (shoutout to Kristen!). Emma asked me to help as well, so I went straight to the internet looking for recommendations of different price ranges that would pair well with things that Kristen already owned so she wouldn't have to spend a fortune on an entirely new set of products catered to her specific needs. Finding products for her based off of my own recommendations and the internet's was extremely fun for me, and I thought it might be useful to share with you all! So here you have it-- A skincare routine for dry, acne-prone skin. Hope you enjoy!
Cleanser-
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser: This is an incredible face wash! It's great for morning and night, and it can be used on dry skin to dissolve away any makeup or dirt. It's pH-balanced, gentle, creamy, and was made to condition your skin and to leave it feeling healthy and soft (NOT tight).
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser: I decided to recommend this since it's an acne wash, but also a cream cleanser which is obviously better for dryer skin types. Definitely don't use this as a regular cleanser because it could end up drying out your skin more; maybe just in the shower a few times a week. Don't worry, there's plenty more acne solutions coming later in the routine, so this cleanser isn't really necessary.
Toner-
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 1: I've never tried this before, but I've heard that this toner does a fantastic job for dry skin! It sweeps away excess grime post-cleansing, preps skin for moisturizer, and helps remove dry flakes that can be a barrier to moisture absorption. Plus it has salicylic acid and witch hazel in it which are both amazing for breakouts!
Exfoliant-
Skin Inc Pure Revival Peel: Exfoliating is really important to do at least once a week, especially for dry, acne prone skin. This exfoliating peel is super gentle and reveals smooth, brightened skin in a very interesting way; Once you put the peel on and start working it into your skin, pieces of dead skin start coming off more and more. It's sort of gross at first, but it's also really satisfying to see that the peel is actually working and exfoliating without you having to physically scrub your face which can be really irritating.
Face Masks-
GlamGlow SuperMud Clearing Treatment: This treatment was clinically developed to address acne, redness, scars, and more. It supports your skin’s natural oil balance while working to brighten and soften your complexion. After using this deep treatment, your skin results in a refined, healthy-looking complexion free of dirt, and clogged pores. This mask definitely addresses acne prone skin, but it may feel extra drying for dry skin types. Follow this treatment with the next one on the list!
GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment: This mask, unlike the previous one, is non-drying and delivers instant, extreme moisture and hydration to your skin. It moisturizes, restores, replenishes, and calms your skin instantly!
Josie Maran Whipped Mud Mask Argan Hydrating and Detoxifying Treatment: This mud mask is hydrating and detoxifying. It nourishes and clarifies skin, making it perfect for dry acne prone skin!
Yes To primRose Oil Mud Mask: This is one of my favorite masks at the moment. Primrose oil helps soothe skin and redness while also hydrating the skin and keeping it cool. This mask is also perfect for sensitive skin! Plus, it smells like primrose :) I just wish it came in a bottle that stores more than just one use!
Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack: This clay mask cleanses, detoxifies, balances, and conditions your skin. It helps to calm inflammation, and also draws out excess oil and impurities. It uses white kaolin clay, which is super gentle and nourishing. Definitely one of Glossier's best products for acne prone skin!
Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask: This mask is incredible at soothing, brightening, and moisturizing! It utilizes sweet almond oil and hyaluronic acid which sink deep beneath the surface of your skin to instantly plump it up with hydration. I love using this right after the Glossier Galaxy Pack for a boost of hydration post-detox.
Acne Treatment-
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel: Benzoyl Peroxide is AMAZING at getting rid of stubborn acne, but be careful because it can be very irritating and drying! This Neutrogena gel works great, but if you have a prescription acne treatment or something you already use that works for you, definitely go with that instead. Don't forget to follow up with super gentle and hydrating products if you're using very strong chemicals!
Serum-
Glossier Super Bounce Serum: This super concentrated serum's key ingredients are Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 which plump skin up with moisture and bring back elasticity for supple softness and bounce. It absorbs incredibly quickly and leaves your skin instantly soft and smooth. Plus, it leaves a great cooling effect on your skin!
Glossier Super Pure Serum: The niacinamide and zinc in Super Pure really help to soothe redness and calm blemishes. It's very lightweight and watery which makes it quickly absorb into your skin, but it can be a little drying so definitely use a followup hydrating serum like Super Bounce.
Sheet Masks-
Tony Moly I’m Real Sheet Masks Aloe and Avocado Masks: Both of these sheet masks are incredible at moisturizing, soothing, and softening the skin. A++ from me Rice Mask: This mask is definitely my favorite out of the 3 Tony Moly I'm Reals. It completely relieves redness, brightens, and helps balance out your skin tone! I strongly recommend this for those of you that struggle with acne scarring as well as dehydration.
Leaders Aquaringer Treatment Mask: This fantastic cotton sheet mask provides intense, instant moisture and nourishment to dry skin. Your skin feels completely refreshed and cool after using this! This is recommended for very dry, flaky skin, so if your skin gets easily irritated by harsh acne products or is sensitive in general, definitely pick one of these up at Ulta.
Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Acne Fighting Sheet Mask: This sheet mask was formulated with tomato extracts and salicylic acid, which both fight acne and prevent whiteheads. Plus, it's extremely affordable!
Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb The Super Hydrating Mask Soothing: This water-based sheet mask has Hyaluronic Acid in it, which, if you weren't paying attention this whole time, is an ingredient that floods the skin with intense, weightless hydration. This mask is completely non-greasy and leaves you feeling super fresh, soothed, and hydrated! I love using this one in the morning, it wakes me up and makeup just glides on top of it!
Moisturizer-
Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich: This cream is very dense and nourishing, and it reinforces the skin barrier and locks in moisture over time. After applying PM Rich, your skin is instantly a smooth, dewy canvas for makeup just like the original Priming Moisturizer. It's luxurious and thick, but it's also not greasy at all!
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer: This moisturizer is much lighter than PM rich, and can be used by a variety of skin types, but it's still fantastic for dry skin. It's nourishing and it provides immediate hydration, leaving skin silky, soft, and smooth. It also does a great job at soothing redness!
SPF-
Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35: NEVER. FORGET. SUNSCREEN! This step is crucial to your morning routine. I love Glossier's SPF because it's clear, non-greasy, doesn't clog pores, and gives a dewy glow to the skin. Look out for a Review for Two coming soon!
If you have dry acne-prone skin and have some great products you love, let us know your favorites on Instagram so we can test them out and add them to Kristen's new routine! If you struggle with your dry, acne- prone skin, I really hope these recommendations will help you in any way possible :) Thanks for reading! xoxo - Hannah