I’ve suffered from acne & acne scarring since I was 13. Now I’m 21 and my acne & scars are almost completely gone.
As a teenager, I didn’t have the money to build an expensive acne skincare routine, or pay a dermatologist to help me fix my skin problems. As a young adult, I began testing both drug-store and high-end products. I didn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a dermatologist – so I did the research on my own.
From the trial and error of dozens of products, I can confidently say that you can build an acne treatment for your skin without breaking the bank. All six products listed below are each under $20, totaling $65.
This is my acne skincare routine as someone with sensitive, combination to oily skin. I live and die by these products.
The 6 Acne Skincare Routine Products
- Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser ($16)
An antioxidant cleanser that protects your natural skin barrier. This cleanser has the same pH value as your skin (5.0 – 6.0), with antioxidants such as matcha and hemp seeds that prevent/slow cell damage.
- Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 ($13.47)
This moisturizer and sunscreen combo includes Niacinamide, a healing vitamin that protects your natural skin barrier (helps fade hyper pigmentation from acne scars), and Hyaluronic Acid, a hydrator that is naturally found on skin.
- PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide ($8.99)
A wash that is directly focuses on treating acne. Benzoyl Peroxide is a antiseptic that reduces the amount of bacteria on skin, helping treat acne specifically. 10% Benzoyl Peroxide may be too strong and dry out skin, so if you are looking for something lighter PanOxyl also carries a 2% version.
- Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (Travel Size $10, 4 oz $29.50)
Chemical exfoliants like this helps promote cell-turnover, healing your acne scars and hyper pigmentation. BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) exfoliates your skin by drying out excess oil that clogs your pores, peeling away dead layers of skin. Salicylic Acid is the BHA in this product that helps treat acne scars.
- Tamanu Oil ($9.99) Or Jojoba Oil ($9.99)
Oils help moisturize your skin while reducing your skin’s natural oil production. Tamanu Oil is derived from a tamanu nut tree, possessing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to specifically treat acne. Jojoba Oil comes from the jojoba plant and is most similar to your skin’s natural oil, helping minimize clogged pores and managing oil production. Oils are the best moisturizers for oily skin.
- COSRX Acne Pimple Patches ($4.73)
Pimple patches protect your acne from bacteria and absorb excess oils on skin. COSRX Acne Pimple Patches are medical-grade, hydrocolloid bandages that promote faster healing for damaged skin. Pimple patches are the best acne spot treatments because they directly target blemishes to remove excess oil and prevent bacteria.
The Acne Skincare Routine (Morning & Night)
Morning
- Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
- Cerave Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Night
- Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
- Tamanu Oil or Jojoba Oil
The Acne Spot Treatments
- Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | 1x per week
I use this in my night routine right after cleansing, following up with my oil afterwards.
- PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide | 2x per week
I use this in my night routine after cleansing. I do not use the chemical exfoliant on the same day as the acne foaming wash.
- COSRX Acne Pimple Patches | Only when I have blemishes
I use this in my night routine directly after cleansing. I do not use the pimple patches on the same day I am using the exfoliant.
This is my acne skincare journey.
Taking care of your skin with quality products consistently is only one part of the journey. The other part is maintaining a healthier lifestyle, mentally and physically. Focus on exercising, eating healthier foods (ex: cutting out dairy) , and adjusting your lifestyle to minimize or prevent stress.