Looking to build a skincare routine that works for acne-prone skin without filling your bathroom shelf with products? Start with a few simple steps that focus on keeping your skin clean, hydrated and protected, while adding targeted care for concerns such as excess oil, clogged pores and breakouts. You do not need a complicated routine to give your skin consistent care. The key is choosing products that suit your skin and giving each step a clear purpose. From your morning cleanse to your evening moisturiser, here is a simple routine you can follow every day.
Morning Routine
Step 1 - Start With a Cleanser
Begin your morning by cleansing your face to remove excess oil and buildup from overnight. For acne-prone skin, a cleanser containing an ingredient such as salicylic acid can help clear away dead skin cells and impurities that can contribute to clogged pores.
Our Pick - CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
The CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid to help target breakouts and blackheads. It also contains clay to help absorb excess oil, along with niacinamide and ceramides to support the skin barrier. The formula is non-comedogenic, making it a useful choice for an acne-focused routine.
Step 2 - Add a Targeted Serum
Once your skin is clean, you can add a serum to address concerns such as excess oil, visible pores and uneven texture. You only need one targeted serum at this stage, so there is no need to layer several active ingredients together.
Our Pick - The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This water-based serum combines 10% niacinamide with Zinc PCA to help address excess oil, uneven texture and the appearance of enlarged pores. It also supports the skin's moisture barrier, making it a useful addition when you want targeted care without adding another complicated step.
Step 3 - Moisturise
Acne-prone skin still needs moisture. Skipping moisturiser can leave your skin feeling dry, particularly when using products designed to address breakouts. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that provides hydration without leaving a heavy layer on the skin.
Our Pick - CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion
Although this lotion is designed for evening use, its lightweight, oil-free and non-comedogenic formula makes it a useful moisturiser for skin that needs hydration without feeling greasy. It contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and three essential ceramides to help maintain the skin barrier.
Step 4 - Finish With Sunscreen
Make sunscreen the final step of your morning routine. Daily UV protection is important for maintaining an even-looking complexion, and it becomes particularly useful when your routine includes exfoliating or acne-targeted ingredients.
Our Pick - Beauty of Joseon Rice + Probiotics Relief Sun SPF 50+
This SPF 50 formula has a lightweight, silky texture and contains rice extract, green tea, ginseng and niacinamide. It provides broad-spectrum sun protection without a white cast and can be reapplied during the day as needed.
Night Routine
Step 1 - Cleanse Again
Your evening cleanse removes sunscreen, excess oil, sweat and other buildup from the day. You can use the same cleanser from your morning routine, keeping your routine simple while continuing to give acne-prone skin targeted care.
Our Pick - CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
The same salicylic acid cleanser can be used in the evening according to the product directions. It combines salicylic acid with clay, niacinamide and ceramides, helping cleanse the skin while supporting its protective barrier. If your skin starts to feel dry or irritated, reduce how often you use an active cleanser and give your skin time to adjust.
Step 2 - Apply Your Targeted Treatment
After cleansing, apply your targeted serum to address the concerns you want to focus on. Keeping this step to one active treatment makes the routine easier to follow and helps you avoid piling several potentially irritating ingredients onto your skin at once.
Our Pick - The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The combination of niacinamide and Zinc PCA makes this serum a good option for targeting excess oil, uneven texture and the appearance of pores. Essentials.lk recommends applying a few drops in the morning and evening, although you should follow the product directions and stop use if irritation occurs.
Step 3 - Moisturise Before Bed
Finish your evening routine with moisturiser to replenish hydration and support your skin barrier overnight. This step is worth keeping in your routine even when your skin is oily or prone to breakouts.
Our Pick - CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion
CeraVe PM combines hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and three essential ceramides in an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula. Its MVE technology helps provide ongoing hydration throughout the night, while the lightweight texture makes it an easy final step after your targeted treatment.
Keep Your Acne Routine Simple
A consistent routine gives your skin time to respond to the products you are using. Start with the basics and introduce targeted products gradually rather than changing several things at once. It is also worth remembering that skincare can support the management of acne, but persistent, painful or severe acne may need advice from a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional. With a cleanser, targeted serum, moisturiser and sunscreen, you have the essentials covered. From there, you can adjust your routine according to how your skin responds and the concerns you want to address.
Ready to refresh your routine? Explore our skincare collection at Essentials.lk to find cleansers, serums, moisturisers, sunscreens and targeted treatments for different skin needs.