By: Fauzia Haque, Contributing Writer
Nearly everyone, teenagers and adults alike, has suffered from acne at one point in their lives or they still currently are. While it is never urgent or maybe even necessary to change one’s skincare just to conform to society’s everchanging trends, it is important to take care of oneself and stay informed.
It is important to note that minimalism is highly appreciated within skincare; it isn’t desirable to overwhelm the skin or else it may react adversely. A skincare routine should at least adhere to the four basic, but fundamental, steps: cleanser, treatment (serums, spot creams, face masks, exfoliants, etc.), moisturizer (even for the oiliest skin), and sunscreen or a sun protection factor (SPF) throughout the day. Double cleansing is also a step that is becoming heavily prevalent, especially within a nighttime routine as it allows for a thorough cleanse of the skin to make sure that any leftover dirt, oil, or makeup does not accumulate and cause additional irritation or breakouts; this step is usually done by initially utilizing an oil-based cleanser, balm, or micellar water, and then following up with a water-based cleanser.
Here are some affordable tips and suggestions that may aid with a skincare regimen.
Dry Skin:
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser ($14.99): An effective yet gentle option for providing hydration while also cleaning the skin with ingredients like glycerin (a humectant that retains moisture for the skin), ceramides (lipids that aid in retaining moisture and keeping the skin barrier intact), and niacinamide (improves skin texture, balances oil production, and supports the skin barrier as well).
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($14.64): For those that may have irritation from niacinamide, this cleanser has all of the hydrating benefits without the use of this ingredient! This cleanser is also formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which are great ingredients to preserve hydration within the skin.
The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum ($6.99): While niacinamide is generally an ingredient more beneficial for oily skin, it can aid with the buildup of sebum and oil in dry skin as well; the ingredient does bring up concerns for those with dry skin, so it is important to note this. However, this particular lightweight serum aids dry skin by simultaneously providing hydration through ingredients like glycerin and squalane to keep the skin smooth while giving all the advantages niacinamide has to offer.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($7.99): Hyaluronic acid itself is an exceptional hydrating ingredient that takes in moisture from the environment and holds 1000 times its mass in water. In doing so, the acid allows for the preservation of moisture; however, it must be used properly or it can cause the opposite impact one would have intended for.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream ($6.99): With ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate (an intensified form of hyaluronic acid), this fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer helps hydrate and restore the skin’s moisture barrier.
Krave Beauty The Beet Shield SPF 50 ($20): An antioxidant chemical sunscreen that delivers a dewy finish and is suitable for all skin types. With ingredients that hydrate and reduce irritation caused by sensitivity, this sunscreen helps protect the skin from environmental damage too.
Combination Skin:
Simple Water Boost Micellar Face Gel Wash ($7): A fragrance-free, vegan face cleanser that gets rid of the layer of dirt and oil trapped on the skin while still keeping it hydrated and not stripping the skin’s barrier with ingredients like glycerin and panthenol to reduce irritation. While this cleanser is more targeted towards dry or combination-dry skin, it is a very versatile cleanser that can be used to hydrate any skin type.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser ($11.99): A cleanser that is best to use for those with combination to dry acne-prone skin and is formulated with 4% benzoyl peroxide to help breakouts and blemishes while also utilizing ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for hydration and soothing effects.
Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser ($16): A fragrance-free, non-comedogenic cleanser that helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier in dry spots with glycerin and caprylic triglyceride while also diminishing and removing any oiliness.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($29.50): This pore cleansing exfoliant incorporates salicylic (a beta hydroxy acid) acid to exfoliate and deeply cleanse underneath the skin’s surface while also maintaining the skin’s hydration barrier.
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion ($5.49): An unscented moisturizer that softens and hydrates the skin with glycerin and other ingredients without leaving a greasy feel that may also aid those with rosacea.
La Roche-Posay Daily Moisturising Cream ($34): A lightweight hydrating and protecting moisturizer with extra SPF 15 protection provided, leaving a non-greasy complexion.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50 ($10.99): A physical mineral sunscreen with incredible versatility that can be used for all skin tones, but allows for a hydrated, smooth, and clear finish without a white cast.
Oily Skin:
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser ($14.99): This cleanser works to remove excess oil from the skin with the included 2% salicylic acid and 0.05% lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA); these ingredients aim to penetrate the skin’s surface.
Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Cleanser ($36): A deeply cleansing wash that supports the skin with kale extract and battles signs of anti-aging with the green tea extract; the cleanser leaves a glowy finish with the inclusion of spinach extract and an overall hydrated, but smooth, complexion. It can be a little stripping, so it is best to keep the skin moisturized profoundly.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($5.90): A water-based serum that aims to reduce and diminish sebum and oil production from the skin while acting as a calming agent for any discoloration, redness, and irritation.
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment ($12.99): A Retin-A treatment that increases skin cell turnover, which can cause a purging period that can last three weeks long, but will later come out with beneficiary aspects with hyperpigmentation, anti-aging, and especially acne.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Combination Skin Moisturizer ($9.52): A moisturizer that aids in mattifying the appearance of oil and regulates the shine that usually is associated with oil due to ingredients like Cyclomethicone. The hydrating ingredients also present work to keep the skin smooth and hydrated.
iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream ($9.96): A Korean lightweight gel moisturizer formulated with sprout extracts and calming agents to help reduce irritation and give a vibrant glow, even for acne-prone skin.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($36): A lightweight chemical sunscreen that aids both acne-prone and sensitive skin, as well as rosacea and hyperpigmentation, that helps hydrate the skin with sodium hyaluronate and balance oil production with niacinamide and lactic acid and can be used for all skin tones without leaving a white cast.
With all of these products, it is important to note a disclaimer as everyone has different skin types and some range in between; the list above is designated to provide assistance, and there is no guarantee that any of the products above will be suitable for everyone. However, brands such as St. Ives, Clean and Clear, and Mario Badescu can cause an increased level of irritation and sensitivity, which is not good for the skin in the long run. For some, fragrance and extracts included into a topical treatment for the bonus of a good smell may also cause increased sensitivity and irritation while others may not find it as irritating either; stripping ingredients concentrated too high, like denatured alcohol or witch hazel, can also cause irritation and dryness that deteriorates the skin’s moisture barrier and can cause even more sensitivity and breakouts. The skin's conditions and acne relies on one’s environmental and biological factors, so it is important to be aware of the circumstances and seek medical guidance if needed.
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