My Morning Skincare Routine: Acne prone + Combination/Oily Skin

I struggled with bad skin for so long and it has taken me over 3 years to find a routine that works for my skin.

My Morning Skincare Routine

I thought I would share my routine with you, not because it will work tremendously for your skin but some of the products may suit your skin type and needs.

For reference I have normal/combination skin, mostly an oily t-zone and normal skin everywhere else. My skin is also very acne prone but not sensitive.

Superdrug: Nip+Fab Glycolic Cleansing Fix (£7.95)

To begin with, I use the Nip+Fab Glycolic cleaner which is 2% glycolic acid to exfoliate (without the scrubbing) and resurface the texture of your skin. This product also contains olive oil to hydrate and smooth the skin. This product is more gentle on your skin compared to the use of other acidic products but is still very effective. It makes my skin feel refreshed ready for the day, it leaves no residue and leaves my skin glowing. I prefer to use this in the morning compared to the evening as it gives your skin a nice boost for the day and preps your skin well for your skincare that follows. 

Lush: Tea Tree Toner Water (£9.50)

I then give my skin a spritz of the Tea Tree Toner Water from Lush which refreshes my skin. It is antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial toner to keep away any bacteria that can cause spots. It also contains grapefruit which is rich in vitamins and juniper berry which works as an antiseptic. I noticed a change in my skin when I began to use this product, it is very calming and anti-inflammatory, any existing spots were soothed and I believe it was a product that helped stop the formation of new spots.

The Body Shop: Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution (£13)

I then apply my holy grail, cannot live without and will never stop using, product. The Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution has made THE most dramatic difference in my acne. I have never raved about a product so much before, it is so good that when I told my friend Tara about it, she bought it and now she loves it too. It is a light serum which absorbs straight into the skin so you can't even feel it. It contains tea tree which helps purify and clear the skin, it also helps soothe any imperfections and reduce the size of them overnight. I use this every day without fail, however, it is currently out of stock and has been since Christmas and I feel like I'll go into a meltdown if it doesn't come back into stock soon. 

Superdrug: Acnecide 5% ( £9.99 for 30g)

I would then apply this Benzoyl Peroxide cream after the tea tree solution if I could feel any spots trying to rear their ugly head. I only ever use this directly on a spot and I mean those ones you can feel under the skin that you know are going to be painful. I only started to use this in the past 6 months and it has helped reduce any of the hormonal spots I get. It doesn't matter how good your skincare is, you can't prevent those hormonal breakouts. I know my brother is prescribed this product to use on his entire face and that was when I first tried it before I bought some. If you suffer from severe acne then I would definitely recommend speaking to a doctor before using this product all over your face as you cannot be sure what reaction your skin may have but for targeted spot treatment it works amazingly.

The Body Shop: Vitamin C Glow Protect Lotion SPF 30 (£15)

I would then apply the Vitamin C Glow Protect Lotion. I have always loved products that contain vitamin C because of the healthy glow it gives your skin. I loved the Banish skincare Vitamin C Elixir and the Alpha H Vitamin C serum. After using these products I would still use a moisturiser after because all skin types need moisturising. When I tried this I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. My skin is glowing when I use this, it is so moisturising and soothing, it leaves my skin radiant. As an added bonus it contains SPF 30 which is great for the daytime. I know I live in England and it may feel like the sun doesn't exist here but using SPF, no matter where you are, helps to protect your skin from any dark spots.

The Body Shop Skin: Defence Multi-Protection Essence (£17)

The final product I apply is The Body Shop Skin Defence. I didn't think I needed this product until I had it. I originally bought this to try out as a sun cream for my holiday because it is non-comedogenic which means it won't clog my skin. Whenever I go away I always break out so badly from the sun cream clogging my pores and the majority of sun care products that are non-comedogenic are SPF 15 or 20 which is a lotion and not a pure sunblock so you won't get the maximum protection. Even though I'm not directly in the sun I use this every day, it gives my skin moisture and glow, as it also contains vitamin c and red algae, all while protecting my skin from environmental aggressors. I noticed from using this product that any breakout I had, where it would leave a light pink mark, would heal so much quicker and leave me with a more even skin tone.

That is my morning skincare routine, I hope you find some products that may be useful for you!

Are there any products that you cant live without?

Let me know!

Sophie

x