Dermatologist Skincare Routine For Dry Acne Prone Skin That Actually Works

We consider ourselves to be skincare aficionados—hard it’s not to when our desks look like they belong on an episode of Hoarders: Skincare Edition (currently in the process of pitching that idea to A&E). We are well aware, however, that our situation is unique, and that the normal woman is more concerned with what to use on her face than were to keep her eighth cleanser of the week. Skincare Routine For Dry Acne Prone Skin

Dermatologist Skincare Routine For Dry Acne Prone Skin That Actually Works

As a result, we’ve put together a guide to a daily skincare routine for all skin types. We’ve put together the exact types of goods (and our best product selections, of course!) you should be looking for based on your skin type with the help of beauty guru and esthetician Renée Rouleau.

Renée Rouleau is an Austin-based celebrity esthetician. She’s also the inventor and founder of her own skincare line.

Most people should use a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer both day and night (with SPF) (a creamier, richer one). Some of you will also be using serums, such as antioxidants throughout the day and retinol while sleeping. And everyone gets some extra à la carte options, because, in our opinion, the best type of face care is indulgent skin care.

We’re aiming to help you simplify your morning and evening skin regimens by explaining why people with dry skin should use a cleaning cream and those with sensitive skin should use a gel-based mask (serious game changer, by the way).

Curious? Continue reading to learn about the optimal skincare routine for each skin type.

Normal Skin Routine for Balanced Skin
Although the word “normal” appears on product packaging as a skin type classification, no one has absolutely normal skin. If, on the other hand, your skin isn’t exceptionally oily or dry, and anti-aging, acne, or sensitivity aren’t on your radar, you have what we call “balanced skin.”

Morning/Night Cleanser: A sulfate-free cleanser with a mild lather, such as Renée Rouleau’s Purifying Face Wash ($37) or Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($38), claims to keep your skin clear.

Avoid components such SD alcohol 40, denatured alcohol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol in toners (morning/night); “These [ingredients] are widely found in toners and should be avoided,” Rouleau warns. For a dose of invigorating, brightening hydration, use Cremorlab Mineral Treatment Essence ($48).

Morning Moisturizer with SPF: “When moisturizing, do two applications, one on the face and one on the neck,” explains the expert “According to Rouleau. She continues, “It’s not just about the number—also it’s about how liberally you apply it.” A mild moisturizer with at least SPF 30 will protect your skin from the sun while also hydrating it without clogging your pores. Look for chemicals like dimethicone, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate, according to Rouleau (also known as hyaluronic acid).

Antioxidant Serum (Night): Look for an antioxidant serum that has brightening elements like vitamin C and algae extract, as well as naturally rejuvenating compounds like rosemary and peppermint, according to Rouleau. Caudalie Reveratrol Lift Firming Serum ($82) is a favorite of ours.

Moisturizer (Night): Use a creamier moisturizer without SPF at night to nourish your skin while you sleep. Tatcha’s The Water Cream ($68) is a good choice.

Soy Face Cleanser (Fresh)

Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel 60 Treatments by Dr. Dennis Gross
Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel by Dr. Dennis Gross $88 SHOP
Rouleau recommends putting glycolic acid into your routine a few times a week to keep your regular skin normal. “This is a preferred [alpha-hydroxy acid] because it has the smallest molecular structure and can penetrate deeper into the skin,” Rouleau explains. “This promotes brighter, more even-toned, smoother skin by dissolving surface dry skin cells.” For quick, on-the-go smoothing and whitening, try Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel ($88).

ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS Alpha-hydroxy acids are a type of acid chemicals that function to exfoliate the skin and are most typically derived from plant-based sources. They are available in a range of sorts (such as glycolic and lactic acid) and vary in size, which affects penetration and efficacy. 1 (Read more of Rouleau’s serum advise.)

Skin Care for Dry Skin

Products that keep skin hydrated are usually included in the best skincare routine for dry skin. “A broken moisture barrier is present in dry skin,” Rouleau explains. “Invisible cracks in your skin allow moisture to escape and allergens to enter more easily.”

Your Selections

Morning/Night Cleansing Lotion: “For people with dry skin, a no-foam, no-lather, super-mild cleansing lotion is excellent,” Rouleau recommends. Calming Chamomile Cleanser ($36) and Clarins Cleansing Milk With Alpine Herbs ($49) are two of her products to try.

Toner (Morning/Night): Indie Lee COQ-10 Toner ($34) rebalances your skin’s pH level, restores moisture, and protects against external stress.

Antioxidant Serum (Morning): To help prevent collagen breakdown, Rouleau recommends using a highly effective antioxidant serum (search for vitamins E, A, and C) during the daytime—just make sure to follow with SPF. Skin Inc Supplement Bar Vitamin A Serum ($35) is one of our favorites.

Morning Moisturizer with SPF: The final step in your morning skin routine is to apply a nourishing moisturizer with SPF. Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 ($34) offers moisturizing elements that help your skin maintain hydrated while protecting it from UVA and UVB rays.

Retinol Serum (Night): Rouleau recommends using an over-the-counter retinol serum five nights a week in your skincare routine. “I prefer serums to creams because serums have smaller molecules and may permeate the skin better,” she explains. Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM ($65) and Chantecaille Retinol Intense+ ($140) are two of our favorite retinol serums for dry skin.

“Look for an eye serum with peptides,” Rouleau advises, “since they’re wonderful for enhancing collagen activity.” Youth to the People’s Superfood Peptide Eye Cream ($35) is a good option.

“Rose hip seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, phospholipids, cranberry oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil are some substances I recommend looking for in moisturizers,” Rouleau explains. “All of these components mirror your skin’s natural lipids and help to rebuild your skin’s moisture barrier.” For a hefty dose of hydration that doesn’t feel greasy, try Perricone MD Nourishing Moisturizer ($69) or Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Moisture Binding Cream ($75).

Rouleau, Renée Smoothing Peel with Triple Berries

“[Gentle] exfoliation works good for dry skin,” Rouleau explains. “If your skin is dry, that means you have an accumulation of dead skin cells—hydrating expired dried skin cells makes no sense.” She advises against using a facial scrub with sharp edges because dry skin has unseen “cracks.” Chemical exfoliants, she claims, do a better job of removing dead skin cells without harming your skin. Try the AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel ($60) or the Triple Berry Smoothing Peel ($86) from her collection.

Brightening Youth Serum by Mun Aknari
$110 SHOP Mun Aknari Brightening Youth Serum
If your skin is particularly dry, try a nourishing face oil like Shiva Rose Face Oil ($120) or Mun Brightening Youth Serum ($38), which are both 100 percent organic and packed with soothing natural oils.

Oily Skin’s Oily Skin’s Oily Skin’s Oily Skin’s Oil
Rouleau explains that “oily skin has more oil glands and a high sebum concentration.” “It’s genetic.” Because oily-skinned ladies produce their own oil, the idea is to keep your skin cells lightly moisturized to reduce oil production.” Ingredients that assist reduce excess oil production are included in the skincare routine for oily skin.

Your Selections

Morning/Night Cleansing Gel: “In the case of oily skin, oil breeds bacteria, and bacteria breeds breakouts,” Rouleau explains. “If feasible, wash your skin three times a day. The more oil there is, the more opportunities for flaws to form.” She recommends avoiding sulfates by using a sulfate-free gel or foam cleanser. “You want oil-cutting agents, but you don’t want to dry out your skin with too many detergents,” she explains. The Organic Pharmacy Peppermint, Tea Tree, and Eucalyptus Face Wash ($67) is one of our favorites.

Rouleau recommends using an alcohol-free toner with ingredients like sodium PCA (a humectant that holds water to your skin), geranium (an essential oil that cuts oil), and witch hazel in the morning and night (a natural astringent without the drying effects of alcohol).

Morning AHA/BHA Serum: Any serum-containing alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids can assist to minimize the appearance of big pores and brighten dull spots.

If you have acne-prone skin, salicylic acid and tea tree oil are good ingredients to check for. Ren Radiance Perfection Serum ($56) is a good option.

Morning/Night Oil-Free Moisturizer: If you think your skin’s oil production justifies skipping moisturizer, consider this: when your skin is dry, it may overcompensate by becoming oilier. With this in mind, look for a light, oil-free moisturizer that contains sodium PCA and glycerin, which are humectants that help your skin retain moisture. Intraceuticals Hydration Gel ($89) is our oily-skinned editor’s go-to product.

Morning Zinc Oxide Sunscreen: “Oily-skinned ladies are the least likely to apply sunscreen since they can’t locate one that’s compatible with their skin type,” explains Rouleau. “Look for zinc oxide sunscreens because they will give your skin a more matte finish.” It’s also a natural antibacterial, making it perfect for acne sufferers.” Rouleau’s Weightless Protection SPF 30 ($56) is a good option. If you can’t find a sunscreen that suits you, use a mineral-based powder like Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 ($65).

ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS Zinc is a trace mineral that is required for a variety of body processes, including immune system support, wound healing, and DNA/protein production and growth. It has been demonstrated to help wound healing and regeneration, as well as protect the skin by deflecting UV radiation when applied topically. 4 Night Retinol Serum: “Retinol is beneficial for oily skin since it reduces the appearance of pores with regular use,” Rouleau explains. Try RoC’s Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum ($25) or Verso’s Super Facial Serum ($130).

Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque by Kiehl’s
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque by Kiehl’s $38\sSHOP
Once a week, Rouleau suggests using a mild clay mask. “Be careful not to let your clay mask dry too much before rinsing it off,” she advises. “If your smile breaks into 10,000 pieces, you’ve waited too long and your skin has become too dry—this might really dehydrate your skin.”

Mara Face Oil (Universal)
$72 SHOP Mara Universal Face Oil
Face oil and oily skin may seem like an odd combination, but Rouleau thinks it’s an excellent product to keep on hand in extremely dry situations, such as airplanes. “I wouldn’t recommend using it as part of your everyday routine,” Rouleau adds. “Use one drop of oil over moisturizer every hour you’re travelling to prevent dryness and additional oil production.”

Skin Care Routine for Combination Skin
Ingredients that cure a wide range of skin issues are included in the skincare routine for mixed skin. Rouleau explains, “The premise of mixed skin is that you’re oily in certain spots and dry in others.” “You don’t have to employ two distinct routines; instead, choose one that is in the center of the road.”

Your Selections

Morning/Night Cleansing Gel: Begin with a cleansing gel such as Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel ($14). Switch to a cleansing lotion like OSEA Ocean Cleansing Milk ($54) if your skin becomes too dry.

Toner (morning/night): Thayer’s Witch Hazel Rose Petal Facial Toner ($9) is a simple balancing witch hazel toner.

AHA/BHA Serum (Morning): AHAs and BHAs brighten dull skin and minimize the appearance of pores.

To keep your face clear, search for substances like salicylic acid and tea-tree oil if you’re prone to acne. Like wine, Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum ($49) is fine.

Morning/Night Moisturizer: “Combination skin doesn’t require an oil-free moisturizer, but it does require a lightweight moisturizer,” Rouleau adds. For a silky texture and a dose of hyaluronic acid, try Fresh Peony Brightening Moisture Face Cream ($73).

Zinc Oxide Sunscreen (Morning): Zinc oxide sunscreens, like those for oily skin, are suitable for combination skin because of their matte feel. Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30 by Drunk Elephant ($34).

Retinol Serum (Night): A retinol serum is a good friend for all skin types, including combination skin. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5 percent in Squalane ($14) is a budget-friendly option that’s still effective. You’ll have nearly new skin when you wake up.

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