Okay, so let's talk acne. Ugh, seriously. It's the absolute worst, and I know I'm not the only one who feels that way! Especially now that the weather's changing as we're heading into autumn. In my experience, my skin just freaks out. One minute it's humid, the next it's chilly, and my poor pores just don't know what to do. I've really honed in on my routine over the years, and I wanted to share what's actually working for me right now. This is my 2025, acne-prone skin saviour!
The Cleansing Crusade
First things first: cleansing. Look, here's the thing: you absolutely can't skip this step, especially if you wear makeup (guilty!). I used to think any old face wash would do, but I quickly realised that with acne-prone skin, it's gotta be something gentle but effective.
* Morning Cleanse: I'm obsessed with the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel (£15 from Boots). It’s so gentle and doesn’t strip my skin. Plus, it leaves it feeling really clean. I tried the CeraVe one for a while, which everyone raves about. But it just didn't quite cut it for me. My skin still felt a bit congested.
Evening Cleanse (Double Cleansing, Baby!): This is non-negotiable! First, I use a cleansing balm to remove my makeup and sunscreen. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (£46 from Look Fantastic) is a splurge, I know. But it melts everything* away! Plus, it smells divine. Then, I follow up with the La Roche-Posay cleanser again to get rid of any lingering residue. I promise, double cleansing makes a massive difference. I used to think it was a load of fuss, but trust me on this one.
Toner Time: Balancing Act
Toners used to scare me. I thought they were all harsh and drying. But a good toner can actually be super beneficial for acne-prone skin.
* Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (£34 from Cult Beauty): This stuff is magic. I apply it with a cotton pad after cleansing in the evening, and it really helps to unclog my pores and prevent breakouts. It's a chemical exfoliant, so it's a lot gentler than scrubbing your face raw with a physical exfoliant. I wasted money on this and didn't know how to use it at first! Be careful not to overdo it though. I only use it 2-3 times a week, otherwise, my skin gets a bit irritated. I learned that the hard way!
Serums: Potent Powerhouses
Serums are where you can really target specific skin concerns. For acne, these are my go-tos:
* Vitamin C Serum (Morning): I use the Boots Vitamin C serum (£10). It helps brighten my skin and fade any dark spots left behind by old blemishes. It's also a great antioxidant, which protects my skin from environmental damage.
* Niacinamide Serum (Evening): The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (£6 from Boots) is a total must have. Niacinamide helps to regulate oil production and minimise pores. It also reduces redness and inflammation. I use this after my BHA exfoliant.
Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!
Even if you have oily skin, you still need to moisturise! Dehydrated skin will actually produce more oil to compensate, which can lead to more breakouts.
* Lightweight Moisturiser: I love the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (£14 from Boots). It's super lightweight and absorbs quickly, so it doesn't feel greasy at all. Plus, it contains hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
Sunscreen: Rain or Shine!
This is another non-negotiable step, even in the UK where we barely see the sun! Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, which can worsen acne and cause premature ageing.
* Oil-Free Sunscreen: I use the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ (£20 from Boots). It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores), and feels weightless on the skin.
Spot Treatments: Emergency Blemish Busters
For those pesky spots that pop up out of nowhere, I rely on spot treatments.
* Mario Badescu Drying Lotion (£17 from Urban Outfitters): This stuff is legendary! It contains salicylic acid and calamine lotion, which help to dry out blemishes overnight. Just dab a little on the affected area before bed, and you'll wake up with a noticeably smaller spot. Be warned, it smells a bit like sulphur!
Masking Magic
Face masks are a great way to give your skin an extra boost.
* Clay Mask: I use a clay mask once a week to draw out impurities and unclog my pores. The Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask (£27 from Boots) is a favourite.
* Hydrating Mask: If my skin is feeling dry or irritated, I'll use a hydrating mask to replenish moisture. The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque (£32 from Boots) is amazing.
Extra Tips for Acne-Prone Skin
* Don't pick! I know it's tempting, but picking at your spots will only make them worse and can lead to scarring. I still struggle with this, I won't lie!
* Change your pillowcase regularly: This helps to prevent bacteria from building up on your skin. I try to change mine every 2-3 days.
* Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for healthy skin.
Manage stress: Stress can trigger breakouts, so find healthy ways to manage your stress levels. Maybe give cycle syncing a try? I wrote about my experiences with it in Cycle Syncing My Way to Better Moods & Energy! and Cycle Syncing Changed My Life (Seriously!). It's all about working with* your body.
* Be patient: It takes time to see results with any skincare routine, so don't get discouraged if you don't see improvements overnight. Stick with it, and you'll eventually start to see a difference.
So there you have it – my ultimate skincare routine for acne-prone skin this autumn! I really hope this helps you on your journey to clearer, happier skin. Remember, everyone's skin is different, so what works for me might not work for you. But hopefully, this gives you a good starting point. Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions! I'm always here to chat skincare!
Oh, and a final note: what works during the autumn transition might need tweaking as we head into the cold British winter! Keep an eye out for my winter skincare routine coming soon! I find I need to add even MORE moisture then. British weather, eh?