If you deal with adult acne or have been dealing with acne most of your life, you already know how much of a pain it is. Trying out product after product. Some products help your breakouts. Some products work for a month or so, then your acne comes right back. Others made it worse. Well, I’ve been using these products in this post for months now, and I can truly say my face loves them all. I have sensitive skin and adult acne. My face is mostly oily especially in my T zone, but during the winter, my face is dryer. 

It’s currently early/mid November as I write this, so it’s not too cold yet. But as winter approaches, I’ll likely add a thicker moisturizer to this routine. I am currently testing some out and still trying to figure out what my face likes. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss my updated winter skincare routine. 

As always for your shopping convenience, all products listed include the price, stores you can find it at, and links. You may be able to find these products at other retailers as well that I did not list. 

Step 1: Cleanse

Red Rose Naturals Authentic African Black Soap Bar ($6) 

Online only (Black-owned Business!) 

I honestly can’t believe I went so long with my acne struggles before I finally tried out authentic African Black Soap! I bought it back in June and have been using it ever since. It’s known to work great for dark spots, discoloration, blemish-prone, acne-prone, and oily skin. This bar is very affordable and includes natural ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, plantain skin ashes, and cocoa pod ashes. It was imported from Ghana , so it truly is authentic. 

Out of all the products on this list, this bar is truly my saving grace for my acne and why I think my face has been clear lately. It is potent, so I only use it about three times a week at night only. It also lasts an incredible long time, which is another bonus for my pockets! 

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser ($6.39) 

Target, Walmart, Kroger, online, etc. 

Believe it or not, I actually bought this for my acne. When I was a teenager and went to a doctor for my acne, they recommended Cetaphil because it’s great for sensitive skin and normal to oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, I definitely think it’ll work great for you. Now for acne, this alone will not keep your face clear. It didn’t when I tried it years ago as a teen, nor did it recently as an adult with acne. But it is a great daily gentle cleanser, which is exactly what I need when using a potent African Black Soap. You will get a good clean without your face feeling super dry after using this cleanser. 

Tone? 

So, I actually don’t currently use a toner. A toner is a liquid that removes makeup, dirt, and oil after cleansing. Truth is, you don’t have to have one. With this lowkey quarantine life I’ve been living for months, I’m not wearing too much makeup and I’m not going to the gym. I honestly haven’t found one that my face loves yet. Once I do, I’ll likely add it to my routine. 

Step 2: Eye cream

Clinique All About Eyes ($34)

Dillard’s and online

This product has lasted me a long time as well, but is almost gone now! It’s a lightweight creamy gel that leaves my undereyes nice and moisturized. Good for all skin types. I use it once a day. It’s known to help with puffiness and under eye circles. 

Step 3: Moisturizer

Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream ($48)

Sephora and online

Y’all, this moisturizer is a dream for acne-prone skin!!! It is hydrating while also being lightweight and moisturizing. It’s perfect for those with combination and oily skin. Definitely helps with redness and soothes irritated skin. If you use acne products, your skin can become dry and irritated from the potent ingredients. This moisturizer will help with that. Perfect for summer and hot days as well. I highly recommend this gel cream! 

Now that it’s cooling down, I may try the Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream, which should be a bit thicker than the gel cream and even more moisturizing for those extra cold days. It’s intended for normal and dry skin types. 

Step 4: Spot Treatment 

Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum ($80)

Sephora and online 

If you struggle with acne, you likely have acne scars. I definitely do around my hairline and forehead, which is where I normally break out. This lightweight serum is good for all skin types and will help with dark marks, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Using this serum in combination with the African Black Soap and Sun Fluid (see below), I believe this combo has made a difference for me! I have noticed my dark marks lighten over these last months. It also helps that my face is staying clear, so I don’t have hardly any new acne scars as well. 

Step 5: Sunscreen 

Dr.Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid ($39)

Sephora and online 

I love this sunscreen because it doesn’t feel or smell like a regular sunscreen. It feels like a normal moisturizer. There’s also no white cast! Tell me a better sunscreen like that that’s also SPF 50! I’ll wait. Did I mention that I love the glow it gives me. If you prefer a matte finish, I suggest their Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen. If you’re struggling with acne and have acne scars, it’s even more important to wear sunscreen every day so your dark marks won’t get darker. 

Wishing you some clear skin!

Margaret Woods