Skincare Routine for Acne, Oiliness, and Dullness: Cleanser & BHA Toner

Question

Based on experiencing breakouts from a previous formula, I have acne-prone, oily, and dull skin. I would like a recommendation for a skincare routine to address these concerns. I have formulated a gentle facial cleanser with the following ingredients and percentages and would like to know if it is suitable and how to incorporate BHA and other oil control ingredients like MSM into the routine: Coco-Betaine 10% Propylene Glycol 15% Lauryl Glucoside 5% Glycerin 15% Water 52% Lactic Acid (for pH adjustment)

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone, Oily, and Dull Skin

Based on your experience, the previous formula you tried likely caused an allergic reaction, leading to the breakouts. It is important to stop using that formula immediately.

To help your skin recover and address the acne, oiliness, and dullness, the recommended approach is to simplify your routine and focus on gentle cleansing and targeted treatment.

Recommended Routine

Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild facial cleanser. Your proposed formula is suitable:
- Coco-Betaine 10%
- Propylene Glycol 15%
- Lauryl Glucoside 5%
- Glycerin 15%
- Water 52%
- Lactic Acid (for pH adjustment)
This formula uses gentle surfactants like Coco-Betaine and Lauryl Glucoside, combined with humectants like Propylene Glycol and Glycerin, which is appropriate for sensitive, acne-prone skin. As discussed, you do not need to add BHA to this cleanser since you will be using a separate BHA toner.
Targeted Treatment (Nighttime): Use a BHA Toner containing Salicylic Acid. A concentration of 2% Salicylic Acid from 6.6% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid is recommended. Apply this toner generously to your face every night after cleansing. BHA helps to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, reduce oiliness, and improve acne. It is best used at night as it can increase skin sensitivity to the sun.
Oil Control (Optional): If you need additional oil control after the BHA toner, you can consider using a product containing MSM at a concentration of up to 5%.