Okay, let’s talk acne AND be honest about it. If you’ve ever found yourself 14videos deep into “how to fix your acne” TikTok’s, scanning ingredients like a full time job, or double cleansing with six different products just to feel something… you’re not alone. But what if I told you that sometimes doing less is actually the answer?
Yep, I know it sounds counterintuitive. Acne feels like the kind of thing that you need to throw everything at. But in reality, going overboard can do more harm than good. Let’s break this down without all the sciency buzz words and I’ll walk you through why skin minimalism might be the real glow up you need.
1. Your Skin Barrier = The Bouncer at the Club
Think of your skin barrier like a really good security guard. It’s there to keep the good stuff (hydration, nutrients) in and the bad stuff (irritants, bacteria, pollution) out.
But if you’re hitting your barrier with harsh scrubs, too many actives and acids in a 15 step routine every night, that poor barrier of yours is waving a white flag. And once it’s compromised, everything starts to go downhill. Breakouts, redness, dryness, stinging… any of that sound familiar?
Your Move?
Back it up. Choose products that support your barrier. Look for things like:
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is calming and barrier strengthening
• Glycerin pulls hydration into the skin like a magnet
• Ceramides help patch up the skin barrier like a pro
(Ceramides are fatty molecules that make up over 50% of your skin barrier. They are the glue that holds your skin together and keep moisture in and irritants out. Some examples of ceramide ingredients are: Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Hyaluronate and Macadamia Seed Oil)
Sometimes, less noise = more clarity. And that applies to your skin too.
2. Stripping Your Skin = Sending It Into Panic Mode
You know that tight, squeaky clean feeling after washing your face? Yeh… that’s not a win. That’s your skin crying out for help.
When you strip away your skins natural oils (and yes this happens way more than you think and also why we aren’t lovers of skin toner), your skin goes into survival mode. It produces more oil to compensate, which can lead to clogged pores, greasiness and you guessed it… more breakouts!
Instead, try a cleanser that:
• Doesn’t foam up like a car wash
• Leaves your skin feeling clean and soft, not tight
• Has hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, sunflower oil, cocamidopopyl (a gentle coconut derives ingredient)
Your face is not a frying pan! It doesn’t need to be squeaky. Just clean and calm.
3. Too Many Actives = Skin Chaos
Just because an ingredient is good, it doesn’t mean your skin wants all of them at once.
Retinols, AHAs (water soluble acids that exfoliate to brighten and smooth) , BHAs (Oil soluble acids that penetrate deeper to clear pores of excess oils and dead skin), Vitamin C, Azelaic Acid… they all have a purpose. But layering them up like it’s some kind of ingredient buffet is how you will end up with confused, red, flaky skin.
Real Talk: Acne prone skin is usually sensitive skin. It doesn’t need 5 strong actives fighting for attention on the face. It needs calm and consistent support.
A better approach:
Pick 1 – 2 heroes. If breakouts are your main thing, try azelaic acid or niacinamide. For texture post-acne marks, introduce a gently retinol slowly. Not all at once. Not every night. Let your skin breath and allow the skincare ingredients to do their job.
4. Skin Has a Rhythm (And Yours Might Just Need a Beat to Catch Up)
Our skin is constantly regenerating (that means shedding dead skin cells and creating new ones) every 4 – 6 weeks. So if you’re changing your routine every time a new trend hits? You are interrupting that whole process and not allowing your products the time to do their thing. And when your skin doesn’t get time to adjust, you don’t get results. You just get irritated skin and possibly more breakouts.
Why consistency always wins:
• Retinol and azelaic acid can take 6 – 12 weeks to show real results
• Constantly swapping products will always equal constantly confused skin
• Sticking to a routine lets your skin heal instead of reacting
Skin isn’t a quick fix situation. It’s more like a long term relationship. You’ve gotta stick around, communicate and give it time to blossom and flourish.
5. Rest Days Are a Thing
Ever had a day where you just couldn’t be bothered? Good. Your skin probably feels the same way sometimes.
Enter Skin Fasting
This doesn’t mean ditching skincare all together. It just means having a 1 or 2 nights a week where you go back to the basics: cleanser, moisturiser, bed. That’s it.
It gives your skin space to breathe, reset and do its own thing without a million products shouting over each other.
The Real Routine That Works For Acne Prone Skin (And Yes It’s Surprisingly Simple)
1. Gentle Cleanser. Nothing harsh, nothing stripping
2. One Treatment Serum. Think azelaic acid with niacinamide
3. Barrier Loving Moisturiser. Hydrating, calming and non-comedogenic
4. SPF 30+. Every. Single. Day. Please we’re actually begging lol
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need More, You Need Smarter
The skincare industry is loud and will always try to sell you the “next big thing”. But the truth is, most skin doesn’t need more products, it just needs better ones. The right ones. It needs routine that makes sense. Ingredients that are proven and people like you who are willing to slow down and give it the support it’s asking for.
So, if you’re feeling over overwhelmed, burnt out, or like your skin just won’t chill out… maybe it’s time to do less. Seriously. Try it. Your skin will absolutely thank you.
XO Souraya
& your glow crew ✨
