Use a Chemical Exfoliant

Exfoliate at least 1-3 times a week to ensure the removal of leftover residue on your skin’s surface and in your skin’s pores. A great option is the AHA 30% + BHA 2% peeling solution. For this product, it’s best to have an acid neutralizer on hand since you don’t know how your skin will react.

Do not put other serums on before or after the application of this solution. If you have more sensitive skin, start slow. Patch test it first instead of putting a thick layer on your face. With this product, it’s important to start off with clean skin and to make sure that you avoid anything with microbeads or small granular particles beforehand when cleansing. Do not put it under your eyes or on your eyelids, and apply this treatment to dry skin.

You can put vaseline around your eyes to protect them. Keep the solution on for 10 minutes. It’s not supposed to sting. If it’s stinging, it’s too much for your skin, or perhaps you haven’t built a tolerance. After 10 minutes, wash it off. Then, go in with a moisturizer that’s just a hydrator. Avoid ones that have active ingredients for treating acne. Now, you’re finished exfoliating, and you’ve just revealed a new layer of skin. Although your skin feels nice and smooth, the sun can cause more damage to it now. So next, use a physical sunscreen. They are known to cause less irritation.

You can use this peeling solution on your chest, your back, and all over your body. This product is the highest percent of AHA and BHA that you can get over the counter. It’s an exfoliating acid that helps with acne, scars, and hyperpigmentation depending on your skin type.

Use A Brush instead of a Blender

E.l.f cruelty-free Set of Three Makeup Brushes - $12.00

For acne, brushes are better for makeup application because they’re easier to wash and dry. Even if blenders dry well, there can be leftover mildew and bacteria.

Additionally, using your brush to apply a CC cream with SPF as a foundation is helpful. CC creams are lighter than liquid foundation but can still give a matte, full-coverage finish. CC creams are also hydrating, and those with SPF provides protection from the sun’s irritation. You can also use a tinted, physical sunscreen meant for acne-prone skin as a foundation. Physical sunscreens, especially those tailored to acne-prone skin, tend to be less irritating than those that are chemical. (Check outour article on sunscreen options for acne-prone skin.) Most of all, they provide a barrier that’s prevents irritation between your skin and your makeup.

COOLA Mineral Suncare Unscented Matte Tint Face Sunscreen SPF 30 -$36

Avoid Talc in Setting Powder

Many makeup lovers love the matte, full-coverage look, but for those of us with oily skin. We know that something too matte will become too oily. Jackie Aina suggests inher video - if you tend to get a lot of separation on your nose, you can apply translucent powder in the T zone. When you use powder before foundation, you’re able to give the skin a matte finish. The powder helps soak up excess oil, and it enables a long-lasting effect.

However, many of these powders have talc, a comedogenic ingredient. Talc clogs pores, causes irritation, and creates acne. The granules get lodged in pores and block the flow of oil. The backup becomes inflamed and infected, and that’s when pimples start happening.

Set for Life Vegan, Cruelty, and Talc Free Loose Face Setting Powder -$18