Skin Pack – A routine for Combination/Oily/Acne-Prone skin.

So this is a new feature to SCforM in which i’ll suggest a basic routine or ‘pack’ of products for specific skin types. This is an excellent way to start with skincare and after that you can add and take things out as you see fit.

Remember, to get some ideas for new products to add to your routine just click on the label for your skin concern!

Today we’re talking combination and oily skin that’s prone to breaking out. This is skin that tends to look oily all over or on the tzone (nose, chin and forehead) and is likely to have clogged pores, blackheads and acne or pimples.

• Cetaphil Cleanser

This is a nice gentle cleaner that’ll clean your skin without stripping it of natural moisture, simple cleansers are great because acne treatment is often very drying and harsh on the skin.

• Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid

Beta Hydroxy Acids (or BHAs) are excellent when it comes to breakout prone skin – be it from acne, irritation or shaving. Soak a cotton pad in this solution and wipe over your face or simply splash a bit onto your hands and massage it straight in.

• Shiseido Sun Lotion

If you’re using treatments like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, you’re going to need some sun protection too. In addition to that, sunscreen is essential if you’re trying to fade past acne scars. This sunscreen from Shiseido is excellent because not only does it provide excellent protection, it has a lightweight texture and completely matte finish.

• DHC Cleansing Oil

Using an oil to cleanse your face may seem like a strange idea (especially if you already have oily skin) but this is actually one of the best ways to clean the oil and gunk out of your pores. Oil is better than water at dislodging all the excess sebum from your face and cleansing oils such as this one from DHC emulsify in water so that they rinse off easily without leaving an oily film. Simply apply this oil to dry skin, massage it over your face as you would a normal cleanser and then rinse off with water. Simple!

• Paula’s Choice 2% BHA

Use this twice a day.

• Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion

Oily skin needs moisture as much as dry skin does, the only difference is that it may need slightly less of it. If you deprive your skin of moisture it’ll compensate by producing a lot more oil on your face. Try this moisturiser from Murad which is lightweight, fragrance and oil free and actively works to keep your skin clear with the addition of Retinol.

• Menscience Spot Repair

This is from a fantastic new line i’ve been trying out and the products are excellent (full review coming soon). This spot treatment contains 10% benzoyl peroxide in a non-irritating formula. Simply apply this to individual pimples to heal them overnight.

• DDF Sulfur Masque

Used once a week, a masque containing sulphur, kaolin or bentonite will unclog your pores and dry out any active acne on your face.

• MenScience Microfine Face Scrub

Exfoliation is important because it encourages the appearance of new, unblemished skin. This is also a great pre-shave prep and scar fader. Used twice or 3 times daily, this will even out your skin and make it appear smoother. This particular one from MenScience is satifyingly grainy and also contains AHA (a chemical exfoliator) and BHA.

So that’s your basic skin pack for oily, combination and acne-prone skin! Once your skin is under control you may want add products to fade past acne scars, click here for some suggestions. Remember this is only a base routine, you’ll need to try and test products before you find the right ones for yourself!