Skincare Tips for Blemish-Prone Skin

Blemish-prone skin is common—and not just among teens. Adults can face this complexion issue well past their high school years, sometimes with flare-ups and clearer stretches throughout the menstrual cycle.

The good news is that good skincare can make a big difference, and it doesn't need to be overly complicated or expensive. Read on for tips on building a practical, cycle-synced skin routine that supports healthier-looking skin through all four phases.

What Is Blemish-Prone Skin?

Blemish-prone skin is a skin type that tends to experience clogged pores, leading to blemishes. Spots may be somewhat constant, appear mostly in specific areas (like the chin, cheeks, or forehead), or show up at different stages of the menstrual cycle.¹

A blemish-prone complexion might be somewhat oily or have both dry skin and shiny-looking areas. It may look like a combination of clogged pores, red, inflamed spots, or post-blemish marks.

Besides hormonal changes during or around your period, blemishes might be caused by stress, skin sensitivities, excess oil production, or bad facial skincare habits (e.g., constantly touching your face with dirty hands).² Blemish-prone skin could be a sign that your skincare routine needs adjusting.

Build a Gentle Daily Routine for Blemish-Prone Skin

So, how do you get rid of blemishes? The best thing you can do for blemish-prone skin is create a gentle skincare routine that focuses on improving the look of your complexion and soothing the appearance of redness for calmer, more even-looking skin. This includes a simple routine in the morning and evening with effective blemished skin products.

Morning Skincare Routine

Here's a simple morning facial skincare routine for blemish-prone skin:

1. Cleanse. First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser to get rid of excess oil and germs.
2. Targeted daytime product. Next, apply a targeted product, like a brightening serum, soothing ampoule, or clarifying toner.³
3. Lightweight hydration. Then use a blemish-friendly, non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) moisturizer, like a lightweight cream or gel.
4. Sunscreen. Sunscreen is nonnegotiable for all skin types. But it's particularly important for blemish-prone complexions to keep them clear and calm.⁴

Evening Skincare Routine

Again, your routine doesn't need to be extensive or overly complicated. Here's a pared-down nighttime skincare routine for blemish-prone skin:

1. Double-cleanse. Double-cleansing (first with a cleansing balm, then with a water-based cleanser) is great for removing makeup, sunscreen, oil, and dirt that builds up throughout the day. No makeup? You can use just one face cleanser.
2. Targeted serum. After washing your face, apply a targeted serum. This could be something with retinol, spicules, azelaic acid, or a salicylic acid serum.
3. Moisturizer. Next, apply a lightweight moisturizer, like a hydrating gel or a nourishing skin barrier cream.⁵
4. Blemished skin products. If you'd like, use an overnight spot cover, spot gel, or a larger patch to treat a cluster of blemishes.

How to Introduce Targeted Products Without Overdoing It

Targeted products can be immensely helpful for blemish-prone skin. But you want to avoid overdoing it and let your skin acclimate to the active ingredients in these formulas.

A more intense product, like Rael's Microcrystal Activated Serums, should be applied just once or twice a week to start. Then, as your skin gets used to the formula, you can bump it up to three times a week.

Other products with ingredients that are ultimately gentle (such as salicylic acid or azelaic) can be used once a day or every other day at first, then applied up to twice a day. Exfoliators can be used a few times a week or possibly more often, depending on the type of product and how your skin responds.

Product layering can also help your skin look calmer and less reactive. This means following targeted treatments with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer to support a healthy skin barrier.⁶

Rael Product Picks for Blemish-Prone Skin

Rael's thoughtful line of skincare products is designed to support unpredictable complexions and satisfy skin's fluctuating needs.

Miracle Clear Microcrystal Activated PM Serum 2000 and 5000

Rael has two spicules skincare products to help skin look clearer over time, our Microcrystal 2000 and Microcrystal 5000 serums, with noticeable results.⁷

Microcrystal 2000 night serum has a lower concentration of spicules, making it a gentle product suitable for beginners and those with sensitive or blemish-prone complexions. If your skin responds well to the 2000 formula, you can try the more intensive Microcrystal 5000 serum.

Complementary Products to Pair With Serums

Since spicule serums are intended for use only three times a week at night, you'll want to build a skincare routine with daily-use products that complement these more intense formulas. This can include a gentle cleansing balm, water-based cleanser, clarifying toner, lightweight moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Ingredient Notes That Improve the Look of Skin Clarity

What types of skincare ingredients play well with blemish-prone skin and help improve the look of skin clarity? Gentle clarifying exfoliants, brightening botanicals, and soothing hydrators, along with oil-balancing and barrier-supporting ingredients.⁸

Everyone is different, but you may want to stick with lightweight products and avoid heavier formulations if you have a blemish-prone or oily complexion.⁹

Cycle-Aware Skincare for Blemish-Prone Skin

Your skin might look or feel different throughout the month with hormonal shifts across your menstrual cycle.¹⁰ That's why cycle-aware skincare can be incredible for blemish-prone skin.

This means making small tweaks to your daily product lineup to balance your skin's fluctuating moods. For instance, you might use an exfoliating cleanser or clarifying toner every day the week before your period, then only a few days a week the rest of the month. Or you might apply Microcrystal Serum all over your face some nights and just use it as a spot treatment on other days.

Finish Strong: Small Wins for Blemish-Prone Skin

A mindful approach to skincare is best for blemish-prone complexions. This means adopting a consistent routine with gentle products that support clear-looking skin. It's also listening to your skin, paying attention to its changing needs, and making adjustments as needed to create a personalized face routine for oily skin and blemish-prone skin that helps minimize breakouts and maintain balance.

Try one small change this week to make your skin happier, whether it's washing your face every night before bed or using a targeted treatment. Explore clean skincare products from Rael.

 

Sources:

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