My Skincare Go-Tos for Acne-Prone Skin

In February 2024, I began my journey toward healing my acne myself. I tested tens of products: some resulting in flare-ups, some doing nothing at all, and some ending up being my holy grails. Today, I want to talk about the items that truly changed my life. It took me about a year to fully clear my skin, and while I still get the occasional hormonal bump here and there, this routine has my back against any hiccup. 

For reference, prior to reading, I have hormonal, dry-to-combination, acne-prone skin. 

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil 

Before I used this cleansing oil, I used Neutrogena, and while that cleansing oil did work well, this one was suggested by Nina Poole and is a lot bigger than the bottle from Neutrogena. I also used the Skin1004 cleansing oil, but this one is easier to find and is more affordable. 

With all that said, this product altered the way I see cleansing oils. It is thick, incorporates vitamin E, and leaves my skin glowing. If I weren’t so acne-prone, I believe I could use only this to wash my face, and it would be enough. It also works incredibly well for taking off makeup, sunscreen, and sweat. I wash my face for around a minute using this oil, and I can feel the smaller buildup under my skin being washed away. 

Note: This product is not cruelty-free. 

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide 

This face wash is the one that saved my skin truly. I do not know where I would be without Panoxyl. I used to have what most would consider severe acne, and while I went to a dermatologist for many years, it wasn’t until I took my skincare into my own hands that I saw long-term results. Those results primarily stem from my use of Panoxyl face wash. 

I wash my face with this for around one to two minutes in the morning and at night as a second wash after my cleansing oil. It really does get rid of acne and prevent future flare-ups. One thing to note about this face wash is that it will “bleach” your clothes and towels, so either use it in the shower, or make sure that all of it is washed off before dabbing your face dry. I have very sensitive skin, and the 10% benzoyl peroxide version works for me, but if your skin is even more sensitive than mine, I recommend starting with their 4% version and testing what your skin can handle. If there is one product I recommend on this list, it is this one. 

Heritage Store Rosewater Toner 

I started using this toner about three months ago, and I love it. Sometimes I will use it in the morning to wake my skin up, even before I have washed my face. It has an incredibly refreshing feel and is so gentle that it can be used anytime throughout the day. I use it after workouts or whenever I realize I have been touching my face, as well as after washing my face, both in the morning and evening. Since I am not a long-term user, I can’t speak to it in that sense, but I can say that I will be sticking with it due to its natural and clean feel while being affordable and cruelty-free. 

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 

When I made the choice to go off tretinoin, I didn’t make it lightly. I knew that there would be repercussions, and my skin probably would not instantly agree with my decision. When I wanted to reincorporate retinol into my skincare routine, I was fearful because I thought I would have to go through the purging process again. I was also scared of the possibility of my retinol clashing with my Panoxyl face wash and causing extra irritation and acne. 

Ultimately, it took my skin around a week to get used to, but after that, it was smooth sailing. I have no complaints about how the product works, as it doesn’t hurt my sensitive skin, and I believe it is effective at fighting off any new texture and pimples. While I do think I could use a slightly stronger retinol to aid in my battle with acne, I’ve been more than satisfied with this serum, and I’ve been using it for well over half a year. It is also easy to purchase as it can be found at drugstores and convenience stores, and while the bottle may look small, if only one pump is used a night, it lasts for a very long time. 

Note: This product is not cruelty-free. 

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream for Dry, Sensitive Skin 

I had never heard of Vanicream before logging onto TikTok and searching for sensitive skin moisturizers while on a quest to clear my acne myself. Somehow, it was never recommended to me by my dermatologist, but it is the best moisturizer I have used for sensitive skin by far. I also get very dry in the winter, and this is the only moisturizer that I have found that keeps my skin from flaking to bits. 

Because this cream is so thick, I don’t use a lot of it, resulting in the bottle lasting for an incredibly long time. I’ve been using this for almost a year, and I am on my second bottle. I was using the CeraVe lotion before this, and I see such a difference in texture, moisturization, and how soothed my skin is after the switch. My mom even uses this for a body cream, so if you like to use an unscented lotion, it can work for that as well. 

Note: This product is not cruelty-free. 

Heritage Store Rosewater Refreshing Facial Mist 

This is an item that I would say is not completely necessary, but is a great addition. I started using this facial mist in January, and I love the feeling it gives me throughout the day. Similar to the toner, it leaves me very refreshed, and my skin feels a lot more moisturized after use. I use this in the morning to wake myself and my skin up, and whenever I start to get slumped throughout the day, I spray it again to give myself a bit more energy. 

Also, the same as the toner, is the length of time I’ve been using this. Since I haven’t been using it for a very long time, I can’t speak on its long-term effects and if it will keep my skin more supple over multiple years. Though what I can say is that my skin has become a lot more hydrated over the last six months. For the price and how accessible it is, I will be keeping this in my skincare routine in the long run as it adds a cute, fun, and healthy addition to my routine.

Panoxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches 

These are very optional, but as I stated before, I still do get the occasional pimple here and there. I’ve never tried any other patches, and now, I don’t plan on it. When I saw Panoxyl made spot patches, I was already in love with their face wash, so I stuck with the brand, and I can bet money on these being the best spot patches on the market. 

In each box are 40 patches, and they include two different sizes. I use these before going to bed to avoid irritating my skin even more when I’m rolling around in my sleep. Then I wake up, and the patch has worked its magic. It is as simple as that. I was blown away when I first started using these and still occasionally am. I would recommend taking a cloth and wiping off any product wherever you are going to place the patch, so your skin is dry and nothing is preventing the patch from sticking. Another great aspect of this item is the fact that they are clear, so after a couple of minutes pass, it is fully attached to your skin and isn’t distracting while people are looking at your face (like a star). Sometimes, they become so transparent, it’s hard to find them in the morning. If you are looking for spot patches to add to your routine, I highly recommend Panoxyl. 

Interested in more skincare reviews and recommendations? Check out My June 2025 Beauty and Health Empties and Reviews here!

Author’s note: Although these are my current products, I do plan on switching to a full cruelty-free routine before the end of 2025. It will be hard to part with some of these products, but they’ve made their decision, and now it is time for me to make mine!