Nighttime Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin: Keep Your Skin Barrier Healthy and Hydrated

Hello, skincare lovers! 🌙 If you're struggling with acne-prone skin, finding a routine that works can be a challenge. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve perfected my nighttime skincare routine that keeps my skin barrier healthy and gives it the moisture it needs. Today, I’m excited to share my routine with you—plus, I’ll be using affiliate links to Amazon in case you want to try these products for yourself!

Let’s get into it! 💆‍♀️✨

Step 1: Bioderma Micellar Water

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The first step in my nighttime routine is always cleansing, but I’ve had some issues in the past with oil cleansers. I’ve tried a few, but they tend to break me out, which is the last thing I want for my acne-prone skin. Instead, I’ve found that micellar water works best for me—especially Bioderma Micellar Water.

Why do I love it? Because it’s gentle, effective, and perfect for sensitive skin. Bioderma is known for its skin-friendly ingredients, and this micellar water effortlessly removes makeup and impurities without stripping my skin. I just apply it to a cotton pad and gently wipe it across my face. No irritation, no breakout.

Step 2: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

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After using micellar water, I follow up with a CeraVe cleanser to make sure all traces of dirt, oil, and makeup are gone. For acne-prone skin, it’s so important to use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t dry out your skin, as that can disrupt your skin barrier.

I use a hydrating cleanser that cleans without leaving my skin feeling tight or stripped. It’s a gentle formula that helps balance the skin’s moisture levels—essential for keeping acne under control.

Step 3: Skin1004 Serum (Hyalu-Cica First Ampoule)

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Once my skin is nice and clean, I move on to the Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica First Ampoule. This serum is perfect for acne-prone skin because it’s packed with hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated and Cica (Centella Asiatica), which helps soothe and heal inflammation.

I’ve been loving this serum lately because it deeply hydrates while helping to calm any redness or irritation. It’s a must in my routine because it helps me focus on keeping my skin barrier healthy and reduces the appearance of breakouts.

Step 4: Dr. Althea 147 Cream

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Next, I apply Dr. Althea 147 Cream, a great moisturizer that helps to lock in all the hydration from my previous steps. It’s rich but not heavy, making it perfect for acne-prone skin that still needs moisture. This cream helps to restore the skin’s natural moisture balance while providing that extra hydration boost.

It’s also packed with ingredients that promote skin health, so it’s a great option to keep my skin looking fresh and dewy without breaking me out.

Step 5: Acne Treatment with Azelaic Acid 20% (Derma Forte or Skinoren)

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The final step in my nighttime routine is my acne treatment. I use Azelaic Acid to target any active breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. After applying the moisturizer, I wait about 15 minutes to let the cream absorb fully into my skin. 

Why Azelaic Acid? It helps reduce active breakouts, fades dark spots, and improves skin texture. Azelaic acid is gentle yet effective, and it works wonders for my acne-prone skin. I apply a thin layer of it to areas where I have breakouts or pigmentation, and I let it absorb overnight. By morning, my skin feels much calmer and more balanced.

Why I Focus on My Skin Barrier & Moisture:

The key to clear skin is not just focusing on acne treatments—it’s about creating a healthy skin barrier. When your skin’s protective barrier is compromised, it can lead to more irritation, more breakouts, and a host of other problems. That’s why I focus on hydrating and protecting my skin, not just treating acne.

By using products that moisturize, soothe, and heal, I’m making sure my skin is strong and healthy enough to fight off acne and other skin issues. Hydration is key to keeping the skin barrier intact!

Final Thoughts:

That’s my nighttime skincare routine for acne-prone skin! I focus on gentle, hydrating products that help my skin stay balanced while also targeting acne and keeping my skin barrier healthy. I hope this routine helps you too if you’re struggling with acne or sensitive skin. If you’re interested in any of the products I mentioned, be sure to check out the affiliate links to Amazon!

Let me know what products you love for acne-prone skin, and feel free to ask any questions in the comments below!