Simple Skincare Routine That Helped My Hormonal Breakouts—No Expensive Products Needed
Hormonal acne hit me like a truck—painful breakouts around my chin and jawline that wouldn’t budge.
But after A LOT of trial and error, this simple routine helped me get it under control:
☀︎ Morning Routine : ☀︎
Gentle Cleanser (like Vanicream) – Keeps things simple and soothing. My tried and true is La Roche-Posay Toleraine Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Niacinamide Serum – Helps reduce inflammation and oiliness. I’ve been loving The Ordinary’s 10% Niacinamide Serum.
Moisturizer (Neutrogena Hydro Boost) – Lightweight, hydrating, and layers perfectly.
There is a MAJOR difference between Neutrogena’s gel, cream and the “Gel-Cream” I don’t know what they are putting in this stuff but girl I will never give it up.
Sunscreen – Never skip this step, especially when using actives!
It is SO hard to find a sunscreen that doesn’t make me look like moaning myrtle, doesn’t set my eyes on fire AND looks good under makeup. BUT! I think I’ve finally found 2 that check all my boxes. My favorites right now are EltaMD UV Clear Face and La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen
⏾ Evening Routine: ⏾⋆.˚
Double Cleanse – Oil cleanser + gentle face wash to melt away the day. You already know La Roche Posay is THAT girl and of course had to come out with an oil cleanser for use sensitive skin girlies. 💅🏻
2% Salicylic Acid Toner (every other night) – Keeps my pores clear and breakouts at bay. A little bit of this goes A LONG WAY, just a drop or two to spread evenly over your whole face. It pays to be cautious and not over exfoliate your skin, my pores have never been smaller and this little bottle is going to last me into my 40s.
Retinol or Bakuchiol (2-3x a week) – Tackles acne and texture, but I always buffer it with moisturizer so I don’t irritate my skin. If your skin is really sensitive like mine Bakuchiol might be a better option for you, its a plant-based alternative to retinol and is a lot less irritating. I’ve been obsessed with Herbivores Bakuchiol + Peptides Serum
+ You don’t have to deal with the “purging” that comes with most Retinols.
Moisturizer – Lock in all that goodness and soothe any dryness. At night I love to go with something a little thicker that’s really going to keep my skin hydrated throughout the night. La Roche Posay’s Double Repair Face Moisturizer has been my go-to and on nights I need a little extra moisture or have an event/ something special happening the next day just really want to wake up glowing I’ll add some Cicaplast Balm on top.
Weekly Extras:
Clay Mask – Detoxes pores and reduces oil production.
Ice Facial – Helps calm any of my flare-ups.
I also started tracking my cycle using a cute little app, and it helped me prepare for the breakout zones (PMS week, I’m looking at you). This routine is budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and totally doable.
You don’t need fancy products to take care of your skin—you just need the right ones for you 💖
