Stan's (@worldofxtra) Top 10 Skincare Products for Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin

I've experienced skin problems since I was 12 years old, and I've tried numerous cleansersーname it, I've probably tried it! Throughout the years, I've realized that I have a very reactive and sensitive skin.

Most often, cleansing is the harshest step in a lot of people's skincare routine. It was difficult to find a good cleanser that was free of SLS and other harsh chemicals but still does an amazing job at removing dirt and makeup. 

However, this cleanser is exactly that. It is made from only natural ingredients, so it works wonders for my sensitive acne-prone skin. What's more is that, it is an all-one soap, so you you could use it on your body and your hair, too! 

Because I had oily skin, I thought toning was not necessary. However, I've realized that hydrating is different from moisturizing. Not applying a toner made my skin dehydrated, therefore making it more sensitive. 

My skin barrier was also very compromised, but after using this toner with clean and minimal ingredients, my skin was visibly better. I realized the importance of a toner as it helps every other following step to sink deeper into the skin. 

I usually apply this with my palm not more than 20 seconds after I got out of the shower. Because it is a hyaluronic acid toner, an ingredient that attracts water from the environment, it's good to apply it when the steam from your shower is still in the air.

I didn't realize how important retinoids are until I've actually tried them. Because I was on Accutane for 6 months, I thought it was impossible for me to get breakouts anymore. However, I've realized that maintenance is so much more important than I thought. 

Differin/Adapalene is a 3rd generation retinoidーthink of it as a gentler "topical version of Accutane,"ーwhich is effective to slough off dead skin cells and therefore accelerating your skin turnover rate. 

This product was a game-changer for me, especially recently because we've all been wearing masks, and our skin usually gets congested under them. Just make sure not to use any other active ingredients with this product. 

Although it is more for the long-term, it is very effective based on my experience. It is also very important to do your research before applying this product as it has a correct way!

This is my favorite daily moisturizer of all time. Using a strong, active ingredient such as adapalene,　moisturizing your skin is very important. This product contains ceramides and hyaluronic acids to moisturize, hydrate, and repair your skin.

I personally like how the skin easily absorbs this moisturizer. It also doesn't leave the skin feeling sticky, which is actually hard to find for a good moisturizer. I even currently use this as my makeup base, and it makes the foundation look really good. With how big one tub of this is, it also lasts more than a few months.

If you prefer a lighter moisturizer that has the benefits of the aforementioned one, CeraVe actually sells a different formulation of it. It is almost exactly the same, but instead of a cream, it's a lighter lotion consistency. 

Because I currently live in Japan, where there are four seasons, I like using this in the warmer summer months when my skin tends to get oilier and sweatier. If you don't like heavy creams but still want the ceramides and hyaluronic acids, this moisturizer is definitely a go-to!

This is my favorite skincare product of all time. If I'm being honest, I do not know exactly which step this would fit intoーis it a serum? A moisturizer, maybe? I'm not sure. Their website doesn't explicitly say it either. In fact, they say you can use it however you want.

I personally like to apply this as my last step because it contains very enriching oils. For a lot of oily acne-prone people, slattering oil onto the face is unthinkable and is very scary. However, this product is formulated in a way, so the oils do not clog the pores. The tamanu oil targets acne marks as well. 

This product, in general, repairs the skin barrier, as the name suggests. People with acne think using strong, active ingredients is the way to go when it comes to dealing with breakouts, but it wasn't until I used this that I realized nourishing the skin targets breakouts so much better.

This is the only sheet mask I will ever recommend! Throughout the years, I've used numerous sheet masks but it always felt like a fad. There wasn't necessarily any difference between the days I did and didn't use a sheet mask. However, this sheet mask changed all of that. 

I always like to use this mask after applying my toner after a nice hot bath once a week. Almost right after using the mask and the next morning, my face looks brighter and much more alive. Definitely my favorite mask of all time.

I was hesitant to purchase this product at first because it was very pricy, but I'm really glad I did. It was recommended to me by a long-time friend who had a similar skin type to me. 

With prolonged use, this emulsion visibly minimized the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation thanks to the tranexamic acid as part of its ingredients list. Although effective, this has never broken me out, and I've tried almost every product in their line. 

If I'm being honest, this is the only product you need in their d-Program Acne Series.

This is my favorite sunscreen of all time. I was never a sunscreen person, and I was always using umbrellas and sun hats instead. I always hated wearing sunscreens because they were always so sticky, and they always broke me out. It was until I tried this sunscreen that I realized just how beneficial it is to wear one. 

This sunscreen has a very watery texture. Once applied to the skin, it leaves a very smooth, almost powdery, texture. The only downside to this is it leaves a white cast, which I actually don't mind since I wear makeup with it anyway. It is formulated for sensitive skin that they even advertise it for babies. Right now, it is almost unthinkable for me to use any other sunscreen.

This product is a no-brainer. Sometimes, I also struggle with those huge white pustules that are on the verge of exploding. Even then, I never ever pop my pimples, and you should never either. Instead, I put on this hydrocolloid patch right before bed, and the zit almost magically disappears. 

This product absorbs pus from breakouts and product breakouts from getting picked on accidentally throughout your sleep. You can also wear it throughout the day, if you don't mind. 

I would recommend avoiding applying any sort of moisturizing product on your breakout if your planning on putting on this pimple patch. Otherwise, it won't stick properly, and it wouldn't be as effective.