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Beginner Skincare Routine for PCOS Hormonal Acne
15
items I have PCOS and combination, acne-prone skin. This beginner routine focuses on barrier support and keeping things simple. Just five steps.
Sections
5
Cleanser
Toner
Repair
Moisturiser
Sunscreen
Cleanser
Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser. Hormonal acne needs balance and barrier support.
I’ve often carried this while travelling. My face feels less oily after a long day without being stripped of moisture.
Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser - Sephora
Budget lifesaver, especially if you’re a student. This was my go-to throughout college!
innisfree Sulfate-Free Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Foam
This is super soft and doesn’t make me feel like I’ve scrubbed my face raw 🫶
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser for Gentle Daily Wash - Beauty of Joseon | Sephora
Toner
Optional but helpful for hydration and calming inflammation. Look for soothing, alcohol-free formulas.
Oily T zone means I often get clogged pores, so this helps a lot!
Green Plum Refreshing Toner for Gentle Exfoliating - Beauty of Joseon | Sephora
This is especially helpful during my PMS/luteal phase acne flare ups.
Teatreement™ Toner - Dr. Jart+ | Sephora
Lightweight enough for indoors but still strong enough to handle moderate chill/winters!
Green Tea Ceramide Milk Toner for Hydration & Barrier Repair
Repair
This is targeted support. Ingredients like niacinamide or azelaic acid can help with texture, redness, and post-acne marks.
Super useful in a pinch during PMS acne flare ups!
Pimple Paste Overnight Blemish Drying Paste - Sephora
I usually wear these overnight, especially before presentations and interviews.
22 ct Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches + Salicylic Acid - The INKEY List | Ulta Beauty
I have one of these at my desk, bag, dressing table and more because of how reliable they’ve been over the years.
Acne Pimple Master Patch - Original Care - COSRX | Ulta Beauty
Moisturiser
Combination skin still needs moisture. A lightweight, barrier-supportive cream helps reduce irritation and prevent overproduction of oil.
Combination skin means moisturisers can feel heavy but this one feels like it’s barely there!
Hydrating Dewy Gel Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid + ...
If you move between air-conditioned classrooms/offices and humid weather a lot, this moisturiser manages to survive both.
Artemisia Soothing Gel Cream Moisturizer with Centella Asiatica and Niacinamide - Hanyul | Sephora
Super moisturising, water based, and doesn’t make my T zone feel oily!
- | Sephora
Sunscreen
Non-negotiable if you’re managing acne or using actives. Choose a lightweight SPF that won’t clog pores or feel heavy.
My favourite go-to sunscreen that does double duty of protecting my skin AND healing it too 🥰
Dawn Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide - Supergoop! | Ulta Beauty
I have ZERO white cast with this. It’s a must-have!
Day Dew Sunscreen Lightweight SPF 50 - Beauty of Joseon | Sephora
Super non-comedogenic for my T-zone pores!
Then I Met You Essence Light Serum Sunscreen Broad Spectrum ...