Non-Drying Acne Serum?
Hi, I (34F) hope to find a non-drying serum that I can use during the day to help with acne.
My skin is fair and pretty dry even in the summer, but I still get occasional breakouts, which then lead to post-blemish marks. I do not get a lot of breakouts at once (2-3 at a time), and they are not always in the same spot. While my skin can be “sensitive” to active ingredients, it is more likely to get dry/irritated from a product than to break out a lot. Not sure if that makes sense - I guess what I’m trying to say that I don’t think the products I use add to/create my acne, but I don’t think they’re fixing my problem and I would like to find something that can help. I don’t think it’s at the level where I need to get a derm involved.
My current AM routine consists of:
- Cleanser
- Vitamin C Serum
- Hydrating Serum
- Moisturizer
- SPF
I occasionally use a Paula’s Choice toner at least 5 min before my Vitamin C, but regular use can be too irritating. I use Differin gel ~3 nights a week and do mild exfoliation 1 night a week.
Any suggestions as to what I can use after my Vitamin C in the morning? Bonus points if it layers well under makeup. TIA!
Posted Nov 5, 2025, 11:46 PM UTC