After moving from India to the U.S., my skin went through a whole transformation. From oily-acne-prone (which I knew how to manage) to dry-acne-prone, my skincare routine suddenly felt useless. Every product either made my skin flake or break out!
I tried SO many things — cream-based face washes, hydrating oils, gentle cleansers… nothing worked. Until I finally found a routine that balanced hydration without triggering acne.
In today’s video, I’m sharing my real, everyday skincare routine for dry acne-prone skin — including the exact products I use, what ingredients help (and what to avoid!), and how I layer everything to keep my skin calm, moisturized, and mostly breakout-free.
Products I’m using in this video:
Neutrogena Acne Face Wash (2% Salicylic Acid) – keeps pores clean without overly drying
Pixi Glow Tonic (5% Glycolic Acid) – gentle exfoliation + hydration
Clinique Oil-Free Moisturizer – lightweight but deeply hydrating
Neutrogena Oil-Free Sunscreen – no white cast, perfect for sensitive skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Serum – locks in moisture overnight
Alternate Products –
Cleanser (2% Salicylic Acid)
Original: Neutrogena Acne Face Wash
Goal: Clear pores, fight acne, non-drying
Widely Available Alternatives:
1. CeraVe SA Cleanser
2% Salicylic Acid, ceramides, niacinamide
Non-stripping, fragrance-free
2. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Cleanser
2% Salicylic Acid
Budget-friendly and available at most stores
3. Garnier Pure Active Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Mild formula with purifying properties
Found in supermarkets, pharmacies
Toner/Exfoliant (Glycolic Acid)
Original: Pixi Glow Tonic (5% Glycolic Acid)
Goal: Gentle exfoliation + hydration
Widely Available Alternatives:
1. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Peel Pads
Glycolic acid-based exfoliating pads
Easy to use, drugstore-friendly
2.The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Often found at Ulta, Sephora, or online
Affordable and effective
3. Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner
Clean formula, found at Ulta/Target
Moisturizer (Oil-Free, Lightweight)
Original: Clinique Oil-Free Moisturizer
Goal: Hydration without heaviness or breakouts
Widely Available Alternatives:
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Hyaluronic acid, oil-free, fast-absorbing
One of the best drugstore moisturizers
2. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Lightweight and barrier-friendly
3. Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream
Super gentle, fragrance-free
Great for sensitive or combo skin
Sunscreen (No White Cast, Sensitive Skin Safe)
Original: Neutrogena Oil-Free Sunscreen
Goal: Broad-spectrum protection, invisible finish
Widely Available Alternatives:
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60 (Melt-In Milk or Fluid)
Lightweight, sensitive-skin tested
Sold in many pharmacies and Target
2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55
Matte finish, non-comedogenic
Easy to find in almost every store
3. Coppertone Pure & Simple Face SPF 50
Zinc oxide-based but minimal white cast
Great for everyday wear
Night Serum (Hydrating, Lock-in Moisture)
Original: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Serum
Goal: Overnight hydration and skin plumping
Widely Available Alternatives:
1. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Deep hydration, found at Walmart/Target/Ulta
Layers well under night cream
2. Olay Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Serum
Fast-absorbing, plumps skin overnight
Easily available in major drugstores
3. Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum
Ultra-soothing, hydrating, fragrance-free
Great for sensitive or reactive skin
These products have been life-saving for me! If you also have dry + acne-prone skin (the worst combo, I know ), I hope this helps you too!
Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any of these or want to share what works for you — I’d love to try new suggestions!
Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE — I upload new videos every: Monday – Monday Munchies (food & fun)
Wednesday – Real-life stories & skincare
Friday – Life in the U.S., immigration & Bubble the dog
Thanks for watching!
Love,
Ritika
#DrySkinRoutine #AcneProneSkin #SkincareAfterMoving #SkincareRoutine2025 #IndianSkinCare #DrySkinSolutions #SensitiveSkinCare #RealSkinTalk #GlowUpJourney #Neutrogena #CliniqueSkincare #PixiGlowTonic #SkincareStruggles #SkincareThatWorks #DryAcneProneSkin #SkincareInUSA
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