Be sure to always wear sunscreen (every single day).
I use Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46. It is sheer under makeup, (no ghostly cast) and it doesn't break me out.
Some great organic brands (perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin) are Jane Iredale, Afterglow Cosmetics, and Silk Naturals. Beaux and ItCosmetics are also organic and have a lot of options that are very skin-friendly.
Mattify cosmetics also has a lot of products for oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin.
The main ingredients to look out for (in any product you put on your face) are: mineral oil, bismuth oxychloride, lanolin, dyes, coconut oil and alcohols. ( Alcohols dry out your skin, causing it to produce more oil, and therefore can trigger more acne and breakouts.) Paraffins, parabens, glycols, perfumes and talc are also very unhealthy for skin in general.
Here is complete list of 'bad' ingredients to avoid if you want your skin to stay clear...
Look for makeup that says Non-comedogenic on the label!
Also make sure to keep all your makeup brushes and tools clean. ( Don't use sponges, they only harbor bacteria.)
As far as a regimen, I have suffered from my acne my whole life ( my skin is finally starting to calm down now as I'm in my late twenties, but I still get hormonal breakouts that time of the month), and most of what I've learned has all been trial-and-error.
But besides the tips above, I recommend the less products you pile on your face, the better. (Also, the less ingredients a product has, the better!)
Don't cake on any more makeup then you have to. ( I only use sunscreen, an organic concealer and an organic light, translucent finishing powder to help mattify my t-zone ).
To help keep your skin clear and healthy, make sure to wash it gently 2x a day with a salicylic gel cleanser.
*(Opt for gel cleansers instead of foaming ones, as the foaming ones can overdry your skin.)
I use Eileen Mai's Salicylic Acid cleansing gel
It has no alcohols or artificial ingredients, and the salicylic acid helps keep pores clean.
( Eileen Mai is an organic line, and they also carry a great spot-treatment, as well as a good cucumber masque.)
Regarding toners, make sure they are always alcohol-free as well.
I use Elavonne Organic Pore Refining Exfo-Toner (available on amazon).
There is also a great organic skincare line available on etsy called Yoshimomo.
They carry a wide range of hand-made organic skincare products. ( I especially like the AHA+BHA toner. )
YonKa also carries a nice alcohol-free toner as well. ( They call it a 'lotion' but it's actually a toner. ) It's also available on amazon.
Regarding exfoliating, I exfoliate 3-4x a week with a gentle, organic exfoliating masque. ( This ensures my skin stays smooth and it helps reduce breakouts.) If you notice any sensitivity or irritation, only do it about twice a week. (Exfoliating also makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so make sure to apply extra sunscreen.)
( No artificial ingredients, no alcohols.) There are many masks similar to this (esp on etsy), just make sure they are alcohol-free.
(Fruit acids and enzymes, BHA and AHA are all exofliant names/types of exfoliants.)
( I personally stay away from products with exfoliating beads in them, as I find them too rough and damaging on my skin, and just unnecessary.)
When cleansing or applying a masque, I like to do it in the shower because the steam helps open up my pores more.
Lastly, regarding moisturizers, I use...
Earth Science Fragrance-Free Almond-Aloe Moisturizer
&
Mill Creek Botanicals 99% Aloe Vera Gel
(* both available at Walgreens)
These can be applied well under makeup or as a lightweight moisturizer (during the day or before bed). I have never had any breakouts or irritation from them.
ALWAYS make sure to remove all makeup before bed.
But do not over-wash (or over-exfoliate) your skin. (Doing so disrupts your skin's natural barrier and can cause real damage).
Wash your pillowcase often and consider getting an air purifier in your room/home.
Never leave the house without sunscreen. (even if it's cloudy)
And to keep skin beautiful from the inside out...,
I take these antioxidant/anti-inflammatory supplements: tumeric, grapeseed extract, ginger, resveratol, vitaminc e, vitamin a, and vitamin c daily. Astaxathin is also a powerful antioxidant supplement worth checking out. Strawberries have natural salicylic acid in them (to help keep skin clear), and foods like tomatoes and watermelon contain lycopene which can improve your skin's overall tone and glow as well.
Healthy fats like those found in olive oil and avocados are also important for skin health.
( I personally avoid fish oils and omega capsules as they caused me serious breakouts! But everyone's skin is different.)
Incorporating more fresh fruits and veggies, and cutting out/back on dairy, sugars and (unhealthy) fatty foods definitely can impact your skin and its appearance.
( Dairy, sugars and meat processed with steroids/hormones affect your hormones, which affect your skin.)
Try to eat as healthy and organic as possible.
Drink 5-6 glasses of water daily, along with green tea. Nix the soda, artificial sugars, and sugary juices.
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