Editor’s Note: This post has been updated as of July 2025. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛
As a busy woman of faith, you’re juggling so much. You deserve skincare that works and aligns with God’s Word (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You’re not alone if your oily, acne-prone skin feels like a battle (about 85% of teens and adults face acne at some point).
In this post, you’ll discover top skincare ingredients, like niacinamide, aloe vera, and salicylic acid that help control oil, calm inflammation, and honor the temple God gave you. All without overwhelming your routine.
These are some of the top picks of ingredients that will help address issues of oily acne-prone skin type like controlling oil production, unclogging pores and reducing the appearance of large pores. They will also help to keep your skin moisturised. We know that having acne can mess with your self-esteem and confidence so let’s get into this list of helpful ingredients.
Niacinamide, also called vitamin B3 absorbs sebum (oil) and helps with the production of collagen that keeps the skin firm and improves skin texture. It also helps the skin grow a ceramide barrier which helps attract and lock in moisture. It treats acne, hyperpigmentation and protects your skin against sun damage. Niacinamide can also be found in meat, fish, poultry, green vegetables, whole grains and mushrooms.
Now, let’s look at Hyaluronic acid. Despite common misconceptions, oily skin needs to be moisturized. Otherwise, you’ll look like an overoiled mess, which can leave negative impressions on your clients.
Hyaluronic acid is a moisturizing ingredient commonly found in creams, lotions, serums, moisturizers, etc. It functions as a humectant, continuing to draw in and hold moisture to the skin even after it’s applied. It also hydrates the skin by binding water to the skin’s cells. So, less touch-ups during the day once you’ve got this ingredient in the mix.
Did you know hyaluronic acid is found in the body in connective tissues and the eyes? It decreases as we age. Some foods that aid in natural hyaluronic acid production include bone broth, leafy greens and citrus fruits, according to Chix Nutrix.
Next up is Aloe (also known as Aloe Vera) which is from a succulent fleshy plant. Aloe vera has soothing and cooling properties. It’s made up of 98% water. It can soothe irritated skin (such as sunburns), helps reduce inflammation, keeps skin hydrated and lighten blemishes all while fighting against acne. It also speeds up wound healing and limits scarring.
Retinol, also called vitamin A, helps reduce oil production by tightening the pores. Retinol cream is a good treatment for whiteheads and blackheads. It’s also known to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Here’s one retinol cream that’s gentle, skin-loving and effective. To get a full breakdown of this product, check out this review.
Also, it’s recommended to use retinol at night as it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Please consult your doctor before using if you are pregnant. And of course, vitamin A can be found naturally in foods like beef liver, carrots, canteloupe and sweet potato.
Remember to always moisturize and wear SPF.
Salicylic acid is non-comedogenic meaning it won’t clog pores instead it gets into the pores keeping them clear to reduce breakouts. It can be found naturally in the bark of willow trees. Be careful not to overuse this ingredient, especially if pregnant, or using retinol and other exfoliants.
Lastly, Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to get rid of acne-causing bacteria from the skin and reduces oil production when applied to the skin. Zinc can be found in foods like poultry, beans, whole grains and dairy products.
Takeaway
All the ingredients mentioned above are non-toxic when used in moderation. All the ingredients above can be found naturally. The key is choosing one or two at a time, especially if your skin is sensitive, and following up with SPF and moisturizer to prevent irritation. Consult your doctor if you’re pregnant before using retinol and salicylic acid. Otherwise, you can look out for these ingredients in your skincare products and let us know what other ingredients you’ve tried and how they’ve worked for you.
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