I would really appreciate if someone can check my routine and give me suggestions for changes if necessary. I have sensitive acne prone skin and I’m cycling my routine, my main goal is to control my acne and get rid of PIE and PIH. I have pale skin and even when I’m not pick on my acne (which I still do sometimes) I’m left with marks. Some of the products that are on my routine list are similar to ones that I use since I don’t know how to add my own, I’m new here. Thank you all!
4
Log in or sign up to leave a comment
I have, by my opinion, a lot of active that target my skin conditions and by researching I found that some of them don’t go well together so that’s why I opted for skin cycling. It’s been 3 weeks I keep track by marking days differently so I don’t mess up or skip something. My intention is to switch to something simpler when I reach certain goals! Thanks for replying! ☺️
1
I missed answering to one of your questions, sorry. I got serious sensitivity and rash when I used clindamycin as suggested by my derm I ditched routine that he suggested since he gave me products from brand that he’s working with and ignored my concerns and suggestions. I researched on my own and that’s how I came up with what I’m using today. I’m experiencing mild purging but those acne go pretty fast compared to the ones before even my hormonal ones I get around my period.
1
Aghrr, I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience with the derm. These guys are supposed be our best skin support 😔.
We are actually preparing an educational guide for retinoids against acne, I hope we'll release it tomorrow - I think it would be interesting for you. Overall, retinoids are the recommended main treatment, as in if you are choosing between an application of a retinoid or salicylic / benzoyl peroxide, the advice is to choose retinoid. I'd try using adapalene every other day for the next 1-2 weeks. If your skin feels good, you can then add BP 2x a week - and only if you feel you need it (as in have inflamed blemishes). You can continue using BP as a spot treatment in the meantime.
I'd pause salicylic acid until you see that your skin is tolerating adapalene & BP well. The goal is to stop BP once you have less inflamed blemishes. Then you might be able to adopt adapalene (every other day or even daily) + salicylic acid 1-2x a week as your normal routine.
I'd also recommend you to switch your azelaic acid product. The one you use contains fragrance, and it can weaken your ability to tolerate adapalene. Instead, you can go for a product like this: https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/the-ordinary-azelaic-acid-suspension-10 (basically look for 10-20% concentration without fragrance). You should be able to use azelaic acid daily, especially if it is 10%. You can think about moving it to your AM routine. You could also consider only using azelaic acid + retinoid, aiming for tolerating both daily (but then no BP. Also no salicylic - unless your skin feels very well and you see that you can tolerate it). This combo is very effective and has lots of benefits beyond helping with acne (first of all, helping to treat the post-acne marks).
1
Thank you so much on your suggestions, I’ll try doing that. I was using TO azelaic acid before, but wasn’t able to find it when I ran out of. I was thinking about switching my Caudalie serum for Glow hubs scar slayer or The Inkey list 2% tranexamic acid to target pih and pie in my morning routine, what you think about that, is it to much or should I stay with Caudalie (it’s good but results are minimal even after two bottles used)?
1
I'd honestly limit your actives to adapalene, azelaic, (+ niacinamide 4-6% - can be found in some of vichy 89 serums, or in other serums) & possibly BP & salicylic if your skin isn't getting sensitive. I'd recommend not to add any other products. I'd stop or use up the Caudalie and won't look for a substitute (unless it's a simple fragrance-free niacinamide serum) . So that your routine would look smth like this:
AM daily:
Niacinamide serum
Azelaic acid product
Moisturizer - optional if the skin feels dry
Sunscreen
PM Day 1:
Cleanser
Adapalene
Niacinamide serum (optional)
Moisturizer
PM Day 2:
Cleanser
Niacinamide serum
Moisturizer
I'd do just that for 3-4 weeks, and use BP only as a spot treatment on inflamed spots. If you are tolerating this well but still get a troublesome amount of inflamed blemishes, I'd add BP 2x a week on the adapalene-free days. If you are not getting a lot of new inflamed blemishes but tolerating adapalene every other day well, I'd increase adapalene to almost daily (maybe with a "rest day" 1x a week. On the rest day, follow the PM Day 2 routine, no other products or actives) and use BP as a spot treatment only.
You'd need to stick to this regimen for about 12 weeks to really assess the results. Once your inflamed blemishes subside, stop BP, but you can add salicylic acid instead.
1
Looking forward to that retinoid guide! I’m always eager to learn more about skincare! ☺️
1
hi, good thoughts
2
Hi there 👋, welcome to the community!
Could I ask why you decided to go for the skin cycling? Did you get sensitivity from your anti-acne products before? If yes, could you share what you were using?
Skin cycling is not a bad method, but I find that the trouble with it is complexity. It is harder to get a consistent skincare habit with it, and follow a consistent routine. So I am wondering if less products and less cycling might actually work better for you. But if you are happy with the cycling, there is no need to change the approach of course.