Giulia Giuliani Giulia Giuliani
2 years ago

Hi there, I come up with this routine, but I’ve got an extremely sensible skin with acne. I don’t think it’s working, I feel my face even more irritated. What am I doing wrong? Thank you very much. I love your website.

AM - Everyday
1
Hydrating Cleanser CeraVe - Hydrating Cleanser
2
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
3
Squalane and Omega Repair Cream Biossance - Squalane and Omega Repair Cream
4
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG The Ordinary - Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
AM - Once a week
1
Lactic Acid 10% + HA The Ordinary - Lactic Acid 10% + HA
PM - Everyday
1
Hydrating Cleanser CeraVe - Hydrating Cleanser
2
Retinoid Sleep Serum Level 1 OSKIA - Retinoid Sleep Serum Level 1
3
Squalane and Omega Repair Cream Biossance - Squalane and Omega Repair Cream
4
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG The Ordinary - Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
3
5
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Hi! I think you could try reducing the irritancy of your routine - it is quite high because of the concentrated actives you are using (retinol, niacinamide) + essential oils in your retinoid serum. Also, I'd add sun protection for the AM.

Here are a few steps you can take (and you can go for all of them!):

- only wash your face with the cleanser in the PM

- stop the caffeine solution serum (it's not too beneficial for your skin concern, and it adds to the routine irritancy)

- use a sunscreen with niacinamide on top or instead of the Squalane & Omega repair cream (and drop the 10% niacinamide serum) - smth like https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/skinmedica-total-defense-repair-spf-34 or https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/isntree-hyaluronic-acid-watery-sun-gel or https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/2-fl-oz-broad-spectrum-spf-45

- swap your current retinoid serum for a simpler formulation, for example: https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/cerave-skin-renewing-retinol-face-cream-serum-for-fine-lines-and-wrinkles or https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/honest-beauty-honestly-pure-retinol-serum

Hope this helps!

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Thank you very much! But I’m using the caffeine solution for my eyes. I’ll definitely do that, even though I barely see the sun on winter 😢 Have a lovely day and take care!

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Last question, sorry to bother. So using too many products is counterproductive?

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Yes, less is more with skincare. When we use too many products and active & irritating ingredients, we literally stress our skin defences. It goes into a "high alert" mode and becomes prone to inflammation and dryness. Increased inflammation also often contributes to acne. So the best strategy it to minimize the number of products - while going for a few effective actives that target your specific concern (for example, retinoid for your skin), good moisturization and sun protection

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Thank you very much. I’ll keep that in mind for sure. ☺️

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