I’ve never had a perfect skin but soon 36 year old and I am really fed up with pimples (forehead, cheeks, jawline).
My major concern is clogged pores and pimples, some small fine lines but they don’t bother me at this point.
I was wandering what is the best option to treat acne without irritating my dehydrated, sensitive skin?
I was thinking about adding retinoids or salicylic acid (cleanser, serum maybe both) or benzoyl peroxide but not sure where to start. Help please!
Thank you so much, Maria for all the information!! This is so so helpful! 🙏 I am committed to follow the routine suggested by you!
So in the morning you suggest not to use any cleansers if I understand correctly. Perhaps just wash my face with water? And in the evening I should only use the oil cleanser and skip second water based cleansers all together. How can I remove the oil residue than or maybe this particular Klairs oil cleanser is fine to rinse off only with water?
And lastly, Differin in my country is not so easy to access but I’ll definitely try. If I can’t get that, what would be your other suggestion for retinoids?
Thank you so much again for all your help!
Hi! I'd say that the number 1 goal for your skincare routine should be calming down the sensitivity and restoring the skin barrier. When skin is in the sensitized state, it is more prone to inflammation and can create more favourable conditions for acne-triggering bacteria. This is why tackling the dehydration & sensitivity will help reduce breakouts as well.
I'd recommend to reduce the overall number of products you are using and especially stop fragranced products and exfoliators. For the first couple of weeks, I'd also stop the Vitamin C suspension from The Ordinary (23% is quite high for the period when skin is sensitive). You can re-introduce vitamin C in a month or so, when the skin feels more resilient.
I think if you cut down on most irritants, you could be able to tolerate adapalene (a type of retinoid that is especially effective against acne; it is available over the counter in the US, and via online acne clinics with Supergrug or Boots pharmacies in the UK - please let me know if it is not an option for you). Ideally, start the retinoid only every second night in the beginning, and increase the frequency to daily as your skin tolerance allows.
I've created a sample routine for you - sadly I'd recommend to stop most of your current products because of the high irritation risk. Hope this helps - and please keep in touch on how you are getting on and if you have questions. https://whatsinmyjar.com/skincare-routines/public/3337