Ale Ale
last year

Possible new routine

I currently only exfoliate twice a week with a Pha because I’m relatively new to it and I was afraid of irritation but I’m noticing it’s not very effective for my issues.

I have combination skin and I wanted to use this Paula’s choice BHA toner on my oily areas once a week to minimize clogged pores.

I also have hyperpigmentation and so I wanted to use the lactic acid on my dryer areas because I’ve read it’s the most effective for this problem.

However the problem is I also have some spots around my nose and I’m afraid to use the lactic acid and BHA on this area.

Should I use an AHA/BHA product all over my face instead ?

Additionally I would like to integrate azelaic acid into my routine but I don’t know when I should use it. Is it ok to use with retinol and the skinceuticals discoloration defense serum ? Is it even useful for sun spots ?

Usually I don’t use the serum on the day I’m using the retinol because I’m afraid of irritation. Is that ok ?

Thanks a lot

AM - Everyday
1
Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% The Ordinary - Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
2
Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum Avene - Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum
3
Mineral Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+ Avene - Mineral Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+
PM - Everyday
1
Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil Pai - Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil
2
Hydrating Cleanser CeraVe - Hydrating Cleanser
3
Discoloration Defense Dark Spot Serum SkinCeuticals - Discoloration Defense Dark Spot Serum
4
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% The Ordinary - Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
5
Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum Avene - Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum
6
Tolerance Extreme Cream Avène - Tolerance Extreme Cream
7
Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil Drunk Elephant - Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
PM - Twice a week
1
Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Superficial Peeling Formulation The Ordinary - Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Superficial Peeling Formulation
2
Retinol 0.3 Corrective Treatment for Mature Skin ? SkinCeuticals - Retinol 0.3 Corrective Treatment for Mature Skin ?
PM - Once a week
1
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Paulas Choice - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel
3
3
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You could use the azelaic acid product in the AM , either before or after the rehydration serum, depending what you feel works better in terms of layering. For the AM, I'd also go for an ascorbic acid product rather than a derivative (ascorbyl glucoside). I am personally a fan of Cerave's 10% vitamin C serum. It is also hydrating so you could use it instead of the rehydration serum.

You've mentioned you are using a retinol as well in the PM? Could you share the product you are using? I think there is definitely a potential to cut out a few products in your PM to make the routine easier to follow if you'd like that.

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Right now i’m using Paulas choice 0.3% retinol + 0.2% bakuchiol treatment, but since im new to using retinol I only use it twice a week (In thé routine i put the skinceuticals one because I didn’t find it).

What do you recommend for exfoliation ?

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I’d actually recommend building tolerance to retinol (e.g. slowly coming to using it daily), and skip exfoliation for now. Retinol speeds up the cell turnover, so while it is technically not an exfoliant, it achieves the same goal.

The BHA product you use is actually great if you do need an extra help with clogged pores or as a spot treatment for any inflamed blemishes. You can use it just in the affected area.

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