Who said that acne is only for teenagers?
Sometimes, it sneaks up on you as soon as you hit menopause. Other times, it’s more impatient and gets you in your 30s.
Like you hadn’t enough on your plate already. Wrinkles, anyone?… How the heck do you deal with both at the same time?
If you fight acne aggressively, you’ll dry out your skin and make your wrinkles more obvious than ever. If you treat wrinkles with rich creams or sunscreens, you’ll aggravate your acne. Argh!
Fret not. You can treat both acne and wrinkles at the same time. Luckily, some of the best antiaging superstars double as acne fighters. You just need to introduce them into your skincare routine in the right way. Here’s how:
Morning Skincare Routine For Acne + Aging Skin
Step 1: Gentle Cleanser
The #1 mistake women make when dealing with acne? Picking a cleanser that’s way too harsh in an effort to dry the acne away.
It ALWAYS backfires. A harsh cleanser dries out the skin, which reacts by producing even more sebum. Skin is dried out alright, but the acne’s still there.
Instead, opt for a gentle foaming cleanser. Anything with sodium lauryl sulfate is banned. It’s too harsh and irritating. Stay away from bar soaps and milky cleansers, too. They can clog pores and worsen acne.
Best Picks:
- Corsx low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser ($11.00): pH 5.5. Available at Sokoglam and YesStyle.
- Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser ($6.99): pH 6.2. Available at Ulta.
- Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser ($18.00): pH 5.5. Available at Nordstrom and Paula’s Choice.Â
Related: How To Pick The Right Cleanser For Your Skin Type
Want easy access to this routine? Click on the image below to subscribe to my newsletter and receive the “Acne + Aging Skincare Routine” cheatsheet:
Step 2: Antioxidant Serum
Free radicals are your skin’s biggest enemy. These unstable molecules lack one electron. They desperately crave it. So, they crawl through your body looking for healthy molecules to attack and steal the electron from.
The attacked molecule is now a free radical, looking for another electron to steal. It’s the start of a deadly chain reaction that leads to wrinkles and dark spots.
Antioxidants stop free radicals in their tracks. Your body knows free radicals are coming, so it naturally produces antioxidants to destroy them before they can wreak havoc.
But, your skin needs a lot more antioxidants than your body can naturally produce. That’s where a healthy diet and skincare come in.
You’ll find plenty of antioxidants in skincare products. Vitamin C. Vitamin E. Green tea. Resveratrol. Coenzyme Q10. Ferulic acid. Superoxide dismutase…
The best one? None of them. Just like your body doesn’t need only kale, your skin doesn’t need only green tea. The more antioxidants you feed it, the younger and healthier it is.
P.S. If you’re opting for a Vitamin C serum, make sure it contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) instead of L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA). Both fight wrinkles, but SAP goes the extra mile: it reduces lipid oxidation, one of the causes of acne.
Best Picks:
- Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum (£28.00/$33.00): available at Free People, iHerb and Ulta
- Paula’s Choice Resist Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum ($38.00/£35.00): available at Dermstore, Feel Unique, Nordstrom and Paula’s Choice
- The Ordinary EUK 134 0.1% (£6.90): available at Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty and Feel Unique
Related: Is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate The Best Form Of Vitamin C For Acne-Prone Skin?
Step 3. Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet. It attracts the water in the air into the skin and binds it there. It’s so good, it can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water!
Another pro? Hyaluronic acid works well both in high and low humidity conditions. No matter where you are, it’ll do the job!
Some antioxidants serums or moisturizers already have enough hyaluronic acid to keep your skin happy. If not, use a separate hyaluronic acid serum now.
Best Picks:
- La Roche Posay Heal B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£27.75): available at Feel Unique and Look Fantastic
- Niod Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid (£25.00): available at Beauty Bay and Cult Beauty
- Paula’s Choice Resist Hyaluronic Acid Booster ($34.00): available at Dermstore, Nordstrom, Paula’s Choice and Selfridges
Related: Spotlight On Hyaluronic Acid: Why You Should Add It To Your Skincare Routine
Step 4: Sunscreen
The best sunscreens use zinc oxide, but it’s so thick and greasy, it may cause breakouts. You can totally give it a try and see how it goes.
But, don’t limit yourself. In this case, it may be worth to go for a sunscreen hybrid that mixes zinc oxide with safe synthetic filters. Or, if your skin is super oily, go down the synthetic route entirely.
Just make sure there’s no alcohol in sight. Alcohol is often used to turn rich and creamy formulas into almost-runny, thin concoctions. But, it’s terribly drying and could trick your skin into producing even more oil. That’s the last thing you want.
Best Picks:
- EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 ($25.00): available at Dermstore and Walmart
- Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection SPF 50 Sunscreen + WetForce For Sensitive Skin & Children ($42.00): available at  Nordstrom and Ulta
- Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 ($34.00): available at Blue Mercury and Dermstore
Related: What Are The Best Sunscreens For Oily Skin?
Night Time Skincare Routine For Acne + Aging Skin
Step 1: Oil Cleanser
Time to take the makeup off, ladies! I love oils for this. I know, I know. But, hear me out.
Remember what your chemistry teacher said about “like attracting like?” Oils like jojoba oil attract the oils in your makeup and sunscreen, making it easier to rinse them off the skin.
My fave oil for acne-prone skin is jojoba. It’s very similar to human sebum so it doesn’t clog pores or irritate your skin. It’s an old friend.
Yes, it leaves a residue behind. If it bothers you, remove it with your morning foaming cleanser. Done.
P.S. Some foaming cleansers have oils in there too and can remove makeup. Check the ingredient list before splurging on a second cleanser.
Related: What Is The Oil Cleansing Method?
Step 2A: BHA Exfoliant
Acne’s a job for salicylic acid (BHA). It’s the only exfoliant that gets deep inside the pores, removing all the excess sebum, dead skin cells and other crap that’s clogging them up.
It removes dead cells from the surface of the skin, so they won’t end up in the pores and clog them again. Basically, it keeps your pores clean so breakouts can’t happen.
By the way, salicylic acid must stay on your skin for hours to work its magic. Leave rinse-off products on the shelves. They won’t work as well.
Use it every other night, alternating it with retinoids.
PRO TIP: yes, you can use salicylic acid and glycolic acid (an antiaging superstar that boosts collagen production) together. The Drunk Elephant serum below has both.
Best picks:
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90.00): available at Cult Beauty, Sephora and SpaceNK
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid ($29.00): available at Dermstore, Look Fantastic and Paula’s Choice
- The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid (£9.99): available at Cult Beauty and Feel Unique
Related: AHAs vs BHA: Which One Is Right For You?
Step 2B: Vitamin A (Retinoids)
Why use one treatment for acne and one for wrinkles when the one will do? With vitamin A, you can kill two birds with one stone. Here’s why:
- It speeds up cellular turnover (the skin’s natural exfoliant process)
- It fights the free radicals that cause premature wrinkles
- It boosts the production of collagen, keeping skin firm
- It busts acne
Vitamin A comes in many forms. You can go down the prescription route and get yourself some tretinoin or you can stick to OTC serums with retinol. Retinol works more slowly, but it’s gentler on the skin.
Mind you, both will irritate and dry out your skin at first. That’s why it’s best to start slowly. Use it only two or three times a week to start with and increase frequency gradually to every other day, alternating it with BHA.
It’s also not a bad idea to start with a small concentration of retinol (believe it or not, 1% is A LOT) and work your way up slowly.
PRO TIP: vitamin A makes skin more prone to sun damage. Use it at night only.
Best Picks:
- Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution ($88.00): available at Dermstore, Nordstrom, Sephora and SpaceNK
- Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum ($42.00/£39.00): available at Feel Unique, Nordstrom and Paula’s Choice
- Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM ($65.00/£62.50): available at Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Sephora and Ulta
Related: Which Strength Of Retinol Do You Need?
Step 3: Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This is optional. If you’re already getting your hyaluronic acid somewhere else, you can skip this. But if your skin’s on the dry side when you wake up in the morning, use a separate hyaluronic acid serum at night.
Step 4: Moisturizer With Niacinamide (Or Add It With A Booster)
This is the most challenging part. Your skin needs a moisturizer loaded with antioxidants to fight free radicals and hydrating enough not to turn your skin into a flaky mess.
And niacinamide. Plenty of niacinamide. It’s a form of vitamin B3 that fights wrinkles, fades dark spots, hydrates skin, soothes irrations and treats acne. There’s nothing it can’t do.
But, texture matters here. Anything that’s too rich and creamy is out of the question. That’ll clog your pores and worsen your acne. Instead, go for lightweight lotions and emulsions.
If you can’t find one that fits the bill, opt for a niacinamide booster and mix it with your moisturiser. Done.
Best Picks:
- CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion ($15.00): available at Dermstore, Ulta and Walmart
- Olay Total Effects Fragrance-Free Moisturiser With SPF 15 ($22.99): available at Walmart
- Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster ($42.00): available at Dermstore, Look Fantastic, Nordstrom and Paula’s Choice
Related: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Niacinamide In Skincare
Hi! I was wondering if you could recommend a moisturizer with hydraulic acid for a 37 year old with acne prone skin. Thanks! I loved the article.
Stephanie, have you tried Neutrogena Hydro Boost?
Hi Gio! Thank you so much for your post! I’ve been struggling with cystic acne since my teens and I’m hopeful that this new routine will help me finally get it under control while I start to combat signs of aging now that I’m in my 30s. I recently received a 60 day supply of Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta universal daily peel. I’ve heard great things about it and am wondering if I can incorporate this into the routine you’ve outlined here. Thanks!
Rachel, I am sure this routine will help. I’m not really a fan of Dr Dennis Gross peel. It’s too harsh for some skin types. If you want to use it anyway, do it after you’ve dealt with the cystic acne.
Hi, I don’t think I’m able to use a retinol currently since we’re trying to get pregnant. Any other suggestions for night time other than a retinol? Could I just use the AHA/BHA serum again?
Leila, I agree it’s best to stay away from retinol then. AHA/BHA are controversial. Some says that AHA/BHA peels can cause problems, while others that theyr’e safe in small doses. You can find out more about it here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/skincare-ingredients-avoid-pregnancy/
In the end, whether you use it or not is up to you and what you’re comfortable with.
Thank you very much, Gio! Didn’t know this about retinol, will add a moisturizer when using it.
Andreana, you’re welcome. 🙂
Hi thanks for your advice! All this skincare stuff is new to me! I am 32 and seem to have weak skin on my cheeks where I have had acne and scarring from past breakouts. I don’t have many breakouts now just hormonal pimples. I have started using acids and notice a big difference! But I am worried that I’m not using them in the correct order.
1.Cleanser
2.salic acid 2% (spots only) if I don’t have spots should I use it? I have sebum bumps which are fewer but still there
3.Niacinamide 10% and zinc 1%
4. Hyaluronic acid 2%
5.Moisturizer
PM same but replacing Niacinamide with Lactic Acid 5% 1-2 times a week
Where do I add Ascobyl Gluocide 12%?
Rosehip oil does it belong?
Jeannnine, yes. You can use salicylic acid all over the face, so you don’t need lactic acid anymore. You’re making your skin happy and saving some money, too.
You can use salicylic acid every night after cleansing and Ascorbyl Glucoside every morning after cleansing.
Hi Gio,
I am so happy I found your blog, it is life changing! I am putting a new skin care routine together based on this post and I found the Super Spot Remover™ Acne Treatment Gel from Origins very helpful on spots, so I want to keep it. Where do I fit it into the routine? Thank you for your reply 🙂
Fruzsi, you can use it on clean skin after cleansing/exfoliating. But I don’t recommend it because it’s full of irritants.
Will all this help with rosacea?
Sar, check this post for rosacea treatment: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/best-rosacea-treatment/
Hi!
Im a little confused as some of the products you are suggesting, as some of them should not be mixed? Like salicylic acid and vitamin c as well as niacinamide.
Sophia, who says they should not be mixed? I’ve debunked the myth you can’t use vitamin C and Niacinamide together here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/use-vitamin-c-niacinamide-together/
I have purchased all of your recommendations from this article, except for the ones containing salicylic acid. I develop an itchy rash every time I have tried using it (including the one from Paula’s Choice). What other product would you recommend in place of the salicylic? I am in my 40’s and still get hormonal acne.
Cami, try mandolin acid. 🙂
I’ve been using the Paula’s Choice products for about 6 weeks now, introducing them gradually, but my skin looks worse than usual. Especially around the hair line, red spots/blotches. I’m not sure what product or where it all went wrong. I’m 32 with oily acne prone skin & wanted to get a jump on the anti-aging process. I’m starting to regret the small fortune I spent…
Lauren, oh no, I’m sorry this is happening to you. Could it be a purge?
Angulic, try Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Moisturiser for oily skin.
This post changed my life. I know it sounds dramatic, but for 30 years I’ve struggled with acne and I never ever found a product that could help me hydrate while staving off acne. I went through and bought all the stuff on your list and I’m thrilled. Thank you!
Jennifer, I’m so happy to know this post helped you so much! That’s why I’m doing all this. 🙂
This post was overwhelming for me! Where do I start? I am 42 with deep worry lines on my forehead. My nose and chin stills gets blackheads or pimples. Can you tell me where to start? I don’t want to buy all of this at the same time- it’s a lot of products for some e who just washes her face and puts some moisturizer on.
Elyse, I’d love to help you create the best skincare routine for your needs. You can book your consultation here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/skincare-consultation/
Hi
I love all this information because I’ve never used anything really for my skin and now that I’m 43 I notice looser skin, wrinkles. Acne, and my skin is sensitive. What moisturizer do you recommend for that skin type?
Thank you very much, Gio! Didn’t know this about retinol, will add a moisturizer when using it.
Advice for daily skin care regimen? I just turned 31. What daily skin care regimen do you guys use/recommend to prevent wrinkles & treat acne? Up until a year ago I used the basic version of proactiv 3 step. But it was expensive & I ran out so now I use Aveeno facial exfoliator & lotion. I can’t get an appointment to see a dermatologist in my area. I want as simple a routine as possible. I was thinking of just using salicylic acid for acne & retinol for wrinkles but I read that you can’t use both at once so can I just use one in morning and one at night ?
Not 100% sure of my skin type but in the past it has been sensitive and I think it’s combination but more dry than oily.
As far as the acne, I’m on birth control and only get I get occasional pimples depending on my cycle but overall it’s more the things I can see when leaning into the mirror- small things that I don’t like – like small dry skin bump type patches & microscopic type redness – although lines that are significant are at the corners of my mouth
things that you can only see in person but can’t see in a photo. I am looking for the CHEAPEST products OTC. Like olay or something? THANK YOU!
Shannon, I hear ya! I’d love to help, but you can’t create a good skincare routine if you don’t know what your skin type is. Read this first: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/determine-your-skin-type/
Hi. Really loved this article, seems like it’s made for my skin concerns! Thing, though, is some products are not available or too expensive where I’m from. I’m currently using niacinamide and hylauronic acid in my am routine. I want to add an anti-aging in my pm routine but I’m wondering which one and if I’ll be better off to lighten my acne marks first by adding alpha arbutin. I have acne prone sensitive skin so I’m scared to try out products. Would love to hear your advice. Thanks in advance
I’m so happy I found your blog! This is all so very much to get your head around! I was wondering if you could give me a little advice? I’m from the UK, I have a small budget and am disabled so washing my face isn’t always an option. My skin is prone to breakouts and combination. I’ve just finished a course of Duac Gel which has dried my skin out from being very oily (thanks to PCOS) but my spots are starting to come back and my pores are getting bigger again. I’ve just started looking in to skincare (I’m 34) and I know I already don’t have the right regime but I have spent money on it now so I have to use it up. Could you let me know if this order is ok? Once it’s gone I’ll be moving on to salicylic acid.
AM:
Cleanse with a magic eraser type cloth
B. Essence Lotion (contains hyaluronic acid)
B. Antioxidant Boost Facial Oil (if I’m not wearing makeup)
B. Day Cream (skin phase 2 SPF 15)
B. Anti-Pollution Shielding Primer (SPF 30)
PM:
Cleanse with magic eraser type cloth
Pixi Glow Tonic
B. Hyaluronic Acid Facial Spritz
The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil
Lush Imperialis
Some sort of eye cream maybe.
Thank you so much for any help you might give.
Lissie, yes the order is correct. But I’d like to challenge you on the fact that you have to use something just because you bought it. Would you use a medicine if it didn’t agree with you? If salicylic acid is better for your skin, switch to that now instead than giving it something that won’t help much.
What are your thoughts regarding organic plant moisturisers ( food for your skin) and BB creams for acne prone skin that has breakouts when makeup is worn even when i take it off with microcellar water containing oil? Is the oil causing breakouts too? THanks so much
Sar, oils have always the potential to clog pores, so I do NOT recommend them to oily skin. If you want to feed good food to your skin, eat foods high in fatty acids, like salmon and avocado. They hydrate you from within without giving you pimples.
Gio, this site has given so much order to the chaos of skincare advertisements!
For the Acne/ Aging routine I’m trying to simplify (finances and time) by using an AHA/BHA toner (COSRx). Can I do this morning and evening or shoudl I just do it in the morning? I’ve read a couple different things. Thanks so much!
Shannon, start by using it 3 nights a week and build up frequency from there.
Hi, thanks a lot for the very useful article. I am looking to change my skincare routine as I am noticing some signs of aging, but I want to make sure I use products that won’t cause breakouts. I have been using benzoyl peroxide for acne for almost 10 years now and it has been doing a fairly good job at keeping breakouts at bay and, for me personally, it worked much better than salicylic acid.
I am wondering if it would be OK to keep it as a part of the above routine, so use it as step 2 instead of the BHA and follow with AHA? P.S. I have oily skin which is generally not sensitive to/easily irritated by products. Thanks a lot!
Amila, if you have oily skin, you need salicylic acid, NOT AHA! Switch exfoliant and use BP as a spot treatment only.
Thank you for all the information you share! I’m learning so much as I read over the comments. I’m 49 and have been on Tret .05 for about five years. My skin care routine consists of only the Tret every night and the Neutrogena grapefruit acne face wash. I have oily, aging, acne prone skin. What I’ve learned from your blog is that I should be moisturizing and get a more gentle face wash. I just ordered the Obaji Foaming Face Cleanser. I also ordered Glycolix Elite Treatment Pads 20% for exfoliating. I think I’m missing the salicylic acid in the skin care regime I’m trying to create. What do you suggest for salicylic acid? I also have no idea how to apply the products in the correct order. For the moisturizer could Niacinamide work as a moisturizer? Thank you for any suggestions!
Lori, glad my blog is helping you.
If you have oily skin, you DON’T need glycolic acid. Instead, go for salicylic acid. I recommend Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength 2% BHA or Facetheory BHA Exfoliating Serum. Alternate it with Tret at night and apply it just after cleansing.
CeraVe PM Facial Lotion is a moisturiser for niacinamide and perfect for your skin type.
Hi Gio,
May I ask for advise?
I had to get minimalist after reacting to salicylic acid and glycolic last summer and autumn.
AM and evening :
Cleansing with Marcelle Comforting Cleansing Milk with a textured cloth : I took your advise to stop using harsh cleanser.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% : many many thanks to you, it’s been 3 years and this changed my oily-dry-acné black skin for a smooth normal-less acné-aging black skin.
La Roche-posay toleriane sensitive riche hydrating soothing mosturizer : it’s been good to me in 2019!
Thinksport Everyday Face Sunscreen Spf 30 (not evening).
Aloe gel mask ounce a week.
If I wear make-up, which is almost never, then I use micellar water in the evening.
But i still need to get ride of pimples and I want to add retinol.
After reading your blog The Ordinary mandelic Acid 10% + HA and Retinol 0.2% in Squalane seem to be good choice. It’s just I’m not sure when, where to add them.
And I’m not mentaly ready for vit. C
Thank you
Lilly, I’m glad my advice helped you. 🙂
You can alternate them in the evening, straight after cleansing. I’d recommend you introduce Mandelic acid first, a couple of times a week and slowly build up to every other day. After a month, start doing the same with retinol.
I must be stupid or missing something; I keep subscribing to your newsletter so I can download a the cheat sheet, but I never get the option to download either on your web site or in an email. I just get repeatedly asked to subscribe, over and over. What gives? Is this just some sort of scam to gather email addresses?!
D, no scam. ALL the cheatsheets are in the skincare library.
When you subscribe, you’ll receive an email with details on how to access the library and all the cheatsheets it holds. No need to subscribe again. I don’t send the same email to people who resubscribe because I don’t want to spam them. 🙂
Hi, I love your website. How would I (or should I) incorporate Vitamin C (like PC C15) into this routine? I assume only for the morning.
Thank you very much!
DT, it’s an antioxidant serum, so in the morning after cleansing.
Hi Gio, I love your blog but I have a question about order/inclusion of products. I have oily acne prone skin but I am also wanting to start using anti-aging steps into my routine. For AM I do Cleanser, the ordinary Salicylic Acid and their niacinamide and zinc. I would like to incorporate a vitamin c in that mix. Should I move the ordinary niacinamide to night? or what order should that fall in my routine? For my PM routine I currently use drunk elephant glycolic resurfacing serum after cleansing. Should I start alternating that with a vitamin A retinol? Also where does hyaluronic acid work in? is that too many products for normally oily skin? Thanks for your help!
Zoe, ditch glycolic acid and use salicylic acid in its place at night. Vitamin C (make sure you’re not using L-Ascorbic Acid!, it may give you pimples) in the AM after cleansing. You can alternate retinol with salicylic acid at night.
Hi Gio,
Thank you so much for all the helpful info. I am 39 with acne and combination skin. My current regimen is morning Cerave cleanser, antioxidant serum (incl hyaluronic acid), Vit C lotion, and sunscreen (la roche posey mineral). Then PM is oil cleanser, cerave cleanser, glycolic acid, and cerave moisturizer, followed by spot treatment for acne of adapalene 0.3%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5%. I’m continuing to break out and haven’t noticed any demising or fading of hyper pigmentation spots. I’m considering adding niacin amide and just ordered the cerave PM, does this have enough or should I add a booster? Should I add salicylic acid somewhere? I have tried proactive and didn’t work so I have lost faith in benzoyl peroxide for myself and have been using the retinoid for 5 months with little benefit. Any thoughts are so welcome!
Jade, before doing anything else, switch from glycolic to salicylic acid for a month and see if things improve.
Hi Gio! I’m so happy I found you I am almost 40 and always overwhelmed at the skin care options! You break everything down so helpfully! I subscribe to your newsletter and received the anti-aging/acne prone skin cheat sheet and I’m so excited to get started using the products I got!! Unfortunately I didn’t find much help on their website as to the steps for these products could you let me know if I have them in the right order?
1. Paulas choice skin balancing oil reduced cleanser
2. Paulas choice skin perfecting liquid bha 2% salyclic acid exfoliant.
3. Paulas choice boost hyaluronic acid booster serum.
4. Paulas choice boost 10% Niacinamide Booster serum.
5. Paulas choice clinical 0.3 retinol + 2% bakuchiol treatment (I couldn’t figure out what to do with moisturizers I couldn’t figure out what to do with moisturizers Because I do have oily prone skin and I realized I didn’t have anything with the retinol so I got that last one.)
Thanks so much for all your help! It’s so appreciated!!
Laura, you’ve got some great products here, but I don’t recommend using them all together. For example, it’s best to alternate BHA and retinol at night. If you need more help to put together your skincare routine, book your consultation here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/skincare-consultation/
Hello Gio. I just finished your book. I loved it! But in the last part of the book, the routine for acne + aging was very short. Should I follow the short version or this one? Also, I would like to know that it is ok to replace retinol with tretinoin (witch ins stronger) and still follow this routine.
Thanks a lot!!
Ana, follow the routine in the book. You’re still using these actives, but they’re spread out to be gentler. And yes, you can replace retinol with tretinoin.