This is the routine I put together for combination skin dealing with active breakouts and hyperpigmentation. Everything is in order of application, morning and night. The goal is clear, even, dewy skin — and every product here has a specific job. Giv...
Your morning cleanser - Controls oil without stripping your barrier
CeraVe Balancing Air Foam Face Wash 8oz
Morning Serum #1: Apply this first on dry skin. Vitamin C fades dark spots and protects your skin from environmental damage throughout the day.
Vitamin C+E+Ferulic Acid 16% Face Serum
Morning Serum #2: (MUST HAVE) Controls oil, calms active breakouts, fades post-acne marks, minimizes pores. One of the most useful ingredients for this skin type
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
Morning Serum #3: Apply on slightly damp skin. It pulls moisture in and holds it there — that's where the dewy finish actually comes from.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
Morning Moisturizer: Lightweight, fragrance free, non-comedogenic. Seals your serums in without heaviness.
PURITO Oat In Calming Gel Cream 100mL
Morning Sunscreen: Last step every morning without exception. SPF is what protects your dark spots from getting darker while everything else fades them. This one has a warm luminous finish with no white cast.
Glowscreen SPF 40
Night Cleanse #1: First cleanse at night. Oil cleansers remove SPF and buildup that foam alone can't fully break down. Use this or any oil cleanser
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser - La Roche-Posay
Night Cleanse #2: Previously added - Second cleanse right after. Double cleansing at night is what gives your actives a clean surface to actually work on.
CeraVe Balancing Air Foam Face Wash 8oz
Only two to three nights a week: gets inside the pore and dissolves buildup at the source — that's what clears blackheads and prevents breakouts before they form. Apply and leave it on.
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Exfoliant
Only use it on nights you don't use BHA: The most important product in this routine. Speeds up cell turnover, prevents new breakouts, fades dark spots over time. Start once a week and build slowly!
Differin Acne Treatment Gel 0.1% Adapalene 15g
Night Serum: Same move as the morning — damp skin, right after actives. Your skin repairs itself overnight and this keeps it plump and glowy by morning instead of dull and tight.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
Night Moisturizer: Seal everything in. This is what makes Differin tolerable and keeps your barrier intact. Last step, every night.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion 3oz
Active breakout? Patch it before bed. A model bag essential.
Mighty Patch Original Hydrocolloid Acne Patches, 36 Count
A small thing that quietly supports everything else.