>>40500996
ok so there are 4 phases
>CLEANSE
wash off makeup and grime. is either oil based or water based. many use both but you can keep it to one or the other to keep things simple. i recommend a foaming cleanser
>TONE
reset PH of skin to create a good environment for the rest of the products to function optimally. put in a spray bottle for easier use. can use between each active if you want.
>ACTIVES
your "burst window"; the strongest products that are going to have the most effect. most important is a retinoid. i use .2 retinal, but there's a range available. use this once a week. i would also suggest a product that targets your skin barrier, ideally with ceramides. use this daily.
>OCCLUSIVES
trap in all the hard work and you did until now and form a barrier to keep out bad stuff. use any cheap moisturizer they're basically all the same. try a thin coat of vaseline at night if you're struggling with occlusion.
top with SPF during the day and you're golden. do NOT skip SPF if you are using a retinoid; they make you skin more sensitive to sunlight.
if you can only do one thing on a given night or morning then moisturise, but it's much better to cleanse and moisturize if you can force it.
if you are breaking out, identify the cause and correct it. use hydrocolloid patches for acne. you can get them cheap in bulk online and they're really great.
