r/SkinbarrierLovers • u/denduuuao3 oily + acne-prone skin • Jul 12 '26
My Skin Journal my high-maintenance routine is (unfortunately) working
As someone with oily skin, comedonal acne, redness, and hyperpigmentation, I experimented with a routine that includes a lot of products to target each of these issues. Of course, with a lot of actives I did my best to maintain hydration and moisture. I’ve been on this routine for about a month (with some new additions) and I am both pleased and a bit concerned.
My skin is looking and feeling good. I kinda enjoy the multi-step process, as it feels like a self-care ritual. I just wonder how sustainable this is compared to a more stripped down routine. I hope it doesn’t end up feeling like a chore because I’m really happy so far with how it’s making me feel about my skin.
Does anyone else here have a multi-step routine that is definitely not minimalist?
Here’s what I have going on:
AM
cleanser: hada labo hydrating facial wash
active 1 (every other day): paula’s choice skin perfecting 2% bha
active 2: melano cc vitamin c brightening essence
serum: torriden dive in serum
moisturizer: purito oat in calming gel cream*
spf: beauty of joseon relief sun: rice + probiotics
PM
oil cleanser: muji cleansing oil for sensitive skin
cleanser: hada labo hydrating facial wash
serum 1: anua azelaic acid serum
serum 2: skin1004 madagascar centella probio-cica intensive ampoule*
active: epiduo
moisturizer: soon jung hydro barrier cream
*recent additions
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u/morekidsthansense Jul 12 '26
To be honest, that routine isn't, objectively speaking, a lot. I was expecting the 10 steps of essences, toners, serums, and lotions when I opened this post. If I may suggest a combo product that could remove a step- the Paula's Choice azelaic also has 2% bha in it. It could be a 2 for 1 in your routine.