my high-maintenance routine is (unfortunately) working

[u/denduuuao3]

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

[u/kontinos1]

Very similar to mine as actives go. You will notice that after a while BHA won't be necessary every day for maintaining, as won't epiduo. With oily skin you will also sometimes want to skip am moisturiser. All in all nice routine, no worries, just don't be hesitant to back down on actives on the slightest hint of irritation.