This is a basic routine.
If we spoke about incorporating other topicals into your
day routine. You may go ahead and add them. The general rule is no more than
one exfoliant at a time. No layering of exfoliating products with retinoids.
● Day routine
Monday (Exfoliating Day)
● Exfoliating face wash (see my document with recommended products) → exfoliating
toner (mandelic acid, glycolic acid, or other AHA/BHA options) → AHA/BHA/PHA serum
(optional, if tolerated) → vitamin C serum (or other antioxidant serums of your choice) →
SPF 30 and above (a tinted mineral sunscreen is the best choice).
Tuesday (Barrier Repair Day)
● Moisturizing face wash (gentle, hydrating cleanser) → hydrating toner (hyaluronic
acid-based or soothing toner) → hydroquinone → antioxidant serum (Vitamin C) →
hydrating serum (e.g., hyaluronic acid or ceramide-based serum for barrier repair) →
SPF 30 and above.
Wednesday (Exfoliating Day)
● Exfoliating face wash (see my document with recommended products) → exfoliating
toner (mandelic acid, glycolic acid, or other AHA/BHA options) → AHA/BHA/PHA serum
(optional, if tolerated) → vitamin C serum (or other antioxidant serums of your choice) →
SPF 30 and above (a tinted mineral sunscreen is the best choice).
Thursday (Barrier Repair Day)
● Moisturizing face wash (gentle, hydrating cleanser) → hydrating toner (hyaluronic
acid-based or soothing toner) → hydroquinone → antioxidant serum (Vitamin C) →
hydrating serum (e.g., hyaluronic acid or ceramide-based serum for barrier repair) →
SPF 30 and above.
Friday (Exfoliating Day)
● Exfoliating face wash (see my document with recommended products) → exfoliating
toner (mandelic acid, glycolic acid, or other AHA/BHA options) → AHA/BHA/PHA serum
(optional, if tolerated) → vitamin C serum (or other antioxidant serums of your choice) →
SPF 30 and above (a tinted mineral sunscreen is the best choice).
Saturday (Barrier Repair Day)
● Moisturizing face wash (gentle, hydrating cleanser) → hydrating toner (hyaluronic
acid-based or soothing toner) → hydroquinone → antioxidant serum (Vitamin C) →
hydrating serum (e.g., hyaluronic acid or ceramide-based serum for barrier repair) →
SPF 30 and above.
Sunday (Barrier Repair Day)
● Moisturizing face wash (gentle, hydrating cleanser) → hydrating toner (hyaluronic
acid-based or soothing toner) → antioxidant serum (Vitamin C) → hydrating serum (e.g.,
ceramide, glycerin, or squalane-based to reinforce the skin barrier) → SPF 30 and
above.
Notes:
● On exfoliating days, you can incorporate AHA, BHA, or PHA serums if tolerated. Start
with one product to ensure your skin adapts without irritation.
● Focus on barrier repair days to maintain skin health and avoid over-exfoliation. Use
hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane.
● Use Pernex and Fucicort as needed for specific spots, alongside your routine.
This alternating routine balances exfoliation with repairing the skin barrier, ensuring
effectiveness while minimizing irritation. Let me know if you need product recommendations!
Night routine:
Monday: gentle hydrating face wash → hydrating serum/ toner → moisturizer → pea sized
retin-a → moisturizer
Tuesday: gentle face wash → hydrating serum/toner →Deriva-C → moisturizer
Wednesday: gentle hydrating face wash → hydrating serum/ toner → moisturizer → pea sized
retin-a → moisturizer
Thursday: gentle face wash → hydrating serum/toner →Deriva-C → moisturizer
Friday: gentle hydrating face wash → hydrating serum/ toner → moisturizer → pea sized retin-a
→ moisturizer
Saturday: gentle face wash → hydrating serum/toner → moisturizer
Sunday: gentle face wash → hydrating serum/toner → moisturizer
