Skincare Advice for Acne, Hyperpigmentation, and Skin Balance

Question

I have combination skin (oily T-zone, dry/dehydrated) with current acne issues (clogged pores, inflamed acne, marks) and facial darkening from past acne treatments and sun exposure. I want to address the darkening while managing current acne and balancing my skin.

I have a few questions about using specific products and formulations:

Can I use the tester version of Stabilized Vitamin C (Natural-C Glycol™) Serum directly without mixing?
Is it okay to use a homemade Salicylic Acid toner (mixing [Salicylic Acid EZ] with water) while I am currently using Benzac for acne treatment?
I am considering mixing Aloe Vera Gel (Lite) with Safe-B3™ and Tranexamic Acid. Is this a suitable mix, and how should I combine them (e.g., by stirring)?

Could you please provide advice on these specific product uses and suggest a suitable skincare approach for my skin concerns?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Skincare Advice for Whitening, Acne, and Skin Balance

You are looking to address facial darkening caused by past acne treatments and sun exposure, while also managing current acne (clogged pores, inflamed acne, marks) and combination skin (dry/dehydrated with oily T-zone).

Here are the answers to your specific questions and a recommended approach:

Your Proposed Products and Formulations

Stabilized Vitamin C (Natural-C Glycol™) Serum: Yes, the staff confirmed that the tester version of this serum can be used directly without mixing.
Salicylic Acid Toner (Salicylic Acid EZ™ + Water): The staff strongly advised against using a homemade Salicylic Acid toner while you are currently using Benzac. Combining these active ingredients can cause excessive skin irritation. Your current acne treatment regimen (Acne-Aid, Benzac, Clinda-M) is considered suitable for controlling your acne.
Aloe Vera Gel (Lite) + Safe-B3™ + Tranexamic Acid mix: While mixing these ingredients by stirring is possible, the staff recommended a different formula better suited to first strengthen and balance your skin, which is currently stressed from acne medication and showing signs of dehydration and oil imbalance. They advised not to add whitening ingredients like Tranexamic Acid at this time, as this could increase irritation given your current skin state and use of acne medications.

Recommended Skincare Approach

The staff's recommendation focuses on repairing your skin barrier, increasing hydration, and balancing oil production before introducing strong whitening agents. This approach helps your skin become healthier and more resilient.

The recommended formula is:

Aloe Vera Gel (Lite) 90%
Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide) 5%
MOIST72™ 1%
Pure MSM™ (Methylsulfonylmethane) 3%
Licorice Extract 1%

This formula is designed to address your skin's current needs for hydration and balance while you continue your acne treatment.

Storage

Both the Stabilized Vitamin C (Natural-C Glycol™) Serum and the staff's recommended formula can be stored at room temperature. However, it is important to keep them away from direct light and air to maintain their stability and effectiveness.

Focusing on the recommended formula first will help improve your skin's overall health and prepare it for potential future whitening treatments once your acne is more controlled and your skin barrier is stronger.