Skincare Formula Modification Advice for Combination Skin with Acne and Aging Concerns

Based on your skin type (combination, oily T-zone with clogged pores/acne, slightly dry cheeks) and concerns (acne scars, brown spots, neck wrinkles, under-eye bags), here is advice on modifying your formula:

Addressing Clogged Pores and Acne

The current formula is primarily focused on anti-aging and hydration. While Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) can help reduce oiliness, it is not sufficient to directly treat clogged pores and acne. To effectively address these issues, you should incorporate an ingredient with exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Recommendation: Consider adding Salicylic Acid (BHA) or Azelaic Acid to your routine.
  • Salicylic Acid (BHA) is oil-soluble and can penetrate into pores to exfoliate and help unclog them, reducing acne. (Product ID: 148)
  • Azelaic Acid helps treat acne, reduces inflammation, and also works to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, which can help with your acne scars and brown spots. (Product ID: 224)
• How to incorporate: These ingredients are often best used as a separate step, such as a toner or serum, applied before your other serums.

Eye Area Suitability and Under-Eye Bags

Your night serum formula can generally be used around the eyes. However, for the delicate eye area, it is recommended to reduce the concentration of Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) to around 2% to minimize potential irritation. (Product ID: 74)

Adding REGU®-AGE 5% to your night serum is a good approach to specifically target under-eye bags and dark circles. (Product ID: 211)

DMAE for Neck Wrinkles

Yes, adding DMAE 4% to both your day cream and night serum can help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, including those on the neck. (Product ID: 637)

• Important Note: When incorporating DMAE, it is crucial to adjust the final pH of your product to be between 5.0 and 6.5 for optimal stability and effectiveness. You will need to measure the pH and use a pH adjuster if necessary.

Other Ingredients in Your Formula

• Glucosamine (N-Acetyl-D): This ingredient works well with Niacinamide to help improve skin tone and fade dark spots. (Product ID: 116)
• Matrixyl 3000 and Argireline: These peptides are beneficial for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. (Product IDs: 51, 45)
• Hyaluronic Acid (Standard Molecule and Nano molecule): These provide hydration. While you have combination skin, if the current concentration doesn't feel too heavy on your oily areas, it can still provide beneficial moisture to the drier parts of your face and overall hydration. (Product IDs: 79, 35933)

In summary, to better address your concerns, consider adding a targeted acne treatment like Salicylic Acid or Azelaic Acid, incorporate REGU®-AGE for your under-eye bags, and add DMAE (remembering pH adjustment) for skin firmness and neck wrinkles.