Skincare Routine for Acne, Inflammation, Dryness, and Peeling

Based on your description of having clogged and inflamed acne, along with dryness and peeling, it sounds like your skin barrier may be compromised, possibly exacerbated by previous acne treatments. A gentle approach that focuses on both treating acne and repairing the skin barrier is recommended.

Here is a suggested approach using ingredients that can help address these multiple concerns:

1. Gentle Cleansing

Avoid harsh cleansers that can strip the skin's natural oils, which worsens dryness and irritation. Look for a gentle cleanser containing Salicylic Acid (BHA) to help exfoliate pores without over-drying. A product like Renewing SA Cleanser is formulated with Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, and Ceramides, making it suitable for acne-prone skin that is also dry and sensitive.

2. Targeted Treatment Serum

To address both acne and inflammation while being mindful of dryness, consider a serum with a combination of active ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): Helps to exfoliate inside the pores and reduce clogs. Since your skin is dry and peeling, start with a low concentration or use a water-soluble form like Acacia Salicylic Acid or Complex Salicylic Acid if formulating yourself, or use a product containing it at a suitable concentration.
• Pep®-Acne (Oligopeptide-10): An anti-microbial peptide that targets acne bacteria without resistance, and can be used alongside Salicylic Acid to potentially reduce the required concentration of BHA, thus minimizing irritation.
• Licorice Extract: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce the redness and irritation associated with inflamed acne.

These ingredients can be combined in a lightweight serum base. For ease of formulation, you could consider using a ready-made base like Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base and adding these active ingredients at recommended usage rates (check product descriptions for specific percentages).

3. Moisturizing and Barrier Repair

Repairing the skin barrier is crucial for reducing dryness and peeling and making the skin less reactive. Ingredients that support the skin barrier include:

• Safe-B3™ (Niacinamide): Helps strengthen the skin barrier by increasing ceramide production, reduces redness, and can also help regulate oil production.
• Ceramide Complex: Ceramides are essential lipids found naturally in the skin barrier. Supplementing with a ceramide complex helps restore the barrier function, reducing dryness, peeling, and sensitivity.

Look for a moisturizer containing these ingredients. If formulating, you can add Safe-B3™ and Ceramide Complex to a suitable cream or lotion base, or even incorporate them into the Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base for a lighter feel.

General Mixing Guidance:

If you choose to create your own formulations using raw ingredients and bases:

• Always check the solubility and recommended mixing method for each ingredient (e.g., water-soluble, oil-soluble, requires heat).
• Ensure the final pH of your product is within the recommended range for the active ingredients to be effective and non-irritating (often slightly acidic, but check individual product details).
• Start with low concentrations of active ingredients, especially Salicylic Acid, and gradually increase if your skin tolerates it.
• When adding active powders to a base, ensure they are fully dissolved or dispersed according to their instructions to avoid gritty texture or uneven distribution.
• Always follow good manufacturing practices and ensure your workspace and tools are clean.

Regarding tester sets, please check the website directly as availability may vary.

By focusing on gentle cleansing, targeted acne treatment, and robust barrier repair, you can help calm inflammation, reduce acne, and restore your skin's hydration and health.